(03-15-2022, 11:45 AM)rufftime Wrote: Way to take care of your own Jacksonville…

As much as I like the new additions, I would really like to build a reputation as a team that keeps their home grown talent.

What you mentioned relates to what I believe is part of the reason why D.J. Chark agreed to a contract with the Lions.   As of a few minutes ago,  Chark is the only FA from another team in 2021 who agreed to a contract with the Lions in the last few days. 

The Lions have re-signed many UFAs and RFAs in the last few weeks.  At least 3 of the 4 RFAs are players (C Evan Brown, FB Jason Cabinda, and LB Josh Woods ) likely had enough leverage to test the open market and likely get at least comparable contracts to what they received from the Lions.   These were cases in which new contracts made more sense than Tendering them. 

Last week,  the Lions re-signed WR Josh Reynolds to a 2 year contract.  Reynolds was a huge key in the Lions winning 3 games in December and January,  combined.  The addition of Reynolds as a waiver claim last November contributed greatly to the vast improvement of Jared Goff,  compared to the first half of the season.  In the last two days,  S Tracy Walker ( 3 years) and DE/ OLB Charles Harris ( 2 years ) re-signed with the Lions.  Dan Campbell,  DC Aaron Glenn, and position coaches played huge roles in the improvement of these players and them wanting to remain with the Lions. 

Even though beating Green Bay in the season finale became the difference in the Jaguars being ahead of the Lions in the 2022 Draft,  I was thrilled with the win over the Packers.  In part because I saw how hard players were battling.   The dividends of many players with expiring contracts wanting to remain with Lions and D.J. Chark seeing the Lions as a good opportunity to get in position for a long term lucrative contract,  is a reflection of the culture that Dan Campbell has emphasized. 

If Doug Pederson succeeds in 2022 in winning over the Jaguars Locker Room,  I think the Jaguars and many players with expiring contracts in next winter will want to continue their relationships.

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