NFL Rumors: Detroit Lions decline 2015 option on Nick Fairley
By Bryan Rose
Could Nick Fairley be playing his final season with the Detroit Lions? It’s a distinct possibility after the Lions decided not to exercise their 2015 team option on their defensive tackle.
The option would have paid Fairley over $5.5 million dollars in the 2015 season, a sum Lions general manager Martin Mayhew doesn’t feel Fairley is worth. So he’s essentially hoping the lack of a guranteed deal going into next season will motivate the former 13th overall pick to increase his play.
"Martin Mayhew said the #Lions won’t pick up the fifth-year option on Nick Fairley’s contract. Lions want a motivated Fairley in 2014."
It’s a stance many general managers are afraid to take with former first round picks, especially those who have shown flashes of solid play like Fairley – but personally it’s a good move for the Lions.
In regards to somebody like Fairley, you have to make him earn the contract.
Not picking up the option will allow Fairley to become an unrestricted free agent come 2015 free agency, assuming he and the Lions don’t work out a deal prior.