Lions News

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Another late posting. Sorry about that. Posting this into 2 parts.

Detroit Lions 2023 free agency preview: Tough decisions loom in addressing defense

Justin Rogers

The Detroit News


This is the second in a two-part series assessing the Detroit Lions' position-by-position situation heading into free agency. After looking at the offense, today we'll take a look at the defense. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents on March 13. The signing period opens March 15 at 4 p.m.


Edge defender

▶ Under contract: Aidan Hutchinson, Romeo Okwara, Charles Harris, Josh Paschal, James Houston, Julian Okwara

▶ Lions free agents: John Cominsky, Austin Bryant

▶ Best available: Marcus Davenport, Jadeveon Clowney, Arden Key, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Charles Omenihu


Despite veterans (and 2020 and 2021 team sack leaders) Harris and Romeo Okwara missing most of the season with injuries, the Lions made notable strides along the defensive front last season. Led by rookies Hutchinson and Houston, the team experienced a 30% increase in sacks and leaped from 29th to ninth in pressure rate from the previous year.

Of course, there's still room for improvement. Even with the production increase, Detroit ranked in the bottom half of the league in sacks, while only the Chargers allowed more yards per carry. Much of those struggles can be directed at the interior, but the edge defenders played a role in the shortcomings, as well.



Admittedly, the entire unit is still young and improving. But losing Cominsky would be a blow. Only Hutchinson generated more pressure than the versatile lineman who was claimed off waivers from Atlanta last offseason. More impressively, Cominsky played at that high level despite having a club on his hand most of the season after breaking his thumb in Week 2.

The fate of Harris and Romeo Okwara is still to be determined. Both have shown the ability to be highly productive when healthy, but each offer the Lions an opportunity to free up significant cap space to address other areas of the roster, or to simply to reinvest in the line via a new deal for Cominsky.

Adding an outside veteran to this group seems unlikely, particularly with the depth of the draft lining up for the Lions to potentially add an edge with one of their two first-round selections.




Defensive tackle

▶ Under contract: Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, Benito Jones, Demetrius Taylor

▶ Lions free agents: Isaiah Buggs

▶ Best available: Javon Hargrave, Dalvin Tomlinson, David Onyemata, Zach Allen


Detroit got improved play from the interior last season, with McNeill nearly tripling his pressure total and Buggs chipping in another 20 hits and hurries, but there's arguably not a defensive position in greater need of an impact player.


One possibility, Washington's Daron Payne, received the franchise tag prior to hitting the market. Meanwhile, Hargrave, who turned 30 last month, carries less appeal because of his age, but there's no denying his ability to disrupt. He's tallied more than 60 pressures each of the past two seasons, including a combined 18.5 sacks.


Of course, that kind of resume carries a hefty price tag. Estimates for Hargrave's next contract range between $17-20 million per season. That type of offer would seem to run counter to the way general manager Brad Holmes has preferred to construct the roster.

Someone like Onyemata likely would cost half as much. The longtime Saints defender, who overlapped with Lions coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn in New Orleans, has averaged 37 pressures and more than four sacks the past five seasons.

Beyond any potential outside pursuits, Buggs seems likely to be back. He proved to be a workhorse after signing days before training camp, and both sides seemed happy with the results of the late pairing.


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Linebacker

▶ Under contract: Malcolm Rodriguez, Derrick Barnes

▶ Lions free agents: Alex Anzalone, Chris Board, Josh Woods, Anthony Pittman (ERFA)

▶ Best available: Lavonte David, T.J. Edwards, David Long, Tremaine Edmunds, Bobby Okereke


Detroit faces two big questions with their own free agents. First, do they want to extend the partnership with Anzalone? The middle linebacker, who has quarterbacked the defense the past two seasons, is coming off a career year as a 17-game starter, racking up 125 tackles and showing adequate ability in coverage and as a situational pass rusher. He's shown he's worthy of a multi-year deal, whether here or elsewhere, as well as a raise from $2.25 million he earned last season.

Second, how much is the team willing to invest in its core special teams group, led by Woods and Board? It might come down to picking one or the other, and given Woods doesn't command a defensive role in addition to his special teams contributions, that could be a deciding factor.


