DeAndre Levy, Lions Agree to New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The Detroit Lions locked down a key playmaker on their front seven Wednesday, signing outside linebacker DeAndre Levy to a new contract.  

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was first to report the news, and Josh Katzenstein of the Detroit News confirmed Levy's deal. Rand Getlin of NFL Network indicated it's a four-year extension for Levy, who was entering the final year of his original contract.

Rapoport added the contract is worth $33.72 million with $20 million in guarantees. 

Levy said the first thing he's buying with his new money is a gold dog food dish for his terrier Solomon, per Michael Rothstein of ESPN.

NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal referenced how Levy is overlooked as one of the best in the game at his position:

Field Yates of ESPN noted that Levy was the only player in the NFL to play every defensive snap for his team in 2014. Beyond that, Levy has playmaking abilities at his position, as Getlin noted:

Levy racked up a career-high 151 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2014 as part of an elite defense that gave up the second-fewest yards in the league, according to NFL.com.

Although the Lions lost superstar defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh in free agency, Levy said he is confident that Detroit can still play at a high level, via Katzenstein: "Suh didn't make the defense. We had a lot of guys last year playing their best football. Obviously, Suh is a very great player. He brought a lot to the table, but it's up to the guys up front to kind of embrace that challenge."

It was only a matter of time before Levy secured a big payday. His stellar 2014 campaign came on the heels of a 2013 season in which he recorded six interceptions—quite an extraordinary total for a linebacker.

With an aptitude for pass coverage and a nose for the football evident in his high tackle totals, Levy is a rare linebacker who can do it all. Provided he continues to perform so well, the Lions should indeed continue fielding a respectable defense in 2015 and beyond.

Levy's leadership will go a long way toward helping Detroit's bid to return to the postseason. His side of the ball will need to continue to be sharp if the Lions are to be true contenders.