The Detroit Lions have been busy this offseason, making strategic moves to retain key players and reinforce their defensive line. One of their latest re-signings is defensive tackle Pat O’Connor, a familiar face who unfortunately didn’t finish last season due to injury. His return makes him the third player in this situation, joining linebacker Derrick Barnes and edge rusher Marcus Davenport.
When you look at the contracts handed out to these players, it becomes clear how the Lions view their future contributions. Barnes, for example, landed a three-year deal worth $16 million guaranteed, with potential earnings up to $25.5 million. Meanwhile, Davenport settled for a shorter one-year contract with $1.65 million guaranteed, maxing out at $4.5 million. That significant difference suggests the Lions are far more confident in Barnes’ long-term value compared to Davenport.
But what about O’Connor? His contract details haven’t been released yet, but we can get an idea of what to expect based on his injury history and past performances. Let’s take a deep dive into his past setbacks, his recovery outlook, and what his new deal might reveal about his standing with the team.
Injury History – The Bumps and Bruises Along the Way
At 31 years old, O’Connor has had his share of injuries, though they haven’t entirely derailed his career. Here’s a closer look at his recent history:
-
2024 Season: Played in 12 of 18 games, logging about 31% of the defensive snaps per game. His season came to an unfortunate halt in the final regular-season game due to a calf injury, which also kept him out of the playoff loss to the Commanders. While his numbers weren’t eye-popping (1 sack, 18 total tackles), his absence may have been an underrated factor in the team’s early playoff exit.
-
2023 Season: Appeared in 13 of 19 games.
-
2022 Season: A full slate—played all 18 games without issue.
-
2021 Season: Suffered a possible MCL and PCL knee injury in Week 15, which ended his season. Before that, he played in 13 of 17 games.
While O’Connor has had some setbacks, he has also demonstrated resilience. His full participation in the 2022 season is evidence that he can bounce back from injuries and contribute.
Should the Lions Be Concerned?
In terms of his most recent calf injury, there’s not much reason for panic—at least not yet. If it was just a standard calf muscle strain, the recovery should be straightforward, and he should be good to go by training camp. However, if the injury was closer to the Achilles tendon, it could mean a more unpredictable healing process.
That said, he’s got plenty of time to rehab and strengthen the muscle before the season kicks off. The bigger concern might be his age. O’Connor will turn 32 in November, and while he’s still in solid playing shape, older players tend to recover slower and are more susceptible to re-injury.
The knee injury from 2021 is another factor to keep in mind. While it hasn’t caused noticeable issues since then, it’s worth considering whether any lingering cartilage damage could lead to problems down the road. Given the physical demands of playing in the trenches, even minor wear and tear can catch up to a player over time.
What Will His New Contract Reveal?
While we don’t have the official numbers yet, the structure of O’Connor’s contract will tell us a lot about how the Lions view his health and future contributions.
-
If he signs a multi-year deal or receives a notable salary increase, that’s a strong sign the team isn’t worried about his calf injury and still values him as a solid rotational piece.
-
A one-year deal with full or mostly guaranteed money would also be reassuring, as it indicates confidence in his ability to contribute immediately.
-
On the other hand, a contract with low guarantees and loaded with incentives might signal that the Lions are hedging their bets, possibly concerned about his durability.
Last year, O’Connor was on a one-year deal worth $1.125 million. If his new contract doesn’t show a meaningful jump in compensation, it could indicate the team views him as more of a depth piece rather than a key rotational player.
What’s His Role Moving Forward?
One thing working in O’Connor’s favor is the current state of the Lions’ defensive line. With Alim McNeill potentially sidelined until November as he recovers from an ACL injury, there will be opportunities for other interior linemen to step up. That includes O’Connor, as well as recent additions Roy Lopez, Myles Adams, and Levi Onwuzurike.
Last season, O’Connor proved to be a valuable depth player when injuries piled up on the defensive line. Even though he wasn’t a stat-stuffer, his ability to step in and hold his ground was important. If he returns fully healthy, he’ll once again be a reliable rotational piece and a veteran presence in the locker room.
Final Thoughts
Re-signing Pat O’Connor is another piece in the puzzle as the Lions continue to build their roster for another playoff push. While he isn’t a game-changing player, he is a solid depth piece who can step in when needed. His injury history raises some concerns, but if the team felt his calf injury was a major issue, they likely wouldn’t have brought him back at all.
Ultimately, the contract details will be the biggest indicator of how much faith the Lions have in O’Connor moving forward. If he gets a respectable deal, it’s a sign that the team still sees him as a valuable part of their defensive line rotation. If not, it could mean he’s on a short leash and will need to prove himself in training camp.
Either way, O’Connor’s return adds depth to the Lions’ defensive front—a unit that will be crucial as the team looks to build on last season’s success. Fans should keep an eye on his recovery and training camp performance because if he’s back at full strength, he could be a sneaky contributor in 2024.
Login