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5 reasons the Detroit Lions will return to playoffs in 2017

By John Buhler

January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Bob Quinn is just getting started

Detroit may have a navigable schedule, know how to win close games, have a solid coaching staff, and a star quarterback, but easily the biggest reason that the Lions will make the NFC Playoffs again in 2017 is that they have a strong architect in place in general manager Bob Quinn. He’s just getting started.

The Lions were able to pry Quinn away from the New England Patriots in 2016 after being the director of pro scouting the last several years. This means that Quinn will be able to nail NFL drafts for the foreseeable future in Detroit.

His connection to New England and seeing the Lions have success in his first year on the job means that Detroit could be a viable team in 2017 NFL free agency. Detroit will have roughly $41 million in salary cap room to make a few big splashes in free agency. The foundation looks promising in Detroit, as the Lions have built well through the draft.

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Expect Quinn to consult Caldwell, Cooter, and Austin about which role players would best fit their team. A few minor tweaks to the Lions roster in free agency and another solid NFL Draft could definitely be enough to get the Lions back into the NFC Playoffs. It’s amazing what stability can do to an organization.

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