Lions free agent DT Nick Fairley 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.”
On Friday, Fairley was found not guilty of the DUI charge he was facing, so he appears to be in the clear as free agency approaches.
However, whether Fairly is back in Detroit for another year will likely come down to what transpires with fellow free agent DT Ndamukong Suh.
The Lions have said that retaining Suh is their top priority and some well connected reporters have said that a return to Detroit is certainly a possibility for the Pro Bowl defensive tackle.
Detroit elected to not pick up his fifth-year option several months ago, which is why he’s in position to reach the open market.
Fairley 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. 15 player in our Top 75 – 2015 Free Agents list.
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