Lions Interested In Re-Signing Nick Fairley After “Very Positive” Meeting

Josina Anderson of ESPN reports that the Detroit Lions met with the representatives for free agent DT Nick Fairley at the Combine this week.

According to Anderson, the Lions expressed interest in re-signing Fairly, and the meeting was characterized as being “very positive” overall.

Fairly recently mentioned that he’s loves Detroit and is hoping to be back with them next year.

“I want it to be,” Fairley said when asked if wanted to be back with the Lions, via Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press. “I love Detroit, to be honest. I feel the city, the people in it. I love the atmosphere of basically the hard work that they bring. I’m just all work, and that’s definitely the vibe I get from the city, and I like it.”

However, whether Fairly is back in Detroit for another year could come down to what transpires with fellow free agent DT Ndamukong Suh.

The Lions have said that retaining Suh is their top priority this offseason, and some well connected reporters have mentioned that a return to Detroit is certainly a possibility for the Pro Bowl defensive tackle.

Detroit elected to not pick up Fairley’s fifth-year option several months ago, which is why he’s in position to reach the open market in the coming weeks.

Fairley, 27, recorded 14 tackles, one sack and a forced fumble over the course of eight games, but his play has been much better than these numbers would indicate.

Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 18 defensive tackle in the league out of 81 qualifying players. According to their ratings, Fairley has been equally effective as an interior pass-rusher and as a run-defender.

We have Fairley currently listed as the No. 20 player in our Top 100 – 2015 Free Agents list.