The Detroit Lions are entering an important offseason, looking to build on their strong finish to the 2023 season, which saw them finish 9-8 and just miss the playoffs. The team has a solid young core, including quarterback Jared Goff, defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson, and a promising group of young skill players. However, the Lions still have needs to address in order to become a true contender in the NFC.
One of the key ways for the Lions to improve is through NFL free agency. With general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell at the helm, the Lions have been able to strategically add talent through the draft and free agency in recent years. Free agency is a critical tool for filling gaps in the roster, and with the Lions sitting in a favorable position with salary cap space, they are well-positioned to make some impactful signings.
In this prediction, we will take a look at the Lions’ potential needs in free agency and predict which players the team could target to address those needs. We will also analyze the fit of each potential acquisition and explain why it could make sense for the Lions to pursue these players.
Key Areas of Need
Before diving into predictions, let’s outline some of the key areas where the Lions could look to add talent during free agency.
- Defensive Line The Lions’ defense showed considerable improvement in 2023 but still needs work, especially along the defensive line. Despite the presence of Aidan Hutchinson, who had a fantastic rookie campaign, the Lions were inconsistent in generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks and stopping the run. They could use a veteran pass rusher to pair with Hutchinson and add depth to the defensive line.
- Cornerback The Lions had one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL in 2023, which was a major issue in their near-miss playoff bid. They need help at cornerback, where they have a couple of promising young players but no clear No. 1 option. Adding a veteran cornerback would help solidify the secondary and provide some stability in coverage.
- Wide Receiver While the Lions have one of the more dynamic wide receiver corps in the league with players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, the team could still use another veteran presence at the position. A reliable No. 2 receiver could help open up the offense and give Goff another weapon to utilize.
- Linebacker The Lions’ linebacking corps is an area of concern, particularly in coverage. The team lacks a true, three-down linebacker who can cover tight ends, running backs, and drop into zone coverage. Adding a veteran linebacker who can contribute both against the run and in pass coverage would be a major upgrade.
- Offensive Line Depth The Lions have one of the best offensive lines in football, but depth remains a concern. Injuries happen, and having reliable backups is important to maintaining success in the trenches. Adding depth at offensive tackle or guard could be a smart move for the Lions in free agency.
Potential Free-Agent Targets
Now that we have a good understanding of the Lions’ needs, let’s explore some potential free-agent targets that could fit those needs. These predictions take into account the team’s salary cap situation, their needs, and the possible value these players could bring.
1. Marcus Davenport (Edge Rusher)
The Lions need to find another pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, and Marcus Davenport could be the perfect fit. A former first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints, Davenport has shown flashes of brilliance during his career. Although he’s had injury concerns, when healthy, Davenport has the potential to be a dynamic pass rusher with his combination of size, strength, and quickness.
Davenport is coming off a somewhat disappointing 2023 season, but he still has plenty of upside, and the Lions could sign him to a relatively affordable one- or two-year deal with the hope that he can reach his potential. Adding Davenport to the Lions’ defensive line would give the team another disruptive force to complement Hutchinson and help improve the pass rush.
2. James Bradberry (Cornerback)
The Lions have struggled in the secondary for the past few seasons, and adding a veteran cornerback like James Bradberry could help stabilize their defense. Bradberry is a two-time Pro Bowler and has been a key part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense. He’s a tall, physical corner who excels in both man and zone coverage, making him an ideal fit for the Lions.
Bradberry would immediately upgrade the Lions’ cornerback room and provide leadership on the back end of the defense. His ability to shut down No. 1 wide receivers would allow the Lions to move some of their younger corners into more favorable matchups. The Lions will likely have to pay top dollar to land Bradberry, but his presence would go a long way toward improving their defense.
3. Juju Smith-Schuster (Wide Receiver)
While the Lions have a solid receiving corps, they could use a reliable veteran to pair alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and help Jared Goff take the next step. Juju Smith-Schuster, who won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023, is a reliable possession receiver who can create mismatches with his size and route-running ability.
Smith-Schuster’s experience as a No. 2 receiver and his ability to play in both the slot and on the outside would give the Lions much-needed depth at the position. His chemistry with Goff could also quickly develop into a productive partnership. Smith-Schuster wouldn’t necessarily command No. 1 receiver money, making him a value signing for a Lions team with cap space to work with.
4. Bobby Wagner (Linebacker)
Bobby Wagner is a future Hall of Famer and one of the best linebackers of his generation. Although he’s no longer in his prime, Wagner still plays at a very high level and would be an immediate upgrade to the Lions’ linebacking corps. Wagner is a three-down linebacker with excellent instincts, coverage skills, and leadership ability.
The Lions have a young defense and adding a veteran like Wagner would provide a stabilizing force in the middle of the field. He would help shore up the Lions’ run defense while also contributing in pass coverage. Wagner might be looking for a Super Bowl contender, but if the Lions offer him a solid contract, he could be a great fit.
5. Ben Powers (Offensive Guard)
While the Lions have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, depth is a concern, and Ben Powers could be an excellent addition. Powers is a versatile interior offensive lineman who played a key role in the success of the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive line. His ability to both pass protect and open up lanes in the running game would make him a strong addition to the Lions’ already elite unit.
Powers would provide valuable depth and versatility at guard and could even start if necessary. Adding him to the mix would help keep the offensive line fresh throughout the season, ensuring that the Lions have a top-tier offensive front for years to come.
6. David Montgomery (Running Back)
The Lions already have a strong running back duo with D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams, but there’s a possibility they could add another running back in free agency to further strengthen the offense. David Montgomery is a tough, physical back who excels at moving the chains and getting tough yards in short-yardage situations.
Montgomery has been a steady performer for the Chicago Bears, and he would complement Swift’s explosiveness perfectly. He could come in and immediately contribute as a No. 2 running back, providing the Lions with a reliable, hard-nosed presence in the backfield. This would also allow the Lions to rotate their running backs and keep them fresh throughout the season.
7. Javon Hargrave (Defensive Tackle)
The defensive tackle position is one area where the Lions could use an upgrade, and Javon Hargrave would be a major addition. Hargrave is a disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line, capable of both stopping the run and generating pressure on the quarterback. He’s been a key player for the Philadelphia Eagles, and his presence would immediately bolster the Lions’ defensive front.
Pairing Hargrave with Hutchinson would give the Lions a formidable pass rush and allow them to collapse the pocket from the interior. Hargrave is likely to command a high salary, but his impact would be felt immediately, and he could be the final piece the Lions need to solidify their defense.
The Detroit Lions are in a strong position to make significant moves in free agency this offseason. With plenty of salary cap space and a roster in need of just a few key additions, the Lions can address several critical areas. Signing a veteran pass rusher like Marcus Davenport, a shutdown corner like James Bradberry, and a reliable receiver like Juju Smith-Schuster could instantly elevate the team’s chances of competing for a playoff spot in 2024.
If the Lions are able to land some of these free agents, they would have a much stronger roster and be poised to make a deeper playoff run. With Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell at the helm, the team has been building in the right direction, and free agency will be an important piece of that puzzle. While the Lions may not need to make major splashes, adding a few key veterans in free agency could be the difference between a playoff berth and a championship run.
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