Roy Lopez’s tenure with the Detroit Lions has come to an end after one season. The 28-year-old defensive tackle is returning to the Arizona Cardinals after agreeing Monday, March 9, to a two-year, $11.5 million deal with $7 million in guarantees, according to the NFL Network.
Serving in a backup role, Lopez delivered solid returns last fall. In fact, there were times he outperformed teammates who had started in front of him, including DJ Reader, Tyleik Williams and Alim McNeil.
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Despite playing fewer snaps than all three of those players, Lopez surpassed each of them in sacks, quarterback hits and tackles for loss. Before joining the Lions last March on a one-year, $3.5 million contract, Lopez had earned a reputation as a strong run stuffer during his previous stints with the Houston Texans and Cardinals. But in Detroit, he expanded his repertoire, showcasing impressive pass-rushing ability while consistently pushing the pocket.
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“He doesn’t get the credit that he deserves as far as his athleticism and his first step quickness,” Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said in November. “He’s been phenomenal and you’re talking about ultra-team guy, selfless. … He doesn’t care if he plays one or 50 snaps, he’s going to make the most of his opportunities.”
Lopez made sure he did by playing with relentless energy.
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Asked if he thought this past season was the best of his career, Lopez responded, “I do.”
“I love this place for what it did for me as a person, as a player,” he said. “I’ve grown so much being here.”
Now back in Arizona, Lopez will try to blossom even more in the desert.
Contact Rainer Sabin at rsabin@freepress.com. Follow him @RainerSabin on X.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Roy Lopez signing with Arizona Cardinals after one year with Lions