Detroit Lions

Report: LB DeAndre Levy 'essential' for Detroit Lions' defense to thrive

Published Jul. 28, 2015 2:50 p.m. ET

foxsports

DeAndre Levy is one of the most impactful and productive 4-3 outside linebackers you'll find across the league. Last season, Levy's sixth with the Detroit Lions, he racked up 151 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception and a safety.

The Lions view Levy as "essential" for their defense to thrive, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. That's big news since Levy is in the final year of a three-year, $9.75 million deal he signed back in 2013.

If Levy has another big season in 2015, the Lions could conceivably lock him up for the rest of his career. The linebacker turns 29 years old next March (when he's slated to become a free agent) and has played his entire career in Detroit, after the team selected him in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Considering Levy's level of play as of late, the Lions may need to pay a pretty penny in order to retain his services.

(h/t NFL.com)