With Gosder Cherlius jumping to Indy as a free agent and Jeff Backus retiring, the Lions have openings at both tackle spots heading into the start of the team’s offseason workouts.
Jason Fox doesn’t want to let that opportunity pass without taking his best shot at grabbing one of those jobs. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports that Fox will sign the restricted free agent tender the Lions offered him at the start of free agency on Monday. That means Fox will be taking part in the first day of offseason workouts, giving him a chance to take his best shot at one of the tackle spots.
Fox, who will make $1.32 million, hasn’t played much in his first three seasons because of injuries, but all indications are that he’s in contention for a starting job this offseason. Fox, a fourth-round pick in 2010, will be competing with Corey Hilliard, Riley Reiff and anyone that the Lions might bring in via the draft for those jobs. Rieff, a first-round pick in 2012, is also a possibility to kick inside to the right guard spot left open with Stephen Peterman’s departure.
Birkett also reports that defensive end Willie Young is expected to sign his restricted free agent tender and get to work with the rest of the Lions this week.