Kenny Golladay on Lions Contract Talks: 'Everything Should Work Itself Out'

Kenny Golladay is heading into the final season of his rookie contract, but it doesn't appear he's too worried about securing a new deal.  

"I wouldn't mind being in Detroit for a while. Everything should work itself out. I'm enjoying myself," Golladay told Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire.

Golladay is coming off his second straight 1,000-yard season, finishing with 65 receptions for 1,190 yard and 11 touchdowns in 2019. He made his first Pro Bowl team and led the NFL in touchdown receptions, which increases his value going into contract extension negotiations.

The Lions selected Golladay in the third round of the 2017 draft, and he will make $2.1 million next season—the final year of his rookie deal.

That number will pale in comparison to Golladay's next contract, the starting point of which should easily reach eight figures per season. While few consider him among the best receivers in football, Golladay has more 1,000-yard seasons through three years than DeVante Parker has through five; Parker signed a four-year, $40 million extension with the Dolphins in December.

Golladay also remained productive after Matthew Stafford's season ended eight games into the campaign. His numbers actually improved in the second half despite catching passes from Jeff Driskel and David Blough.

Assuming the Lions have a more complete roster in 2020—running back Kerryon Johnson also missed eight games—there's little reason to think Golladay won't be able to improve his numbers even more. If that's the case, the Lions may wind up having to use the franchise tag a year from now to avoid Golladay hitting the open market.