Defensive end Turk McBride has been tendered a contract offer by the Detroit Lions at the second-round level. That is the third-highest possible level for a restricted free agent tender. (The highest is a first- and third-round pick and next in line is a first-round pick.)
McBride joined the Lions in 2009 after being let go by the Kansas City Chiefs. Former Chiefs and current Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham brought McBride to Detroit and the move has paid off. McBride had five sacks in 15 games this past season despite being in the starting lineup only eight times. He worked his way into the rotation at defensive end and played a role in the Lions having such a dominant D-line, especially toward the end of the season.
With McBride being tendered at a second-round level, the Lions have made it pretty clear they want him back. That's no surprise considering how well he has played and the fact that Cunningham is a big fan of him.
While depth is solid right now at defensive end, McBride is a guy that can take over as a starter for Kyle Vanden Bosch when he decides to retire in the future. Between McBride, Cliff Avril and Lawrence Jackson, the Lions have some solid young talent at defensive end, and they certainly want to keep it in tact going into next season.