The Detroit Lions are keeping their left tackle.
General manager Martin Mayhew said Friday the franchise is planning on picking up the fifth-year option for offensive lineman Riley Reiff, the team’s first-round pick in the 2012 draft, meaning he’ll be under contract through the 2016 season.
“We’re definitely going to do his fifth-year option,” Mayhew said. “Having him for a fifth year. We anticipate getting that paperwork done sometime soon.”
Cbssports.com has Reiff’s option at $8.07 million for 2016.
Reiff started 31 games at left tackle for the Lions over the past two seasons, only missing one start due to injury in 2014. He became one of Detroit’s top offensive linemen last season and tied for 23rd among all offensive tackles according to Pro Football Focus.
There have been questions about where Reiff might play in the future for Detroit, either at left tackle, right tackle or possibly inside at guard. Lions coach Jim Caldwell downplayed the chances of moving Reiff inside at the league meetings in March, but Mayhew said he is comfortable with Reiff in any spot.
“I think Riley Reiff is a heck of a left tackle,” Mayhew said. “I think he can play multiple positions. I feel very comfortable with him at left tackle or at right tackle. There’s been a lot of debate about where he is and where he’s going to be.
“I’m comfortable with him at left tackle, and I feel good about that. Really, I don’t think that anything is set in April or in May as to what we’re going to be doing in September, you know.”
The Lions have the No. 23 pick in the draft and could use the spot on an offensive lineman, but picking up Reiff’s option made sense for Detroit. There are not questions about his work ethic, character or durability, meaning it’s a no-brainer decision for someone who has become a consistent NFL starter.