But back to Anzalone, there's the potential for the Lions to upgrade. There's some excellent talent set to hit the market, including Davis, Edwards and Edmonds. Bobby Wagner is also available after the Rams recently let the nine-time All-Pro go after one season in L.A.. Each of those players likely will command at least $10 million per year. It's certainly an interesting debate, but we'd bet on the Lions sticking with the popular locker room leader who has been a key piece implementing the culture.




Cornerback

▶ Under contract: Jeff Okudah, Jerry Jacobs, Chase Lucas, Mac McCain III, Khalil Dorsey, Jarren Williams

▶ Lions free agents: Will Harris, Mike Hughes, Amani Oruwariye, Bobby Price (RFA)

▶ Best available: James Bradberry, Jamel Dean, Cameron Sutton, Patrick Peterson, Jonathan Jones

The Lions already added some depth to the room with the recent signing of McCain, but there's still plenty of work to do at a position that's seemingly in flux.


Detroit is set to return its two starters on the outside from last season, but Okudah doesn't have the firm grasp on that role he once did, ending the year in a timeshare with Hughes. Additionally, Okudah is entering the final year of his contract, assuming the team doesn't exercise the costly fifth-year option.

In terms of their own free agents, it's easy to see the Lions bringing back Hughes or Harris, if the price is right. Hughes is a solid depth piece on the outside and can contribute on special teams, while Harris is a Swiss army knife, who made steady progress after moving into the nickel role in the second half of last season.

Like edge rusher, the Lions appear to be in better position to address cornerback through the draft, giving new position coach Dre Bly a piece to mentor and mold. If the Lions are going to bring in a veteran to round out the room, it's far more likely to be someone like Hughes last year than a top-of-the-market option like Dean or Bradberry, who figure to net offers that will pay them upwards of $14 million per season. Former Central Michigan standout Sean Murphy-Bunting, with his ability to play outside or in the slot, would make some sense.




Safety

▶ Under contract: Tracy Walker, Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Brady Breeze

▶ Lions free agents: DeShon Elliott, C.J. Moore

▶ Best available: Jessie Bates III, Jordan Poyer, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Von Bell, Taylor Rapp


After a brief benching, Elliott was a rock-solid piece for the Lions, but don't expect him back. He wants to start and that wouldn't be the projected path if Walker's recovery from last year's Achilles injury continues to go smoothly. The veteran leader is set to be paired up with Joseph, who proved to be every bit the playmaker he was at Illinois during his rookie season.


The Lions are far more likely to retain Moore, who can step in in a pinch when there's an injury situation, all while providing high-level contributions on special teams.

Depending on how willing the Lions are trust Melifonwu after two seasons of durability issues, there could be room for some veteran depth. Maybe, at 35 years old, Kareem Jackson can still find a team that wants him to start. But if not, his ability to line up all over the secondary is the type of skill set that would carry appeal.

It is worth noting that two of the top safeties on the market, Gardner-Johnson and John Johnson, have connections to Detroit's leadership. Holmes was heading up the college scouting department in Los Angeles when the Rams drafted Johnson out of Boston College in 2017, while Glenn served as Gardner-Johnson's position coach for three years in New Orleans.

It's tough to see how either fits with Detroit's current roster construction, unless the team has a vision for a three-safety setup. Glenn did recently note Gardner-Johnson's ability to defend the slot.



jdrogers@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @Justin_Rogers

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Late again. 1st of 2-part posting.

NFL free agency preview: CB, DT top list
of Detroit Lions' needs by position

Dave Birkett

Detroit Free Press


Published 6:06 a.m. ET March 11, 2023 Updated 8:19 a.m. ET March 11, 2023

When Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes was asked about his tight end room at the
NFL combine last week, Holmes took a minute to remind everyone how the group was
viewed after the T.J. Hockenson trade.

“I’m glad that the T.J. Hockenson trade is being called a trade now cause it was kind of
(viewed as) a wave the white flag kind of deal at the time when it happened,” Holmes said.
“But yeah, again, we’re always looking to add. We’re always looking to add. We’ll not leave a
stone unturned.”

The Lions set a franchise record for most receiving touchdowns by tight ends last season, and
most of the scores came from players other than Hockenson.

Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra and James Mitchell are all under contract for 2023, or will be
once Wright signs his exclusive rights free agent tender, but the Lions are in the market for
help at the position as they look to strengthen their roster.


Holmes said he’s opening to adding “someone that can help us that has a little bit more
experience maybe that can bring a little bit more immediate contribution,” while some
around the NFL expect the Lions to wait to address the position in what projects to be a
strong tight end draft.

