So far this offseason, it’s been relatively quiet in Allen Park when it comes to negotiating with players on expired contracts. But over the last 72 hours, we’ve started to see some movement.
On Thursday, it was reported that Damon Harrison and the Lions will mutually part ways, as it was announced that Harrison would not be back, and yesterday, it was reported that the Lions would be re-signing WR Danny Amendola to a one-year deal.
The Lions have yet to announce either move, but the players and their agents have confirmed these decisions.
As it stands right now, the Lions have 66 players on their roster, but over the next two months — after free agency and the draft — the roster will contain 90 players entering Spring mini-camp.
“We are talking to a lot of agents of our current guys, but I think there’s a little bit of a stall because of the uncertainty of the CBA,” Lions general manager Bob Quinn replied to Tori Petry when asked about contract negotiations with players that are about to hit free agency. “With a new CBA, a lot of things can change in terms of how you can structure things.”
Quinn assured the Lions fans that while the franchise may seem quiet, that is certainly not the case behind the scenes, saying “we are having a lot of good conversations, but nothing has really passed the finish line yet, but we are hoping to get a few things done in the next week or so.”
As par for the course, there is as a level of uncertainty when it comes to negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement as owners and players must both agree to terms. Devon Kennard is the player rep for the Detroit Lions and recently spoke about wanting more discussion.
To watch Quinn answer directly about contractual negotiations, start the video below at the 3:22 mark.