After 14 seasons, Dominic Raiola's time with the Detroit Lions is coming to an end. The Lions have told their longtime center that he will not be re-signed, according to the Dave Birkett of Detroit Free Press.
Dominic Raiola will not return to Detroit Lions, per report
The Lions are ready to part with their longtime center.
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The veteran lineman has been with the Lions since 2001, when they drafted him in the second round out of Nebraska. He played in every game his rookie year and took over as the full-time center in 2002. Raiola holds the franchise record with 203 career starts. The 36-year-old started 16 of a possible 17 games for the Lions this past season, but Detroit appears ready to move on, and his on-field antics may have played a part in that.
Raiola missed a critical Week 17 game against the Green Bay Packers when he was suspended for jumping on the leg of Chicago Bears defensive tackle Ego Ferguson the previous week. He also threw himself at the legs of Patriots lineman Zach Moore during a Week 12 loss at New England.
Earlier this month, Raiola, who is set to become a free agent in March, was hopeful that he’d be back in Detroit next year.
“I’m optimistic,” Raiola said. “I think I will be (back), but I’m not going to sit here and tell you I’m not. I still want to play, I still think I have a lot to offer and a lot to offer this locker room. If I could go one more go around, I’d be honored.”
The Lions spent a third-round draft pick on Travis Swanson last year. He started at center against the Packers and is seen as Raiola's replacement in Detroit.
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