Tight end isn’t the biggest hole on the Lions’ roster. Those are all on the defensive side of the
ball. But it ranks high on our annual position by position list of the Lions’ needs heading into
free agency.


1. Defensive back

On the Lions’ roster for 2023: CB — Jerry Jacobs, Jeff Okudah, Chase Lucas, Mac
McCain, Khalil Dorsey, Jarren Williams. S — Tracy Walker, Kerby Joseph, Brady Breeze,
Ifeatu Melifonwu.

Pending Lions free agents: CB — Amani Oruwariye, Will Harris, Mike Hughes, Bobby
Price (ERFA). S — DeShon Elliott, C.J. Moore.


Top free agents: CB — Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; James Bradberry,
Philadelphia Eagles; Cam Sutton, Pittsburgh Steelers. S — Jessie Bates, Cincinnati Bengals;
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Eagles; Jordan Poyer, Buffalo Bills.

Others who may interest the Lions: CB — Rock Ya-Sin, Las Vegas Raiders; Tavierre
Thomas, Houston Texans.

Market watch: The Lions allowed more yards per pass attempt than every team but the
Chicago Bears last season and are in desperate need of a playmaker at cornerback. Dean, 26,
is in line for a massive payday. That does not fit with how Holmes has operated in free
agency so far, but the Lions’ need at cornerback is so acute he might be worth it. If not, there
are other cheaper but still capable options on the market like Ya-Sin, Marcus Peters and Eli
Apple, who started for Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn with the New Orleans
Saints. The Lions could go the trade route to address their cornerback need; rumors persist
they are interested in acquiring Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey. One way or
another, they need an upgrade at cornerback even if Harris returns to man the nickel spot.
Safety is less a need as Walker and Joseph project as starters in 2023, but Walker is
returning from a torn Achilles and the Lions may need some insurance depending on his
recovery.



2. Defensive line

On the Lions’ roster for 2023: Edge — Aidan Hutchinson, Charles Harris, Romeo
Okwara, Josh Paschal. IDL — Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, Demetrius Taylor.

Pending Lions free agents: Edge — Austin Bryant. IDL — John Cominsky, Isaiah Buggs,
Benito Jones (ERFA).

Top free agents: Edge — Zach Allen, Arizona Cardinals; Marcus Davenport, New Orleans
Saints; Yannick Ngakoue, Indianapolis Colts. IDL — Javon Hargrave, Eagles; Dre’Mont
Jones, Denver Broncos; Dalvin Tomlinson, Minnesota Vikings.

Others who may interest the Lions: IDL — Greg Gaines, Los Angeles Rams; Shy Tuttle,
Saints.

Market watch: The Lions have some promising young talent on their defensive line, led by
Hutchinson, the runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year, and there is veteran depth at
the edge position if both Harris and Okwara return. Both Cominsky and Buggs have said they
want to stay in Detroit, and both were valuable contributors up front in 2022. But the Lions
had not made Cominsky a contract offer as of Thursday, which leaves open the door to
adding an interior pass rusher in free agency. Both Jones and Allen could excel as three
techniques, though both are in line for mega deals. Several ex-Saints linemen who played
under Glenn are more stopgap options in free agency, including Tuttle, David Onyemata and
Sheldon Rankins. Buggs should return. If he doesn’t, the Lions will need a run-stopper for
the middle of their line.



3. Linebacker

On the Lions’ roster for 2023: James Houston, Malcolm Rodriguez, Derrick Barnes,
Julian Okwara.

Pending Lions free agents: Alex Anzalone, Josh Woods, Chris Board, Anthony Pittman
(ERFA).


Top free agents: Tremaine Edmunds, Buffalo Bills; Bobby Wagner, Los Angeles Rams;
David Long, Tennessee Titans.

Others who may interest the Lions: T.J. Edwards, Philadelphia Eagles; Bobby Okereke,
Colts.


Market watch: There’s a good group of off-ball linebackers set to hit free agency, and
depending how the market shakes out, that could mean a bargain or two for patient teams
(think D.J. Chark to the Lions on a one-year deal when the receiver market exploded last
year). Edmunds, Long and Edwards are among the 26-and-under crowd that should get
long-term deals as three-down players, while Lavonte David and Eric Kendricks join Wagner
currently project as the Lions’ starting linebackers for next season, with Houston rushing on
pass downs. Anzalone should have a healthy market coming off his best season, and the
Lions will need to add someone if they don’t bring him back. It’s just a matter of where they
want to allocate resources on defense, at cornerback, linebacker or along the defensive front.



