Dan Skipper, who is approaching cult hero status around these parts, and the Detroit Lions are running it back for another season.
ESPN reports Skipper and the Lions have agreed to terms on a one-year deal.
Skipper is the team’s oft-used extra blocker and sixth offensive lineman. But the veteran big man was leaned on even more last season, starting five games and helping fill the gaps at left tackle for Taylor Decker.
The 30-year-old has been with the Lions since 2019, appearing in 53 games and making 11 starts. He started his career in Detroit, then spent a season with the Houston Texans before coming back for this current six-year run.
Skipper logged the first snaps of his career at left tackle last season. He had previously drawn work across the offensive line from left guard, right guard, right tackle and as the blocking tight end during his time in Detroit.
The Lions still have some questions lingering on their offensive line, with Kevin Zeitler remaining without a deal and Graham Glasgow entering the final year of his contract. Zeitler fit the operation like a glove last season, and if he signs elsewhere, all of a sudden, there is a hole at a starting spot for this vaunted offensive line.
Skipper landing a new deal is great for the depth and how this offense wants to play, though. The 6-foot-9, 330-pound offensive lineman is a powerful option with a ton of 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,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said of Skipper. “That’s a credit to him. It’s not like he just walked in the door. I mean, he’s had to battle, and he’s been at different teams, and so we lose Decker for a little bit. He’s got to start for us, and he did well, he played well for us, he played winning football. And then, when it’s not there, he’s a valuable asset in the jumbo 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.”
