Just days before the start of the 2016 regular season, the Detroit Lions locked up two players with contract extensions.
According to Ian Rapoport, the Lions agreed to new deals for punter Sam Martin and running back Theo Riddick on Friday.
#Lions & P Sam Martin have agreed in principle on a 4-year extension that makes him the third-highest paid punter, source said. A priority
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 9, 2016
The #Lions and RB Theo Riddick have agreed on a 3-year extension worth $12.75M, source said. DET doing WORK today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 9, 2016
Martin, a fourth-year punter and former fifth-round pick of the Lions, agreed to a four-year, $13.6 million deal. According to Rapoport, the deal makes Martin the NFL’s third highest paid punter, behind only Dustin Colquitt and Thomas Morstead.
Riddick’s deal is for three years and $12.55 million. A sixth-round pick in 2013, Riddick has established himself as Detroit’s go-to passing down running back. In fact, he led all NFL running backs with 80 catches last season, while also totaling 697 receiving yards and three scores.
Signing Martin and Riddick crosses off two important names from Detroit’s list of upcoming 2017 free agents. Other players headed for free agency next year include tackle Riley Reiff, tackle Larry Warford and defensive end Devin Taylor.