4. Running back

On the Lions’ roster for 2023: D’Andre Swift, Jermar Jefferson, Jason Cabinda.

Pending Lions free agents: Jamaal Williams, Justin Jackson, Craig Reynolds (ERFA).

Top free agents: David Montgomery, Chicago Bears; Miles Sanders, Eagles; Kareem Hunt,
Cleveland Browns.

Others who may interest the Lions: Alexander Mattison, Vikings.

Market watch: Running back ranks ahead of other positions on the Lions’ offense as a need
based solely on the numbers. Swift has spent much of his first three seasons battling injuries,
and the other backs the Lions have under contract for 2023 (including Reynolds) have 99
career carries between them. The Lions met with Williams’ agent at the combine and
Williams has made clear his desire to stay in Detroit. If the Carolina Panthers (with ex-Lions
running backs coach Duce Staley now on staff), Buffalo Bills or some other team make
Williams an offer he can’t refuse, the Lions will need to add a replacement in free agency
and/or the draft. The top three free agent backs, Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony
Pollard, all received the franchise tag.

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5. Wide receiver/tight end

On the Lions’ roster for 2023: WR — Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Josh
Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, Quintez Cephus, Trinity Benson, Tom Kennedy, Stanley Berryhill.
TE — James Mitchell, Derrick Deese.

Pending Lions free agents: WR — DJ Chark. TE — Brock Wright (ERFA), Shane Zylstra
(ERFA).

Top free agents: WR — Odell Beckham Jr.; Jakobi Meyers, New England Patriots; Chark.
TE — Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys; Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins; Irv Smith, Minnesota
Vikings.

Others who may interest the Lions: WR — Allen Lazard, Green Bay Packers. TE —
Maxx Williams, Arizona Cardinals.

Market watch: This is not a great year to need a receiver, which might pump up Chark’s
value and make him tougher for the Lions to re-sign. Beckham missed all of last season while
rehabbing from a torn ACL, and Meyers (67 catches, 804) yards is an exciting player but not
a No. 1. Lazard, Chark, Mecole Hardman and Parris Campbell highlight the 27-and-under
crowd and should get multi-year deals, while veterans like Adam Thielen and Robert Woods
are already on the street looking for work. The tight end market could be depressed by the
strength of the draft at the position, though Schultz is in line for a big payday after playing on
the franchise tag last year. Williams played for new Lions tight ends coach Steve Heiden in
Arizona the past four years.



6. Quarterback

On the Lions’ roster for 2023: Jared Goff.

Pending Lions free agents: Nate Sudfeld.

Top free agents: Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers; Baker Mayfield, Rams; Teddy
Bridgewater, Miami Dolphins.

Others who may interest the Lions: Case Keenum, Bills; Gardner Minshew, Eagles.

Market watch: The quarterback market is still in a holding period while Aaron Rodgers
figures out his future and with teams decide whether or not to make a play for franchise tagged
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson. The Lions are content with Goff as their starter,
but Holmes said at the combine upgrading the backup position is a focal point of the
offseason.

The Lions could wait till the draft to do that, but there are several veterans on the
market who would be upgrades. Keenum was teammates with Goff on the Rams in 2016.
Bridgewater played for Dan Campbell with the Saints. And Lions senior personnel executive
John Dorsey drafted Mayfield with the Browns. As is always the case, some veterans may
wait till late April to sign to see which teams draft a young QB first.


7. Offensive line

On the Lions’ roster for 2023: Taylor Decker, Jonah Jackson, Frank Ragnow,
Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Penei Sewell, Kayode Awosika, Ross Pierschbacher, Logan Stenberg,
Obinna Eze, Darrin Paulo.

Pending Lions free agents: Evan Brown, Matt Nelson (RFA), Dan Skipper (RFA), Tommy
Kraemer (ERFA).

Top free agents: OT — Orlando Brown, Chiefs; Mike McGlinchey, Raiders; Kaleb McGary,

Atlanta Falcons. IOL — Jason Kelce, Eagles Isaac Seumalo, Eagles; Dalton Risner, Broncos.
Others who may interest the Lions: Will Clapp, Los Angeles Chargers.


