Lions News

[froot loops]

Iron Lion is fighting the good fight, being a pretend copy editor for some poor schlep making 15 bucks an hour interning for a website. Well done!

[Sanders Fan]

I think his muscles are getting pulled to one side and rubbing up against the defensive player’s arm. It makes it look odd from that angle.

[edindetroit]

I think his shin pad got twisted around.

[jaadam4]

I think LaPorta is just a beast and he's allowing the defender to touch greatness.

[froot loops]

Not much of a financial investment, let's hope he can do something this year

[jaadam4]

Probably just the start of a long line of “rumors“ concerning FA but according to ESPN the Lions are interested in Christian Wilkins. With the kind of money Chris Jones just signed for and McNeil up for a contract next year I’m not sure that would work. That would be a ton of cash at the DT position.

[Cody_Russell]

Gonz and I loved Christian Wilkins as a draft prospect. Interior or exterior… Lions need guys that can help Hutch with pass rush.

PFF’s seventh-ranked free agent, as the best available interior defender. Wilkins finished 2023 with the ninth-most pressures and fifth-most sacks at the position last season

Doubt that several teams pay two DTs considerable money. Adding Wilkins would likely mean that McNeill isn’t here long term in this scenario. Though it would be a mighty DT combo next season!

About 17 hours until free agency starts!

[El Axe]

Kinda fun play on the oscars by the Lions media team

[Iron Lion]

Is it just me, or is LaPorta's lower left leg in that picture doing something that it's not supposed to do?

You mean Brock Wright's leg. And yes I agree.

[whatever_gong82]

Paywall article the other day from the News.

Detroit Lions 2024 free agency preview: Offense

Justin Rogers
The Detroit News




This is the first in a two-part series assessing the Detroit Lions' position-by-position situation heading into free agency. Today, we'll look at the offense. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents on March 11. The signing period opens March 13 at 4 p.m.

Quarterback

▶ Under contract: Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker

▶ Lions free agents: Teddy Bridgewater, Nate Sudfeld

▶ Best available: Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, Gardner Minshew, Ryan Tannehill, Jameis Winston


After working through a revolving door of backup QBs under current leadership, it appears the Lions finally have a stable solution in place with the selection of Hooker in the third round of last year's draft.

Hooker's Heisman campaign in 2022 was derailed when he tore his ACL. There was already some concern about his age, but there's almost no way he would have been available to the Lions that late in the draft had he been healthy.


With a starter and a likely backup established, the Lions could still use a third-stringer for the offseason program and beyond, especially after the re-introduction of the emergency quarterback rule last year. And while it may seem logical to simply add another late-round rookie to the mix, that doesn't necessarily benefit Goff. The greatest value a third-string quarterback can provide is the contribution to game preparation each week. From that perspective, a veteran set of eyes brings more to a roster than another developmental project.

From a cost standpoint, the Lions won't be looking to spend much beyond the minimum. That rules out almost everyone with recent starting experience, including the likes of Tyrod Taylor and Mason Rudolph. You have to think deeper down the list of options, someone like Brandon Allen, Trevor Siemian or even bringing back Sudfeld, who carries the added benefit of knowing the scheme.


Running back


▶ Under contract: David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jermar Jefferson, Zonovan Knight, Jake Funk

▶ Lions free agents: Craig Reynolds, Jason Cabinda, Mohamed Ibrahim

▶ Best available: Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, Tony Pollard, Austin Ekeler


The top of Detroit's depth chart is in a good place with the Montgomery/Gibbs tandem. The veteran and rookie operated as envisioned during their first year in Detroit, combining for 2,383 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2023. When healthy, that's more than enough, but there's still a need for a third back who provides insurance and special-teams contributions.

That role was filled by Reynolds last season and could easily be again in 2024. He wasn't called upon often, but he managed to average a respectable 4.4 yards on 41 carries in spot duty, while logging more than 200 special-teams snaps.


