Lions sign All-Pro DT Damon 'Snacks' Harrison to one-year, $11 million extension

    Jack Baer
    Yahoo Sports Contributor
    Damon Harrison is one of the best run-stuffers in the league. (Getty Images)

    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.

    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.

    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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