Market watch: The Lions have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, and even with a
question mark at right guard — Brown is a free agent, and Vaitai missed all of last season
with a back injury — this ranks low on the Lions’ free agent priority list. Vaitai could return
on a restructured contract, young interior backups Awosika and Kraemer, who also missed
last season with a back injury, are developmental prospects, and the Lions will have to invest
in deals for Sewell and perhaps Jackson soon. They won’t be spending big on the offensive
line next week, though NFL teams who want to have good options at the top of the tackle
market and experience interior players to pick from on the interior line, too. Brown could get
sneaky good money as a guard/center option who played well for the Lions the past two
years.


8. Special teams

On the Lions’ roster for 2023: K — Michael Badgley; P — Jack Fox.

Pending Lions free agents: LS Scott Daly (ERFA).

Top free agents: K — Matt Gay, Rams; Robbie Gould, 49ers; Chase McLaughlin, Colts.


Market watch: Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp spoke highly of the free agent
kicker market last week, saying there are “some great free agent kickers out there this year.”
The Lions plan to bring in competition for Badgley, though they could pass on free agency
and wait until the draft. The Rams, in a cap crunch, opted not to franchise Gay, who projects
to make $5 million a season as a free agent, according to Spotrac. If the Lions don’t want to
invest that kind of coin in a kicker, they could always try and bring Matt Prater back to
Detroit.


Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

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Posted today (Hey, I'm on time!!) No late posting here.


Detroit Lions, flush with cap room, have one goal in 2023 NFL free agency

Dave Birkett

Detroit Free Press


They should enter next season as the favorites to win their division for the first time in decades, and they have ample cap space to address their roster deficiencies, but when the free agent negotiating period opens at noon Monday, the Detroit Lions don’t plan to stray too far from what got them here.

Lions coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes said at the NFL combine last week their goal in free agency is to continue down the path that’s taken them from also-rans to contenders in 24 months.

“There’s always a number of ways you can go with it, but I think, honestly, we both kind of came away and said, ‘All right, here we go, we’re going into Year 3,’” Campbell said. “Yeah, we’ve got a little bit more to play with, we’ve got a little more wiggle room, but it’s like, ‘Man, let’s not lose sight of it. Let’s just get better.’”

The Lions entered the weekend with $21.3 million in available cap space, according to Spotrac, and could add to that by releasing or restructuring the contracts of veterans like Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Romeo Okwara.




They have eight of 11 starters from their explosive offense under contract for 2023 and the youngest snap-adjusted roster in the NFL.

But as tempting as it is to go big-ticket shopping for playmakers to add to all three levels of their defense, Campbell indicated that’s not in the cards.



“Let’s find a guy that can serve a certain type of role for us,” Campbell said. “He’s somebody that’s maybe played some ball, he can start at a certain position for us, but we don’t need to acquire, man, these high-level blue (-chip players), you’re paying the most for these guys cause they’re rated the No. 1 guy in free agency at that position. We just need to get better. Let’s just get better in an area that we need to get better at and focus on that. I think that’s always been the focus.”

Campbell and Holmes have mostly eschewed big-money free agents in their two seasons in Detroit.





In 2021, after trading Matthew Stafford and embarking on a rebuild, the Lions signed one free agent — running back Jamaal Williams — to a multi-year deal.

Williams (two years, $6 million) turned out to be an invaluable addition, leading the team in rushing yards and the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2022. But the Lions signed him (and paid him) not to be a star but to play as a complement to D’Andre Swift and because he fit the vision they had for their locker room.

Last year, the Lions followed a similar plan, re-signing some of their own free agents, patchworking holes on their roster with veterans on one-year deals and relying on young players to form the nucleus of their team.

Badly in need of receiving help, they pulled back from an exploding market and signed D.J. Chark to a one-year, $10 million deal.

Chark and Williams are the Lions’ most prominent unrestricted free agents this spring, and if history holds the franchise will be aggressive in trying to re-sign both.




In the past two years, the Lions have re-signed most of their top free agents, including Okwara, Charles Harris, Tracy Walker and Alex Anzalone.

Anzalone, who joined the Lions as a free agent in 2021 on a one-year deal then re-signed for one year last spring, is the Lions’ top unrestricted free agent on defense. Guard/center Evan Brown is the Lions’ third offensive starter on an expiring deal, and his future could be tied to what the Lions do with Vaitai.

