Offensive tackle Riley Reiff signs rookie contract with Detroit lions – NFL News
Detroit Lions signed an agreement with their first-round draft pick Riley Reiff on Monday, July 23, 2012.
Reiff has reportedly signed a four-year, $8 million rookie contract, out of which $6.5 million will be guaranteed. The deal also guarantees full base salaries for the first three seasons. The signing bonuses are around $2.6 million range.
The deal means that he will be participating in training camp. Reiff was excited about training with his teammates after signing the deal. He said:
“Just getting ready mentally to start working again. It was real important. I didn’t want to miss any time. I thought it was a big part of this whole process to get it done by the time training camp started. I wanted to be here when the
rookies reported."
Reiff was drafted by Lions as 23rd overall pick in this year’s draft. Reiff’s biggest talent looks to be his versatility to play at various positions.
Yet it seems that Lions have drafted Reiff to get a long-term replacement for veteran Jeff Backus at the left tackle position.
Backus has been a work horse for Lions. He has played 11 seasons for them, starting in 177 consecutive games that include both playoffs and regular season.
It will be difficult for Reiff to fulfil the expectation of being the ultimate replacement for Backus, although he has the perfect stature of an offensive tackle having 6-foot-6, 313-pound body.
Lions’ general manager Martin Mayhew was very vocal in praising Reiff’s talent. He said:
“I think the great thing about him is his versatility. He’s played primarily tackle out here, but I think he could probably play guard if he needed to. He’s an eventual starter and a long-time starter for us.”
Reiff said that he has not trained at any guard position during the offseason minicamp and OTA’s (Organised Team Activities).
Lions are the 18th team this season to have signed all of their draft picks. This year most of the draft picks have been signed way before training camp.
It is a positive development that has come after the lockout. After Reiff’s signing, only 24 players are left to sign contract, out of which nine players are the first-round picks.
With Reiff in the team, Lions could apply a rotation policy in the offensive line as well.
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