There aren't a ton of obvious veterans meriting consideration, but a couple of former Lions are near the top of the list. Ameer Abdullah led all running backs in special-teams tackles last season and offers a dual-threat skill set as a third back, while Godwin Igwebuike brings kickoff-return abilities to the table. A couple of others who fit that mold are Boston Scott and Royce Freeman.

And even though it's become an increasingly challenging roster spot to justify, it's not out of the question the Lions pursue a traditional fullback. Admittedly, it's difficult to see the team fully severing ties with Jason Cabinda, given the thin market, but a veteran like Keith Smith brings similar special-teams versatility to the table. He finished with seven coverage stops in 2023, the most for any fullback.


Wide receiver


▶ Under contract: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, Antoine Green, Tre'Quan Smith, Maurice Alexander, Daurice Fountain, Tom Kennedy

▶ Lions free agents: Josh Reynolds, Donovan Peoples-Jones,

▶ Best available: Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman Jr., Calvin Ridley, Marquise Brown, Gabe Davis


Everything is a little bit easier when you have an All-Pro heading the corps. After racking up 225 receptions the past two seasons, it's expected the Lions will work toward a long-term extension with St. Brown this offseason as he prepares to enter the final year of his rookie contract.


He's supplemented by former first-round speedster Jameson Williams, who appeared to be rounding the corner of reliability at the end of last season, and the quietly steady Kalif Raymond. Still, with the team's bigger-framed options, Reynolds and Peoples-Jones, heading toward free agency, the team has work to do.

Receiver has become such a high-cost position, and with St. Brown tracking toward a deal that will pay him in the ballpark of $25 million per season, the Lions won't also be in play to add a top free agent. Bringing back Reynolds has always felt like the easiest choice. After averaging 544 yards and four touchdowns the past two seasons, he's due a modest raise, but shouldn't command much more than $5 million per season.



Peoples-Jones, a trade-deadline addition who played sparingly in his half-season with the Lions, offers some of the same inside-out versatility as Reynolds. The former Michigan standout should be a cheaper alternative coming off a down year, if the team aims to save money to spend elsewhere.

Looking outside of re-signing their own, the idea of adding St. Brown's older brother, Equanimeous, is intriguing. At 6-foot-5, he offers the size the Lions lack and can meet the team's blocking requirements for the position. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine also offers something in the vertical pass game, paired with a willingness to block.


Tight end


▶ Under contract: Sam LaPorta, James Mitchell, Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra

▶ Lions free agents: Anthony Firkser, Zach Ertz

▶ Best available: Dalton Schultz, Hunter Henry, Noah Fant, Gerald Everett, Noah Fant



The Lions found a ready-made star when they drafted LaPorta out of Iowa last season. He broke the NFL record for receptions by a rookie tight end, while resetting the franchise's bar for catches, yards and touchdowns at the position.



But even with LaPorta proving capable of playing all three downs, and having the stamina to be on the field for more than 80% of offensive snaps each week, the team's scheme calls for plenty of playing time for a second tight end.

Wright primarily filled that role in 2023, prior to a season-ending arm injury. Analytics sites such as Pro Football Focus have never thought as highly of his play — particularly his blocking — as the team has, so it's not surprising to learn the Lions are reportedly tendering him as a restricted free agent, locking him in for next season.



Additionally, Mitchell should be ready to take the next step in his third year, after logging just 13 catches (on 13 targets) in his first two seasons. That means the Lions are likely set at the position, but if anything, adding a more established run-blocker could be considered.

At the high end of the market is Seattle's Colby Parkinson, but it'd make zero sense for the Lions to explore options in that price range, especially with their comfort level using an extra offensive lineman to fill the role in short-yardage situations. In terms of a budget-friendly option, San Francisco's Charlie Woerner stands out. He's comfortable playing second or third fiddle to an elite receiving tight end, while providing high-level execution of his run-blocking assignments. He has also averaged more than 300 special-teams snaps in his four seasons as a pro.



