The Lions recently re-signed another one of their own in defensive tackle Pat O'Connor. He is the third re-signee who did not finish last season due to injury, along with Derrick Barnes and Marcus Davenport. The contracts previously given to Barnes (3 years, $16 million guaranteed, up to $25.5 million) and Davenport (1 year, $1.65 million guaranteed, up to $4.5 million) reveal a stark contrast in the Lions confidence level of those two players going forward. So let's take a look at O'Connor's injury history and what to look for when his contract is revealed.
INJURY HISTORY (age 31)
2024 Played 12 of 18 games averaging about 31% defensive snap count per game. Calf injury in final regular season game ended his season and caused him to miss the playoff game. Although he didn't pile up many stats (1 sack, 18 total tackles) in the regular season, his absence in the playoffs may have been a underrated factor in the loss to the Commanders.
2023 Played 13 of 19 games
2022 Played 18 of 18 games
2021 Possible MCL and PCL knee injury ended his season in week 15. Played 13 of 17 games.
WHAT IS THE CONCERN?
There isn't much concern if he has a simple calf muscle strain. If the strain is more distal at the Achilles tendon, then that could entail a longer, more unreliable recovery. Either way, he should be fine for next season as he'll have multiple months to gradually rehab.
The knee ligament injury in 2021 isn't much of an issue at this point since he has proven himself on the field since then. However, if there was associated cartilage damage in the knee, then that could pose a problem at some point.
He will be 32 years old in November so age is becoming a concern.
WHAT MIGHT THE CONTRACT TELL US?
Contract details are still undisclosed. Last year's contract was 1-year $1.125 million. If he gets a bump up in years and/or salary, that would confirm there isn't anything to worry about with his calf injury. If he gets a 1-year deal that is mostly or fully guaranteed, that would be reassuring. If his contract has a low guarantee with mostly incentives, then that suggests the Lions have concerns.
OUTLOOK
O'Connor proved to be a valuable backup last season when the defensive line became decimated by injury. He should enter next season fully healthy and ready to contribute. With Alim McNeill possibly not ready until November due to his ACL, that opens up playing time for O'Connor along with recent DT signings Roy Lopez, Myles Adams, and Levi Onwuzurike.
