Dan Campbell's Text Message Solidified John Cominsky's Return to Lions

Detroit Lions defensive lineman John Cominsky embraces higher expectations.

John Cominsky made it clear during his time in free agency, he wanted to remain a member of the Detroit Lions organization.

At the conclusion of the 2022 regular season, he vocalized his hopes to stay with the organization that claimed him off waivers during the previous offseason.

With one text message from Detroit head coach Dan Campbell, the feeling was reciprocated. The defensive lineman had other suitors, but he knew where he wanted to be all along.

On Tuesday, he agreed to re-sign with the Lions on a two-year, $8.5 million contract. 

"Yeah, there was a handful (of other teams interested), but I'll leave them nameless," Cominsky said. "Detroit was it all along. We wanted to be here, we wanted to get what we deserved and we wanted to be here at the same time. So, there was a little balance there.

"Detroit called us with something solid, and coach Campbell sent me a text saying we're dying to have you here. I told my wife, 'That's it, I'm going to Detroit.'"

© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Once an unknown waiver claim, the 27-year-old made the most of his first season with the Lions. He totaled 30 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

He also finished second on the team in pressures behind only rookie Aidan Hutchinson. Making such an impact, he proved himself valuable to Detroit's defense. Campbell made that known with one text.

"It was just a simple text," Cominsky explained. "It's from the head man, Dan Campbell, and that's the leader around here. He sends you a text like that, and it's like, 'Okay, this organization wants me back for sure.' I was already leaning here, 99.9 %. Then, I got that text, and was like, 'Alright, that's pretty cool.'"

Heading into his fifth year in the NFL, the veteran gets some stability in his new contract. He began his career with the Atlanta Falcons, where he played sparingly in three seasons. 

Detroit claimed him off waivers, and with a strong preseason, he worked his way into a big role on the team's defense. 

"A lot of guys are motivated in a way that it's a chip on your shoulder, you know, you're counted out, and guys are motivated by that negativity," Cominsky said. "Now, this is different, this is a belief from a whole organization, a lot of people say, 'I believe in you, and I want to see you succeed.' And so, it's a different type of motivation for me, and it feels more pure, it's all positive. And, it's really exciting to prove everyone by proof, prove these coaches, the organization, the fans, family, myself, prove them right, that I'm worth every bit of that contract. So, very motivated, moving forward." 

Harris contract guaranteed

The Detroit Lions re-signed another defender, Will Harris, to a one-year, $2.58 million contract. That contract is fully guaranteed. 

Harris was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and has played both the safety and cornerback positions.