Our series previewing the 2025 Detroit Lions free agency has arrived at one of the team’s most beloved cult heroes. In just a short time, depth offensive tackle Dan Skipper turned into a Detroit sports icon for being involved in a major officiating blunder. He has become widely associated, both in the area and across the league, with the phrase “reporting as eligible,” and he has also established a noteworthy position with the Lions.
However, as he begins his 31-year-old season in 2025 as a free agent without restrictions, should the Lions consider parting ways? Let’s analyze the story of Dan Skipper and explore what it signifies for the future.
Here’s an overview of our earlier crafted free agent profiles: WR Tim Patrick, G Kevin Zeitler, DT Kyle Peko, LB Derrick Barnes, CB Carlton Davis.
Dan Skipper
Anticipations for the year 2024
It was uncertain how many offensive linemen the Lions would retain, especially with fourth-round selection Giovanni Manu occupying one of the backup positions. Manu was evidently at least a year away from being able to play, so there remained a significant requirement for a third offensive tackle behind Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell.
As training camp approached, it was evident that the competition would be between Skipper and 2023 fifth-round selection Colby Sorsdal. As Sorsdal returns to tackle after experimenting with guard during his rookie year, the initial choice was the more seasoned Skipper. And during the entire training camp, it remained that way. Thus, Skipper was anticipated to continue his position as jumbo-package tackle and be the primary substitute for either Decker or Sewell.
In earlier years, Skipper’s performance was merely sufficient. Detroit performed very well with jumbo packages featuring Skipper, but when he was tasked to start, he had difficulties. For instance, he played in five matches in 2022 and received a PFF pass blocking score of 19.6—permitting 19 pressures and four sacks despite limited action. However, it’s important to mention that those starts were at guard, not at tackle.
Although the Lions were probably content with Skipper’s position as the sixth offensive lineman in subpackages, they were certainly seeking improvements for their backup tackle slot.
Current position in 2024
Please note that PFF scores integrate both the regular season and playoffs, requiring a minimum of 20% snaps played at that position.
17 games (5 starts): 1 reception, 9 yards, touchdown — 323 plays on offense
PFF offensive score: 55.2 (71st among 88 qualifying offensive tackles)
PFF pass protection score: 57.6 (67th among 88)
PFF run blocking score: 49.5 (80th among 88)
To start, Skipper clearly secured the backup offensive tackle position during training camp, and it wasn’t solely because Sorsdal and Manu weren’t prepared. Skipper experienced the finest summer of his career.
“Coach Dan Campbell stated that he secured the third tackle spot.” “He earned that position, and I believe that this year’s camp was the finest he has played, the best he has performed since joining the league and since I’ve been with him.” That’s a testament to him; he didn’t just stroll in, I mean, he’s had to fight and has been with various teams.
It’s a significant achievement that Skipper secured a place on the initial 53-man roster for the first time in his career.
That momentum persisted throughout the regular season, making 2024 potentially Skipper’s finest year so far. His 323 snaps marked the second highest total of his career, and although his PFF grades were not remarkable, he played effectively in the game where he held full-time responsibilities.
In the game against the Texans, he participated in 65 snaps, permitted three pressures, and recorded no sacks.
In the game against the Bears, he participated in 69 snaps, permitted four pressures, and recorded no sacks.
In the game versus the Packers, he delivered the finest performance of his career, participating in 80 snaps while yielding only two pressures and no sacks.
For the entire year, he permitted only one sack and 12 pressures, according to PFF.
In the meantime, Detroit maintained its success with jumbo packages, reflected in their impressive power run success rate (70%, ninth) and third down conversion rate (47.6%, fourth).
Oh, that’s correct. And this took place.
Prospects for 2025
Contract situation: Unrestricted free agent
Skipper has not signed a two-year deal since 2020, so entering free agency is familiar for the eight-year veteran.
Advantages of renewing the contract
For starters, Skipper has adapted to his position as OT3 remarkably well. It’s difficult to accept that he’s performing his best football at 30 years old, but that’s precisely how his career has unfolded. That reflects Skipper’s resilience, as he has been released and re-signed about twenty times throughout his career. Detroit appreciates that level of perseverance.
Moreover, it remains uncertain whether any of Detroit’s ongoing initiatives will be prepared for the backup position in 2025. There have been encouraging updates on Manu’s development, while Sorsdal’s status is somewhat less certain. In any case, both were frequently inactive on game day, suggesting they didn’t seem very likely to unseat Skipper last season.
Although the intention was to hand the responsibilities to one of those two athletes—or introduce external competition through free agency or the draft—Skipper appears to be the type of person you’d want in training camp to motivate everyone. He’s a dynamic player who will elevate the intensity of the whole offensive line group.
His expense, likewise, is also a benefit. He is almost guaranteed to earn around the league minimum. The largest annual average of any contract he has ever agreed to was last year’s one-year deal worth $1.15 million.
Is there mutual interest?
It’s well-known that the Lions have a great affection for Skipper.
“He’s resilient, he’s intelligent, he’s determined, he’s skilled, he’s a closer, I mean, whatever you mention, he embodies everything we stand for,” Campbell stated in January. “Therefore, when?” I’m not certain, maybe around three years back, there’s something about this individual that—you just feel the need to have him nearby and you can utilize him in a specific role, so he’s truly integral to who we are.
Considering that the Lions have permitted Skipper’s career—against all expectations—to flourish in Year 8, I must believe that Detroit occupies a unique spot in his heart.
“When individuals mention Detroit, it usually carries a negative implication,” Skipper remarked to ESPN last year. “Bad football, hard city, difficult area to reside in, not enjoyable, gets the worst of everything.” However, the city of Detroit comes together in a way you’ve never witnessed. … Sure, we were handed a tough situation, but ultimately, will we react, or will we try to make the most of it?
Price?
Last year, Skipper signed a veteran minimum contract: a one-year deal worth $1.15 million. He might request a small raise in salary this year, but I wouldn’t anticipate anything beyond that. It’s reasonable to assume that Skipper would probably have a price tag of around $1-2 million for just one year, though I wouldn’t be shocked if the Lions offered him a second year given his achievements in 2024.
Summary
In response to the title’s question: No, now is not the time to let go of Dan Skipper. He’s coming off an outstanding season, he’s expected to be a budget-friendly re-signing, and Detroit requires competition for their young players who are probably not prepared to assume Skipper’s position. I believe the only reason this deal won’t go through in the next few weeks is if Skipper seeks a larger salary or unexpectedly chooses to retire. However, all indications suggest that Skipper will have his seventh consecutive year with the team, and rightly so.