(03-16-2020, 08:10 PM)JagFan81 Wrote:

(03-16-2020, 05:43 PM)D6 Wrote: Thanks for providing the info!  This is the first I saw of the Lions agreeing to a contract with Halapoulivaati Vaitai.

The first thing that comes to mind is the copy and paste functions on computers are appreciated by me more than ever. LOL 

I thought Halapoulivaati Vaitai did a good job in the 2017 season when he replaced the injured Jason Peters at LT on what became an eventual Super Bowl Championship for the Eagles.

My guess is the Lions plan is to use Halapoulivaati Vaitai at RT.  With the flexibility of moving him to LT in 2021 if the Lions move on from Taylor Decker. 

Vaitai didn't come cheap.  But I think he proved that he was capable of being a starter in the NFL.  He bailed the Eagles out multiple times.  

One reassuring factor is the Lions new Defensive Coordinator Cory Undlin was the Eagles DB Coach.  His familiarity with Vaitai from practices,  watching practice tape involving his own unit, and being around the team, are likely a significant factors in the decision.  I expect one or more Eagles DBs to agree to contract terms with the Lions this off-season.  The Lions are rumored to be interested in CB Jalen Mills.

He had a very good 2017. Very big guy as well. Just what you want on the Oline. I like that Detroit are trying to work it out at Oline. Had some hit and misses as does everyone but its a group that seems to be getting better.

Hefty price, but what FA isnt? And after seeing Erick Flowers get $30m, every deal seems a bargain!

Bob Quinn, the Lions GM, has put a great amount of emphasis / resources on the Lions Offensive Line since become the GM in 2016.  I agree that it's been a mixed bag.  C Frank Ragnow looks like he's going to be amongst the best at his position in the NFL for a long time.  Beyond Ragnow,  there are questions marks in one or more ways.

Good point about the Ereck Flowers deal as a comparison point.   His NFL career has been a roller coaster. Even though Flowers is a better fit at LG than at LT,  giving him around $ 20 million of guaranteed money seems far too risky.  Some players only perform well when they are on a 'prove it contract'.

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