Lions sign All-Pro DT Damon 'Snacks' Harrison to one-year, $11 million extension
Damon “Snacks” Harrison is getting a nice payout from the Detroit Lions in exchange for pushing off free agency further into the future.
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The former All-Pro defensive tackle signed a one-year, $11 million extension that will add up to $12 million guaranteed for this and next season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Lions signed DT Damon “Snacks” Harrison to a 1-year, $11 million extension that now includes $12 million guaranteed between this and next year, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2019
Harrison was set to hit free agency after the 2020-21 season after signing a five-year contract with the New York Giants in 2016. The Giants would later trade Harrison to the Lions for a conditional first-round pick as they fired up a team rebuild following a 1-6 start to last season.
Harrison skipped Lions minicamp
Harrison’s deal comes after a holdout from Lions OTAs and minicamps during the offseason while seeking a new deal. Harrison still reported for training camp, and is now receiving a decent chunk of change.
The $11 million is set to be Harrison’s career-high in earnings for a single season.
As a 350-pound nose tackle, Harrison’s impact isn’t fully reflected in the stat sheet. However, he has still racked up tackles in the inside more than any other player at his position over the past four years.
NFL leader in tackles by an interior DL over the past four seasons:
2018: Snacks Harrison, 81
2017: Snacks Harrison, 76
2016: Snacks Harrison, 86
2015: Snacks Harrison, 72
Best run stuffer in the league. https://t.co/OpymXq5GaR— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 21, 2019
In the Lions’ six games before the Harrison trade last season, the team allowed an average of 139.3 rushing yards per game and 5.3 yard per attempt. In 10 games with Harrison in the fold, those averages went down to 92.5 and 3.9. Meanwhile, the Giants went from 83.7 and 4.3 with Harrison to 118.2 and 4.9 without him.
Clearly, Harrison still makes an impact, and the Lions will hope it continues with Harrison now under contract until his 33rd birthday.
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