So sad to say goodbye Halapoulivaati Vaitai must leave Detroit lions

Why Halapoulivaati Vaitai must leave Detroit lions 

 

 

We’re back with our Detroit Lions free agent profile series for the 2023-2024 season. This time, I’m here to discuss

offensive lineman Halapoulivaati Vaitai. Vaitai joined the Lions in 2020, signing a five-year contract worth $45 million.

With Vaitai’s history of injuries over the last few seasons, Detroit may need to look elsewhere for offensive line depth.

Let’s delve deeper into the rationale for parting ways with Vaitai.

 

Before examining Vaitai’s situation, let’s revisit our previously written profiles on free agents: WR Josh Reynolds and EDGE Romeo Okwara.

 

Halapoulivaati Vaitai

Expectations for 2023

Vaitai sat out the entire 2022 season due to a back injury sustained during the preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last offseason, the Lions restructured Vaitai’s contract, eliminating the fifth year from the deal, reducing his salary, and converting a portion of it into a signing bonus. Following his back injury in 2022, Vaitai contemplated retiring from the game.

 

“In May 2023, Vaitai reflected, “I took that opportunity to spend quality time with my children and family, exploring the idea of retirement. However, I have an inherent drive to succeed, so I am determined to return to the game stronger.”

Vaitai was anticipated to retain his starting role at right guard for the 2023 season, despite his absence throughout 2022. However, it was evident that the team considered this his final opportunity to prove his value.

 

In actuality, Vaitai’s role in 2023 differed from expectations. It’s worth noting that PFF grades encompass both the regular season and playoffs and require a minimum of 20% of snaps at that position, a threshold Vaitai did not meet in 2023.

 

During the regular season, he appeared in six games, starting three of them. Throughout this span, he allowed three pressures, two hurries, and one sack.

 

His PFF Offensive grade stood at 68.3, while his Run Blocking grade was 64.6 and his Pass Blocking grade was 68.4.

 

During training camp, Vaitai vied for the right guard position with offensive lineman Graham Glasgow. As center Frank Ragnow required rest, Glasgow assumed the center role, affording Vaitai additional snaps at right guard. Ultimately, Vaitai secured the starting role over Glasgow and made his debut in Week 1.

Vaitai appeared in two games before sustaining a foot injury, sidelining him for consecutive matchups. Upon his return in Week 5, he contributed on special teams until earning another start in Week 7. However, following that game, Vaitai was once again hampered by a back injury, rendering him questionable for Week 8. Although he made a brief appearance on special teams, his season came to an end thereafter. He sat out Week 9, was ruled out for Week 10, and was subsequently placed on the injured reserve list by the Lions, concluding his season prematurely.

 

Looking ahead to 2024, Vaitai is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

 

Why Detroit should part ways with Vaitai

Consistency in availability is paramount in any sport, and unfortunately, Vaitai has struggled in this regard since joining Detroit. He participated in 10 games in 2020, 15 in 2021, none in 2022, and only six in 2023. Despite initially signing a five-year deal, he has effectively played just two full seasons.

 

Furthermore, Vaitai’s performance in Detroit has not mirrored his success with the Philadelphia Eagles. While his most recent season with the Eagles garnered impressive PFF grades—72.8 overall, 75.5

in run blocking, and 62.1 in pass blocking—his tenure in Detroit has been less stellar. Although his technically best season was in 2023, it included merely three starts. His 2021 campaign was

respectable, earning an overall grade of 68.4, with a run blocking grade of 65.4 and a pass blocking grade of 66.9, but this falls short of his previous achievements.

 

Ultimately, Vaitai’s recurring health issues pose a significant concern. If he were available to play more consistently,

retaining him as a depth option on the offensive line would be viable. However, given the importance of having reliable

replacements in the event of injuries, the Lions may need to seek alternatives who can contribute more consistently and at a lower cost.

 

Is there mutual interest?

Since being placed on injured reserve, Vaitai has not engaged with the media. Additionally, there have been no

indications or discussions suggesting that Vaitai will return to Detroit in 2024. Considering his previous contemplation of retirement in 2022, particularly given

the recurrence of his injury, retirement may once again be on the table for Vaitai this offseason.

 

Ultimately, prioritizing his health and well-being may lead Vaitai to retire and focus on spending time with his family or pursuing other avenues.

 

What are your thoughts on the Lions’ decision regarding Halapoulivaati Vaitai?

Get related article>>>>https://kvibezsport.co.uk/?p=6939&preview=true