Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison hasn't been present for OTAs, and now is not planning on attending the team's mandatory minicamp, recently suggesting that “major news” is “coming soon” via a somewhat cryptic tweet.
Darius Slay, another cornerstone of the defense, has also said he won’t show up for the three-day camp. Both players are seeking new contracts with two years remaining on their current deals.
Harrison is due a base salary of $6.75 million this season, another $9 million in 2020, and has $250,000 workout bonuses for both years. His average annual salary ranks just 15th among defensive tackles, making him one of the better values in Detroit. He was the No. 1 interior run defender in the league last year, according to Pro Football Focus, and completely changed the trajectory of the defense upon his arrival in Detroit.
The Lions allowed just 925 rushing yards after making the October trade, fourth best in the league, and 3.76 yards per carry. That was second. Not bad for a unit that ranked 30th against the run before the trade.
But now Harrison, 30, is looking to cash in once more while the iron is hot. The same goes for Slay, who is coming off two straight Pro Bowl seasons.
Harrison is now on the wrong side of 30, but it is a safe bet he will get paid by somebody, especially if he continues his dominance on the defensive side of the ball.
The only question is, will it be the Detroit Lions that pay him, or someone else?
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