Offensive line


▶ Under contract: Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, Penei Sewell, Colby Sorsdal, Netane Muti, Connor Galvin, Matt Farniok, Michael Niese

▶ Lions free agents: Jonah Jackson, Graham Glasgow, Kayode Awosika, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Dan Skipper, Matt Nelson, Michael Schofield

▶ Best available: Tyron Smith, Trent Brown, Mike Onwenu, Robert Hunt, Kevin Dotson, Kevin Zeitler, Connor Williams


Detroit's offensive line was one of the league's best in 2023, but they have work to do to maintain that status quo.

There are multiple areas of concern the team will need to address this offseason, whether through free agency, the draft or even waivers. First and foremost, the Lions have to figure out their starting guard situation. Jackson and Glasgow, who held those positions last year, are both set to be free agents. The prudent thing for continuity would be re-signing at least one of them.



Glasgow, who is nearly five years older, will undoubtedly come cheaper. Jackson could push for double-digit millions per season on the open market, and the only reason that's in question is because he's battled a string of injuries in the past two seasons. Glasgow, meanwhile, should cost closer to $6-7 million per year on a shorter-term contract. The added benefit he brings is an ability to back up Ragnow at center. That's become more of a necessity as the Pro Bowler's injuries have racked up over the past couple of years.

The Lions do have a young guard on the roster in Sorsdal, but after getting a taste of action as a rookie in 2023, it's clear he'd need to make a significant developmental jump in his second season to be viewed as a reliable starting option. Muti, who was signed to a reserve/futures contract in February, is also interesting. He was a nasty run-blocker coming out of college a few years back, but durability issues have plagued him for several years.



The guard market is actually reasonably deep, which could depress Jackson's price tag, or open the door to a cheaper replacement. One option we like is Dalton Risner, who at the very least will provide reliable pass protection, based on his first five seasons.

Whatever the Lions do in free agency, we should anticipate them adding offensive line depth in the early rounds of the draft. General manager Brad Holmes understands keeping a roster strength a strength requires a continual investment of resources.



Beyond the team's interior line needs, both at guard and a backup center behind Ragnow, the Lions are in the market for a backup offensive tackle. Decker is reasonably durable and a reliable performer on the field, while Sewell has emerged as one of the league's finest at the position. Still, there's no experience under contract behind them.

The cheap and simple option is re-signing either Nelson or Skipper, who each have starting experience. Otherwise, the draft makes more sense than free agency when hunting for a solution at this spot.



jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers

[whatever_gong82]

Paywall article from the News.

Detroit Lions 2024 free agency preview: 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. Today, we'll look at the defense. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents on March 11. The signing period opens March 13 at 4 p.m.


Edge defender


▶ Under contract: Aidan Hutchinson, Josh Paschal, John Cominsky, James Houston, Mathieu Betts, Mitchell Agude

▶ Lions free agents: Charles Harris, Romeo Okwara

▶ Best available: Josh Allen (franchised), Brian Burns (franchised), Danielle Hunter, Chase Young, Bryce Huff, Jadeveon Clowney


Hutchinson, the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft, is the team's best defensive player, and is on the fringes of being considered among the league's elite edge rushers. After finishing second in quarterback hurries and first in hits, the remaining step required to breach the upper echelon is translating more of those pressures into sacks. His 11.5 in 2023 marked improvement from his rookie year, but ranked 12th overall, well shy of T.J. Watt's 19.0 that paced the league.


Production opposite Hutchinson has been Detroit's bigger concern. Former team sack leaders Harris and Okwara proved unable to recapture their peak performances post-injury, while the inside-out play of Paschal and Cominsky provided modest returns, particularly when rushing from the edges. Finally, Houston's ability to replicate his impressive rookie year was left to the imagination, after a broken ankle robbed him of the final 15 games of his sophomore campaign.

Betts, the reigning CFL defensive player of the year, after racking up 18.0 sacks in 2023, is an intriguing addition. Still, it's a stretch to bank on that breakout performance porting. Regardless, he'll be one to monitor closely throughout the offseason program.


