2015 NFL Free Agency: Who Gets Nick Fairley?
By Erik Lambert
Dec 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) celebrates after making a play during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Ford Field. Giants beat the Lions 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions seem awfully confident that they have what it takes in order to retain star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. If that is the case, then one thing becomes perfectly clear — they won’t have anything left to keep fellow free agent Nick Fairley.
Thus the question becomes where will the young defensive tackle land when 2015 NFL free agency opens? Make no mistake. In spite of the injury last season and questions about his work ethic, Fairley has the kind of rare ability teams covet. With that in mind, here are some places he could land.
More from NFL Free Agency
- Ideal landing spots for Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott and other free agent running backs
- AFC East Buzz: Ezekiel Elliot visits Patriots; Dalvin Cook-Jets rumors heat up
- NFL Free Agency: 5 most intriguing landing spots for Dalvin Cook
- AFC South Buzz: Titans nab DeAndre Hopkins; Engram gets paid
- 5 Teams That Should Sign Free Agent WR DeAndre Hopkins
Atlanta Falcons
Rebuilding the defensive is now top priority for the Atlanta Falcons and new head coach Dan Quinn. It will likely start up front. They badly need more pass rushers, inside and outside. Not only is Fairley a great solution for them, it’s also a good destination for him because it gets him closer to his home in Alabama.
Oakland Raiders
Considering the fact that the Oakland Raiders are players for Suh, it’s only logical they would have an eye for Fairley as well. They want to get an interior rush presence going in order to unlock the full potential of Khalil Mack on the outside. This is the kind of signing that would do it.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Given the success the Lions enjoyed with Fairley and Suh together, why wouldn’t the Tampa Bay Buccaneers want to pair him with Gerald McCoy? That would given them a rare tandem of interior rushers to work with and perhaps force them to seek an edge rusher with their 1st overall pick in the draft, provided they aren’t sold on a quarterback.
Chicago Bears
This one might be a more difficult sell at first since the Chicago Bears are shifting to a 3-4 defense under Vic Fangio. However, Nick Fairley was considered an excellent option as a 3-4 end when he was coming out of college and has all the skill to make the transition. Chicago needs more talent up front and he’s a great option.