This is not the best news to start the first day of Detroit Lions mandatory minicamp. A report from Pro Football Talk, quickly confirmed by Sirius XM NFL Radio, indicates that standout defensive tackle Damon Harrison will not attend the mandatory sessions this week in Allen Park.
Harrison joins cornerback Darius Slay, who told fans and friends on Monday night he will not attend the three practices this week.
Like Slay, Harrison wants a new contract. Like Slay, Harrison is represented by agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Harrison, 31, has two years left on a contract he initially signed with the New York Giants. He is due $6.75 million in salary this year and $9 million in 2020, but none of that money is guaranteed. He already forfeited his $250,000 workout bonus by skipping all the OTA sessions, which are voluntary.
He had a transformative impact on the Lions defense when he arrived via trade in Detroit. The defense shaved off almost 60 yards per game against the run and went from bottom three to top 10 overall. His presence also greatly helped LB Jarrad Davis behind him.
