Allen Park — Dan Skipper, who is fast approaching cult hero status in these parts, and the Detroit Lions are bringing it back for another season.
ESPN says that Skipper and the Lions have reached an agreement on a one-year contract.
Skipper is the team’s go-to extra blocker and sixth offensive lineman. But the experienced big man was relied on even more last season, starting five games and filling in at left tackle for Taylor Decker.
The 30-year-old has been with the Lions since 2019, playing 53 games and earning 11 starts. He began his career in Detroit and spent a season with the Houston Texans before returning for the current six-year tenure.
Skipper started his career at left tackle last season. During his time in Detroit, he worked all over the offensive line, including left guard, right guard, right tackle, and blocking tight end.
With Kevin Zeitler still unsigned and Graham Glasgow nearing the final year of his contract, the Lions’ offensive line remains a question mark. Last season, Zeitler fit in perfectly with the operation, and if he joins elsewhere, this vaunted offensive line will suddenly be missing a starter.
Skipper’s new contract is beneficial for the offense’s depth and style of play.
The 6-foot-9, 330-pound offensive tackle is a formidable force with extensive experience and familiarity under returning offensive line coach Hank Fraley.
“Well, he earned the third tackle position — he earned that spot, and I felt like this year in camp was the best that he has performed, the best that he has played since he’s been in the league, since I’ve been around him,” Dan Campbell, the Lions coach, said about Skipper. “That is a compliment to him. He didn’t just walk in the door. I mean, he’s had to battle, and he’s been on various teams, so we lose Decker for a little while.
He had to start for us, and he performed admirably, playing winning football for us. And when it isn’t, he’s a terrific tool on the gigantic tight end.
“He’s tough, he’s smart, he’s gritty, he’s got hands, he’s a finisher, I mean, you name it, he just fits everything that we’re about.”
Leave a Reply