Lions GM: Five potential candidates

Sep 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons assistant general manager Scott Pioli shown on the sideline of the game against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Ravens 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of Baltimore Ravens helmet on the sidelines against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Ravens defeated the Falcons 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Eric DeCosta has been looked at for years as one of the top general manager candidates in the NFL. DeCosta is on the younger side for an executive at 44 years old, but he has ample experience with the Baltimore Ravens, one of the best organizations in professional sports.

DeCosta has been the assistant general manager to Ozzie Newsome since 2012, the same year the Ravens won their second Super Bowl. Incredibly, DeCosta has been with Newsome and the Ravens since 1996, when the franchise moved from Cleveland to Baltimore. It might be very tough getting him to leave the franchise, but a lucrative offer and total power would not be easy to turn down.

It is expected that DeCosta will stay with the Ravens until Newsome moves on and elevates into another post. However, things change. DeCosta has drawn serious interest before, most notably from the Bears a few years ago. The job ended up going to Phil Emery, who was fired and replaced by Ryan Pace this offseason.

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