Finding more help in free agency will be a challenge, unless the Lions want to open the vault. The best options are getting the franchise tag, while the next tier, available to the highest bidder, will likely see contracts averaging around $20 million per season. There is some intriguing upside in guys like Huff or Houston's Jonathan Greenard, but they'll still run teams well north of double-digit millions annually.

Alternatively, there are veteran stopgaps. Far from cheap, but can get you through a year or two as a rotational piece while you develop your own. That's where Leonard Floyd or Za'Darius Smith enters the conversation.


Defensive tackle


▶ Under contract: Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, Brodric Martin, Chris Smith

▶ Lions free agents: Benito Jones, Tyson Alualu

▶ Best available: Chris Jones, Justin Madubuike (franchised), Christian Wilkins, DJ Reader, Leonard Williams


McNeill's breakout, after dropping close to 30 pounds last offseason, was a pleasant surprise. He saw his pressure rate spike, resulting in a career-best 5.0 sacks. Equally important to the pass-rush production was his improved consistency as a run defender.


In addition to whatever aspirations the Lions have to bolster their defensive interior through free agency or the draft, getting an extension down with McNeill, prior to entering the final year of his rookie contract, should be a priority.

Beyond McNeill, the Lions have a decision to make with Benito Jones. The nose tackle, claimed off waivers ahead of the 2022 season, gave the Lions more than 500 defensive snaps in a starting role last season and was a key cog in the league's No. 2 run defense. Some of the thought process could hinge on how the team feels about Martin's development. A third-round pick a year ago, he spent most of his rookie season as a healthy scratch while acclimating to this level.



The market for interior linemen is top-heavy, led by Chris Jones, arguably the top player available, followed by Madubuike and Wilkins, two Pro Bowl-caliber talents. But like the top edge rushers, they're looking at a price tag starting higher than $20 million, with Jones likely to cost closer to $30 million per season.

Reader would be in that group as well, if not for durability concerns. He's missed 23 games the past four years and will be coming off a torn quad. When healthy, he's dominant, so there's value in rolling the dice, especially if his injury history anchors the contract demands slightly.



Outside of those all-around performers, it's about the skill set your team values. If you want a run-stuffer, Grover Stewart has shown a knack for handling the dirty work inside for years. Alternatively, the Lions could consider a reunion with A'Shawn Robinson, who GM Brad Holmes knows from their overlap in Los Angeles.

In terms of second-tier pass-rush from the inside, Sheldon Rankins won't break the bank. The longtime Saints defender tallied 6.0 sacks for the Texans last season.


Linebacker


▶ Under contract: Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin

▶ Lions free agents: Anthony Pittman

▶ Best available: Lavonte David, Frankie Luvu, Patrick Queen, Jordan Brooks, Eric Kendricks, Bobby Wagner, Devin White


The Lions enter free agency with impressive stability at linebacker, returning the top-five defensive snap counts from last year's corps. Anzalone, Campbell and Barnes figure to shoulder the workload once again in 2024, with Reeves-Maybin and Rodriguez providing depth and reliable special-teams contributions.



It wouldn't be surprising to see the team try to bring back Pittman, as well, keeping position coach Kelvin Sheppard's band together. Pittman finished second on the team to Reeves-Maybin in special-teams snaps and likely wouldn't command more than the veteran minimum.

Outside of maybe adding another special-teams piece, or an alternative in that phase to Pittman, it would be unexpected to see the Lions sign a linebacker, especially with more playing time and production expected out of Campbell in his second season.


Cornerback

▶ Under contract: Cam Sutton, Brian Branch, Emmanuel Moseley, Steven Gilmore, Craig James

▶ Lions free agents: Jerry Jacobs, Kindle Vildor, Will Harris, Khalil Dorsey, Chase Lucas

▶ Best available: L'Jarius Sneed (franchised), Chidobe Awuzie, Kendall Fuller, Stephon Gilmore, Steven Nelson, Kenny Moore, J.C. Jackson


For the second consecutive offseason, the Lions need a makeover with their cornerback room.



