NFC North Update
The routinely under appreciated but NO longer underpaid DeAndre Levy has agreed to a 4-year contract extension with the Detroit Lions. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the contract will pay Levy $33.72 million with $20 million in guaranteed money over the life of the deal. The deal makes Levy the highest paid 4-3 outside linebacker in terms of total compensation in the NFL. It also makes him the second-highest earning 4-3 OLB in the league on an annual basis. DeAndre Levy is stout against the run, has demonstrated his pass rushing chops and is competent in coverage and in space. Pro Football Focus ranked Levy in the Top 3 among 4-3 OLBs in 2014, and 9th overall in 2013. When Stephen Tulloch went down in Week 3 due to an ACL tear it was Levy who moved inside and stabilized the second level of the Lions’ defense as they proceeded to be one of the best defenses in the league last season. Levy went on to lead the league in solo tackles as a result.
In other news:
– The Indianapolis Colts have claimed DB Tevin Mitchel off waivers;
– Tennessee Titans’ S Cody Prewitt has been injured/waived and is likely headed to injured reserved if he makes it through waivers;
– S Phillip Thomas has been waived by the Washington Redskins;
– 49ers release CB Chris Cook;
– The Philadelphia Eagles have waived WR Devante Davis;
– CB Chris Houston (formerly of the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions) is retiring after eight seasons
