Theo Riddick

Lions take care of their own, extend Theo Riddick and Sam Martin

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

According to ESPN’s Ian Rapoport, the Detroit Lions have agreed to extensions with punter Sam Martin and running back Theo Riddick, both members of their outstanding 2013 Draft class. The Lions already extended 2013 2nd-round pick – Darius Slay, earlier this offseason.

Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Riddick, Detroit’s pass-cathing tailback, has agreed to a 3-year, $12.75 million dollar extension. The team really likes him in that 3rd-down role where he has excelled catching passes. Last year, he led tailbacks in receptions (with 80) for 697-receiving yards. Riddick isn’t a great between-the-tackles runner, but the Lions just need him to do what he did last year and give them that extra dimension out of the backfield.

Punter Sam Martin got a 4-year extension worth an estimated $3.4 million per Rapoport. The deal would make him the 3rd-highest paid punter. Martin has earned it, showing one of the strongest legs in the league since being drafted and immediately starting in 2013. One message is clear – if you produce for this team, the team will take care of you. They did the same with DeAndre Levy before last season and earlier this offseason, extending stud corner, Darius Slay.

It’s a good message to the current players but also makes the Lions look good to other players throughout the league. Not saying it makes Detroit a free agent destination, but it’s just a reminder that Bob Quinn will take care of you if you produce for this team. Riddick and Martin aren’t the biggest signings in the world, but both have outplayed their draft status and earned these extensions.