Last year's efforts didn't go as planned. The team took a sizeable swing to land Sutton in free agency, signing the former Steeler to a three-year, $33 million deal. But instead of a stabilizing piece, they got a No. 1 corner who allowed a passer rating of 113.9 when targeted in 2023.

As for Moseley, he took a little longer than expected to recover from a torn ACL, then shredded his other ACL two snaps into his season debut. Still, the team really likes his playing style and off-field approach, so they re-signed him to a second one-year contract this week.



Even with that re-signing, it doesn't change the long-term need for an outside corner. The team could try to find that piece in the draft, but free agency is typically a safer projection, despite Sutton falling short of expectations last season.

At the top end of where the Lions could be looking to spend, Fuller is a strong choice. His steady production in coverage has been on display for years. Plus, he's an outstanding tackler, which makes him a clear fit for what Detroit demands from their cornerbacks. At 29, he shouldn't command a deal longer than three years.


Stephon Gilmore similarly fits that profile, but he's just a bit longer in the tooth, as he approaches his 34th birthday. But in terms of filling a short-term need, he'd unquestionably get the job done. So would Nelson, 31, who has had success as a cover corner on multiple teams, playing multiple schemes.

The quality starts to thin out beyond those veterans, making it difficult to find a starting-caliber corner who best fits on the outside. Moore, for example, is a good player but is primarily a nickel. The Lions don't need help there, with Branch holding down the slot role.


Safety

▶ Under contract: Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Brandon Joseph

▶ Lions free agents: C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Tracy Walker

▶ Best available: Antoine Winfield Jr. (franchised), Jamal Adams, Justin Simmons, Kyle Dugger (franchised), Kamren Curl, Xavier McKinney, Geno Stone, Quandre Diggs


Detroit's safety situation is more stable than at cornerback, but there are still concerns with the team's immediate depth, as well as its long-term plan at the position.



With that depth, Detroit doesn't have any beyond Brandon Joseph, a second-year player who spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad. He checks a lot of boxes with his size, intelligence and instincts, but is hindered by relatively moderate athleticism for the position.

Safety depth is critically important for Detroit. Melifonwu was an electric addition to the starting lineup down the stretch last season, but it would be a risk to bank on his durability after three years of issues. And Joseph battled through a hip injury much of last year, which required offseason surgery.



The longer view is Melifonwu will be a free agent next season. Maybe he showed enough in his expanded audition to explore an early extension, but that's admittedly hypothetical at this point.

The Lions could always try to bring Gardner-Johnson back after a torn pectoral muscle sidelined him most of last year, but he made it reasonably clear, following his late-season return, he wasn't keen on being part of a rotation. That's a sentiment likely shared by many of the top options set to hit the market. You have to go pretty far down the list to find a player not expecting a full-time starting role.



Maybe that's Jeremy Chinn, a former second-round pick who shares Melifonwu's tremendous size, rare athleticism and schematic versatility. Another big-bodied, athletic option coming off a year not starting is Terrell Edmunds, who above all else, is a tremendous tackler.

While it's a stretch to call him potentially reliable depth having averaged a little more than 50 defensive snaps the past five seasons, it's compelling to consider bringing back Miles Killebrew, who was a first-team All-Pro special-teamer for Pittsburgh last season. It makes some sense, given the Lions didn't replace special-teams standout C.J. Moore after his gambling-related suspension last year.


jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers

[froot loops]

[chemiclord]

That's a pretty good deal considering how much FA guards are likely to be going for. Better than I expected it would be.

[Cody_Russell]

That signing is a relief. Good for Graham and glad to have him back.

Couple more hours until free agency starts!

[jaadam4]

That's a pretty good deal considering how much FA guards are likely to be going for. Better than I expected it would be.

Absolutely! Considering he can play either guard position and center at a high level is unbelievable. He’s not Rags but he’s not a negative either.

Thats a fantastic deal