Martin Mayhew: 'Nick Fairley needs to be more consistent'

Martin Mayhew has said that Nick Fairley needs to play more consistently if he is to remain at the Detroit Lions.

The defensive tackle signed a four-year contract as a rookie in 2011, with an option for a fifth season, which the NFC North side must decide whether to take up by May.

The general manager told the team's website: "He could play more consistently. I mean, he's got to mature a little bit as a professional, I think.

"I think that'd be a big step in him playing more consistently. I wouldn't say his weight is too high."

The 26-year-old made 35 tackles, six sacks and two forced fumbles in 2013.