“Really (our goal in free agency is) just not to take a step back, just making sure that we’re taking a step forward,” Holmes said. “That’s really the biggest one.”

There is danger in doing too little in free agency, and being complacent in a constantly changing league.





In 2012, with the Lions coming off their first playoff berth in more than a decade, the team mostly sat out free agency and took a large step back, to 4-12, that fall.

The Lions were tight against the cap that year and counting on the development of young players that never materialized. Nick Fairley, their first pick in 2011, was effective only when he wanted to be. Titus Young, their second-rounder, had mental health issues that derailed his career. Mikel Leshoure, another second-rounder, never recovered from a torn Achilles tendon. And the team’s 2012 draft class provided minimal help on the field.

This year, the Lions are flush with assets, including two first-round draft picks and five of the first 81 picks overall. Three rookies started and five played key roles on defense last season, and a sixth — Jameson Williams — is ticketed for major minutes on offense after missing most of 2022 while recovering from a knee injury.




The Lions do have some contractual obligations to plan for in the future, with Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and perhaps Jonah Jackson closing in on new deals. But NFL observers do not expect them to horde their cash this offseason, not with the holes they have on the defensive side of the ball.

The Lions are expected to be in the cornerback market, where they need one or two starters, and depending on what they spend there — and what they do with their own free agents — they could add an interior pass rusher for their defensive line. If Anzalone, Williams or Chark leave in free agency, they will need to be replaced. And Holmes has made it clear he wants to upgrade the backup quarterback spot.

However they proceed, Holmes said the Lions will do it in a measured way, careful to continue adding the right pieces to their team with a focus on keeping their own free agents around.

“I think we’re headed in the right direction, so again, this is going to be a big offseason,” Holmes said. “Never like to put too much pressure on myself, but I think we just remain confident in our process, which we’ve done and which has worked so far and, yeah, just make sure that we’re still keeping that momentum going, which I feel very confident that we will be doing.”


Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

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From today's Athletic. 1st of 2 parts.

The Lions’ biggest roster needs and the free agents who could fill the holes

By Colton Pouncy
Mar 12, 2023

NFL free agency kicks off on Monday, and the Lions expect to be smart, but active. Detroit’s brass spoke in Indianapolis about wanting to get better, continuing to push forward in a year when they expect to compete for a division title. That process includes bringing back some of their own, while upgrading elsewhere.

General manager Brad Holmes has stated his desire to use team resources to improve a defense that ranked 32nd in yards allowed. The Lions could use help just about everywhere on that side of the ball, so it’ll be fascinating to see what they prioritize during this period. What Detroit does in free agency should give us a better idea of how it might approach the draft, and some prospects the team might look to target. Depending on how aggressive the Lions are, it could also tell us a bit about their vision for the 2023 season and where this team could go.

Here’s a look at some of the Lions’ biggest needs, and where they might turn to fill them.




Linebacker

This feels like an obvious place to start, for a few reasons. This is a deep free-agent linebacker class. The Athletic’s top 150 includes nine in the top 50 and 21 overall. You never want to spend big money on a linebacker, considering it’s not a value position. The fact that there are so many quality ones in a year when the Lions could look to upgrade means the team could get a bargain on one.

Of course, Alex Anzalone turned in a career season and is a free agent himself. But his play still left a lot to be desired. Detroit could look to draft a linebacker, as there are some intriguing options on Day 2 and 3. However, after drafting Malcolm Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes in previous years, maybe it’s time for a veteran who has been around the block to step in rather than waiting for another young linebacker to develop.

The big names are Tremaine Edmunds of the Bills and Lavonte David of the Buccaneers. David is one of the best linebackers in football. Even at age 33, he’s still getting it done — recording 124 tackles and playing 96 percent of snaps last season. Edmunds, 24, is younger. He’s also the more expensive option, coming off a year in which he recorded 102 tackles and the highest PFF coverage grade (90.0) by a linebacker. The two-time Pro Bowler is due for a raise, but the Lions could probably find good production at a fraction of the cost.

Bobby Wagner would be a tremendous fit as a veteran who still can produce at a high level and might not cost a lot. He’s viewed as an excellent locker-room presence and was a second-team All-Pro last year with the Rams. But would the Lions be an option? He could be looking to play for a contender, and while Detroit is headed in the right direction, Wagner might want to join a team that’s closer on paper. The Vikings released Eric Kendricks, who’s been a productive player throughout his career. Germaine Pratt of the Bengals is an intriguing option and strong in coverage, though his outburst after the AFC Championship Game makes you wonder if he’d fit in Detroit. Other players who’ve caught my eye are Alex Singleton of the Broncos and Azeez Al-Shaair of the 49ers. There are so many ways to go here.


