The Lions look like they will have a deal in place with defensive lineman Cory Reddingbefore Monday’s deadline. Redding, who had eight sacks a year ago and is a key piece to the Lions defense, is listed as the teams “franchise player” and with that label has until 4pm Monday to come to a deal, otherwise he will have to accept the one-year tender offer of $6.77 million.
Detroit could have a solid defense in 2007, but for sure need a happy and productive Redding in order to do it. With the team playing a 4-3 defense, Kalimba Edwards at left end, Shaun Rogers at left tackle, Redding at right tackle and Dewayne White at right end, the Lions could be one of the best d-lines in the NFC. But again, take Redding out of that mix, and the drop is going to be felt along the line.
Redding, drafted out of Texas, has played four seasons with the Lions. In those four seasons he has complied 12 sacks, 125 tackles, and played in 57 games. Last season truly was his best season, gaining 47 tackles, 37 solo. Both parties, the Lions and Redding, need each other, so look for this deal to get done in a hurry.