Bob Quinn has earned a contract extension in his first two years as general manager of the Detroit Lions. The team announced the deal today without, of course, sharing many details.
The extension matches the length of the contract of new coach Matt Patricia who was signed this week. At Patricia’s introductory press conference, team president Rod Wood said Patricia’s deal was “long term” but was not specific about the number of years.
With Quinn’s extension the Lions will have organizational stability for the next several years.
Five reasons why it was a good idea to give Quinn an extension:
1. He’s earned it with two solid drafts in his first stint as general manager of an NFL team. His first-round picks — linebacker Jarrad Davis and left tackle Taylor Decker — have proven themselves worthy. Through his drafts the Lions have found starters and depth that had been missing for years. Three of the 2016 draft picks — Decker, Graham Glasgow and Joe Dahl — could be starters on the offensive line in the fall. Defensive end Anthony Zettel was a huge find as a sixth-round pick. Many of the first- and second-year players (Kenny Golladay, Teez Tabor, Jamal Agnew, among others) are just scratching the surface.
2. Quinn has added depth through free agency and nabbed a few notables such as wide receiver Marvin Jones, right guard T.J. Lang, right tackle Rick Wagner and defensive tackle Akeem Spence.
3. Continuity is key to a successful NFL franchise. That was echoed in team president Rod Wood’s statement: “It is also important for our entire organization to ensure stability as we move forward with Matt as our new head coach working in partnership with Bob. Moreover, I greatly enjoy my relationship and partnership with Bob. We both look forward to a bright future for the Detroit Lions.”
4. Quinn has done a respectable job so far but he needs more time to see this through. Quinn said: “My goals and vision remain unchanged and I will continue to work diligently at improving this team and every facet of the football operation. Coach Patricia and I will always work in close concert on any and all football-related matters. That process is underway as our coaching and player personnel staffs are collectively preparing for the roster building phase of the off-season.”
5. Displaying hard work and passion, Quinn has earned the extension. The Lions are not where they want to be yet, but they appear to be headed in the right direction.
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