Cornerback

If we’re ranking positions of need, cornerback is at the top of the list. The Lions have two cornerbacks with meaningful snaps under contract: Jeff Okudah and Jerry Jacobs. That’s concerning. This position could use both talent and depth, and the Lions should be looking at free agency and the draft to address it.

Most mock drafts have the Lions adding secondary help next month, which makes sense. It’s a deep corner class and the Lions will have options there across the board. That also makes the idea of targeting a high-end free agent like Jamel Dean or James Bradberry unlikely. But there are some veterans who won’t break the bank who could be had.

Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton allowed just 411 receiving yards in 2022, the ninth-fewest among corners with at least 400 snaps. The Raiders’ Rock Ya-Sin can be a solid No. 2 corner when healthy. Per PFF, Ya-Sin’s 74.4 coverage grade over the last two seasons when lined up out wide ranks 27th and his 70.9 coverage grade in press-coverage looks ranks 23rd. Another option could be Emmanuel Moseley of the 49ers, who was having a solid year before suffering a torn ACL. That could work in Detroit’s favor if he can be had at a discount. He was the 30th-best cornerback before his injury, per PFF. He should still have a market as a young player, at only 26 years old.

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Defensive tackle

Defensive tackle is among the biggest needs for the Lions. Michael Brockers was ineffective and was benched for 11 of Detroit’s final 12 games before the team released him this offseason. Alim McNeill and Isaiah Buggs did what was asked of them as Detroit adjusted on the fly, but the absence of second-year DT Levi Onwuzurike loomed large throughout the season. He was drafted two years ago to be the disruptive force at defensive tackle — the three-technique who blows up everything, allowing others to clean things up around him. That hasn’t been the case. A back injury wiped out his 2022 season and continues to be a source of concern this offseason. It’s unclear when he’ll be ready to go.


For those reasons and more, the defensive tackle position has been an oft-discussed need. There are Day 1 and 2 options Detroit could look to add via the draft, but free agency is another route.

First things first: The Lions should look to bring back Buggs, a free agent, as depth. He’s better suited in a reserve role but can still add value for this team. He’s already expressed a desire to return, so he could be an inexpensive signing. The more expensive options at DT are Javon Hargrave of the Eagles and Dre’Mont Jones of the Broncos. Hargrave could return to the Eagles, and Jones graded out poorly against the run last season.

If Detroit wants to make a splash, how about Zach Allen from the Cardinals? Drafted as an edge, the 2019 third-round pick played along the interior more this past season and his productivity increased. He’s only 25 years old and it feels like his arrow is pointing upward. If not Allen, perhaps the Lions might take a look at Vikings DT Dalvin Tomlinson. He’s excellent against the run, can be had for much less than the top names and McNeill is versatile enough to play with anyone.


Backup QB

The backup QB spot was a bit of an adventure last season, at least early on. The Lions watched a competition between David Blough and Tim Boyle unfold throughout training camp and the preseason, only to cut both before Week 1. Holmes then added former 49ers QB Nate Sudfeld to serve as Jared Goff’s backup. Sudfeld is now a free agent after only seeing mop-up action.

“I feel like last year, we kind of left training camp kind of sliding into home plate trying to fill that backup quarterback role,” Holmes said at the combine. “And that’s on me. I gotta do a better job of making sure that we’re not in that position again. So that is something that we’re gonna need to address, whether it’s here in free agency or upcoming in the draft.”

What happened last season was not ideal, but the Lions were able to get away with it in a year when expectations were low and Goff managed to stay healthy. Now that expectations are higher, upgrading behind Goff should be a priority. Everyone saw what happened to the 49ers. While that’s not the norm, it can serve as a cautionary tale of what happens if injuries hit the QB position.

Should Detroit opt to address this in free agency, it’ll have options. Jacoby Brissett or Andy Dalton feel like better fits as bridge starters on rebuilding teams drafting QBs in the top 10, but what about Mike White? He’s a free agent and performed well at times last season starting for the Jets. He wouldn’t rock the boat and has enough experience to feel comfortable filling in for Goff. The same with Washington’s Taylor Heinicke.


