Tracy Walker said he wanted to stay in Detroit. He got his wish.
The free agent safety has signed a three-year deal, $25 million deal with the Lions according to Adam Schefter on the heels of a season in which he led the team in tackles and reclaimed his role as a leader of the defense. The deal includes $17 million guaranteed.
After a fantastic rookie season in 2018, Walker's game was on the decline under former head coach Matt Patricia. For whatever reason, so was his playing time. He started only seven games and played about 70 percent of Detroit's defensive snaps in 2020 -- a season in which the Lions surrendered the most yards in franchise history and the highest passer rating in the NFL. And the majority of those snaps, for whatever reason, came in the box.
The new coaching staff righted Patricia's wrong. Walker was back to playing as a traditional free safety under Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn last season -- and back to playing, period. He started all 15 games in which he played and was on the field for 88 percent of the defensive snaps. His 82 tackles ranked seventh in the NFL among safeties. He now ranks 18th among safeties in average annual salary ($8.3 million.)
"We have a hell of a defensive staff," Walker said in November. "For me, I love playing under these coaches. I love coming to work every day."
Speaking specifically about Glenn, Walker said, "I love the energy he brings. I love the way he puts me in position to make plays. Speaking from personal experience, I love that he allows his players to make plays. I feel like we got a coach that we’re going to go out there and play for. We’re going to give it our all regardless. Bottom line, we have a great coaching staff."
It was for this reason that Walker wanted to stay with the Lions, at the right price.
"God willing, I’ll be here," he said. "If not, so be it. I’ll go take my talents elsewhere. But I hope I’m here."
For both parties, the price was right.