Detroit Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy could be playing for his current team for quite some time as rumors of a long-term contract extension may be offered to him.

The 28-year-old football athlete was regarded as valuable in his team and was even described as an "essential" part of the Lions' defensive play, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com informed via "Inside Training Camp."

The team should do its best to cope this year, especially since their great defensive tackle, Ndamukong Suh, has already transferred to the Miami Dolphins. Yahoo! Sports stated that the team will definitely feel the loss of Suh in their defense and with a "mediocre" showing of the offensive part of the Lions last season, the odds for them to shine in the National Football Conference North this season may be bleak.

Yet, it is time for the Lions to move on and decide to keep their "deserving" players in their roster.

Levy's upcoming season with the team will be the third and final year of his $9.75 million contract with the team, noted NFL.com. The Wisconsin native was able to deliver 151 tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception last season.

Even the Lions general manager, Martin Mayhew, knows of Levy's importance and talked about it in February, when they were still optimistic in re-signing Suh.

"I spoke with (Levy's) agent a couple days ago. It may make sense. It may not. I'm not opposed to it. Obviously, I want him to be here for a long time, but we've obviously got some other big fish in the pen right now...He's been outstanding. He should have been in the Pro Bowl. He's one of the best 4-3 outside linebackers in the NFL without question. You want to keep guys like that," Mayhew told DetroitLions.com.

The Lions may actually postpone or opt to have a lengthy negotiations talk with Levy's camp until 2016, as he still has one year to go before his contract ends with the team, noted SB Nation. The team may also decide to hit Levy with a franchise tag, according to MLive.com, if they will still be pressed for time or for any other reason. However, the team should be prepared for a franchise tender probably worth more than $12 million for a one-year deal, added the site.

Still, giving him a long-term contract will provide the team a much-needed morale boost this season with a clear message that a deserving play gets aptly rewarded.

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