Kicker

Michigan’s Jake Moody has been linked to the Lions by local fans who watched the All-American develop into one of the best kickers in college football. Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp told reporters at the combine that there are usually two draftable kickers in a given year. Moody certainly feels like one of them.

At the same time, Fipp also mentioned how hit-or-miss the position is. And he’s not wrong. Over the last 10 years, 17 kickers have been drafted. Ten were gone after a year. After seeing Holmes add value in the sixth round a year ago with James Houston and Rodriguez, perhaps they’re better off signing a reliable veteran like Matt Gay or Robbie Gould and using a late-round pick on a non-specialist.

We’ll find out soon enough.



Colton Pouncy is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Detroit Lions. He previously covered Michigan State football and basketball for the company, and covered sports for The Tennessean in Nashville prior to joining The Athletic. Follow Colton on Twitter @colton_pouncy

[jaadam4]

It’s crazy to think that we had an offense as good as they were last year and we’re adding arguably the best WR from last years draft class to training camp. Williams is awesome

[Futureshock]

Another late posting. Sorry about that. Posting this into 2 parts.

Detroit Lions 2023 free agency preview: Tough decisions loom in addressing defense

Justin Rogers

The Detroit News




Defensive tackle

▶ Under contract: Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, Benito Jones, Demetrius Taylor

▶ Lions free agents: Isaiah Buggs

▶ Best available: Javon Hargrave, Dalvin Tomlinson, David Onyemata, Zach Allen


Detroit got improved play from the interior last season, with McNeill nearly tripling his pressure total and Buggs chipping in another 20 hits and hurries, but there's arguably not a defensive position in greater need of an impact player.


One possibility, Washington's Daron Payne, received the franchise tag prior to hitting the market. Meanwhile, Hargrave, who turned 30 last month, carries less appeal because of his age, but there's no denying his ability to disrupt. He's tallied more than 60 pressures each of the past two seasons, including a combined 18.5 sacks.


Of course, that kind of resume carries a hefty price tag. Estimates for Hargrave's next contract range between $17-20 million per season. That type of offer would seem to run counter to the way general manager Brad Holmes has preferred to construct the roster.

Someone like Onyemata likely would cost half as much. The longtime Saints defender, who overlapped with Lions coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn in New Orleans, has averaged 37 pressures and more than four sacks the past five seasons.

Beyond any potential outside pursuits, Buggs seems likely to be back. He proved to be a workhorse after signing days before training camp, and both sides seemed happy with the results of the late pairing.


continued..

IMPACT player needed. Not a JAG

[ghandi]

IMPACT player needed. Not a JAG

Thats why if Jalen Carter is there at 6, it will be hard to say no, even with his issues.....Its a hard position to find guys that can occupy a double team and still put pressure on the QB.....

[jaadam4]

Thats why if Jalen Carter is there at 6, it will be hard to say no, even with his issues.....Its a hard position to find guys that can occupy a double team and still put pressure on the QB.....

Sounds exactly like what I said when we drafted Nick Fairly

[Mainevent]

Lions resign Isaiah Buggs - 2 year deal worth up to $6M per the initial report.

[whatever_gong82]

Here's more info on Buggs:

Detroit Lions sign DL Isaiah Buggs to new 2-year, $6 million contract in NFL free agency

Dave Birkett

Detroit Free Press

The Detroit Lions signed defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs to a two-year, $6 million contract Monday, a few hours before the NFL free agency negotiating period began.

Buggs, who started 13 games and had a career-high 46 tackles for the Lions last season, received $2.1 million fully guaranteed at signing.

His deal includes $1.5 million incentives.

A sixth-round pick in 2019 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Buggs signed with the Lions last summer and was a key player on their defensive line.


With Buggs under contract, the Lions have 15 players scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency at 4 p.m. Wednesday. The free agent negotiating period begins at noon.

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

[ghandi]

Sounds exactly like what I said when we drafted Nick Fairly

I think alot of people were surprised when Fairley didnt turn out better...He had alot of good tape too....Jalen Carter might be the next Reggie White, or he may be the next Nick Fairley......Thats what makes this stuff so difficult.

[kdk2002]

Lions resign Isaiah Buggs - 2 year deal worth up to $6M per the initial report.

Good news! Now I hope they bring back Cominsky and Jamaal Williams.