I’m confused. Of course, when it comes to the Lions that shouldn’t surprise you.
Earlier this week, the Lions made the decision NOT to pick up the fifth-year option for Jarrad Davis.
The middle linebacker was the first-round pick in 2017, 21st overall, and has started all 41 games in which he played.
That makes 14 first rounders from that draft whose fifth year options were declined, or they were traded by the team that drafted them.
DAVIS DECISION ABOUT MONEY ONLY?
For the record, I like Davis. He exudes character, professionalism and leadership. From the coaches and players I’ve talked to in the past, he works exceptionally hard and strives to be great.
He just isn’t right now.
The Lions don’t want to pick up the option because they could save a lot money – $10 million – and actually still bring him back.
They would rather err on the side of caution considering Davis has been up and down.
Knowing that: Why would head coach Matt Patricia say Davis remains “a cornerstone” for the franchise?
I don’t get it.
Do good teams openly tell their “cornerstone” players that this will be a make or break year for him?
Do championship teams publicly tell players who are “in the big picture plans” that they might be plotting a new course in 2021?
Are championship cultures built “around their strongest leaders on defense” wondering if they will be with the team next season?
TREATMENT SEEMS OFF
I understand why the Lions would “wait” to commit to Davis. It’s a little odd they were willing to roll the dice on a fifth year with Taylor Decker despite his inconsistencies, but left tackle is a tougher transition. I just can’t figure out why you would try and convince a fan base, a team or a player that Davis is an “everything-you-want-in-a-program type of guy” and then treat him like this.
What am I thinking?
It’s the Lions.
Now it makes total sense.
Top Jarrad Davis image from Sporting News
Second Jarrad Davis image from mlive.com
Matt Patricia image from freep.com
