New Lions General Manager Bob Quinn identified punter Sam Martin as a player he wanted to extend, and now he has done so.
The Lions and Martin have agreed on a four-year extension, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. According to Rapoport, it will make Martin the third-highest paid punter in the NFL. That likely means it will pay Martin an average in the neighborhood of $3.4 million a year.
Former Lions G.M. Martin Mayhew drafted Martin in the fifth round in 2013 out of Appalachian State. Although Mayhew had a generally poor record from his time running the Lions, his 2013 draft was strong and also included Pro Bowlers Ezekiel Ansah and Darius Slay, plus starting guard Larry Warford, starting defensive end Devin Taylor and running back Theo Riddick.
Last year Martin had a career-high net average of 42.0 yards, with 25 punts downed inside the 20-yard line and only three touchbacks.