Detroit Lions Free Agency:
Wants, Needs, and Dreams
Players that I reckon the Lions should sign in free agency. Simple as.
By Conor O'Connell | 13th of March, 2023
Since Brad Holmes was appointed the GM of the Detroit Lions in 2021, free agency hasn’t been the most exciting time. In the past two years, the Lions' biggest splash signing has been adding DJ Chark on a 1-year prove-it deal for $10m. Not exactly the 2022 Jaguars. When going through a rebuild to the extent the Lions have been going through, adding in free agency isn’t exactly the blueprint to success. It can be fun, but not a great way to build a roster.
However, after two seasons of building a foundation through the draft and finding legitimate starts such as Sewell, Hutchinson and Amon Ra, the Lions can now kick on and look to compete in what is a weak NFC. The Lions look to be in a great position going into the 2023 season and according to sportsbooks are the favourites to win the NFC North. Rounding out their current roster with some big splashes in free agency can actually be a viable strategy now, so March can now be an interesting time for some Lions fans once again.
I understand that the Quinntricia reign was an actual disaster, but that 2019 free agency period sure was a lot of fun, especially as Trey Flowers was gonna turn our defence into the 1985 Chicago Bears.
But as of 2023, our defence is not quite that Bears team, and will be the focus on what I’m getting at with this article, which is to find out how the Lions should tackle this free agency class, and to see who I’d personally like us to sign. Detroit’s defence last year was awful, and even if it improved as the season went on, it was still historically bad in the first half and the primary reason the team didn’t make the playoffs. So the priority in this free agency will be to strengthen all three levels before even thinking about the offence.
Defensive Backs
Cornerback was a major issue for the Lions last year. Now, a major issue what their coaching as it led to Aubrey Pleasant getting sacked halfway through the season. But outside of that, the talent just isn’t great. Okudah is close to being a bust, Oruwariye took a major step back, and we even had Will Harris (a poor safety) having to come in and provide depth. Despite Kerby Joseph having a good rookie year, the Lions need to replace Deshon Elliot, and there will be questions about how Tracey Walker will return considering he’s nearly 30 and coming off an Achilles injury.
Chauncey Gardner Johnson
Safties still remain a bargain in free agency. Especially one that you can pay like one and get him to play slot corner when needed. CGJ is one of the league's best windup merchants when on the field. So why not make him the Lion's windup merchant?
Jessie Bates
The Bengals are reluctant to give him a contract, so perhaps the leagues not willing to play a premium for him. You wonder how he would work with Kerby Joseph who play that similar deep safety role.
Jamaal Dean
Dean has been the best corner to come out of the 2019 draft class despite being a lowly 3rd round pick. He’s a solid player that’s been a valuable part of the Buccs' recent success and would instantly be the Lion's best cornerback.
Defensive Line
Our defensive line came on as the season progressed, but as the Eagles proved on both their superbowl runs that depth on this front is vital. Being able to rotate your d-line to keep them fresh gives them a distinct advantage over an o-line that rarely rotates. The Lions have some good players, but it wouldn’t hurt to keep adding to this position, especially on the interior.
Hargrave
Coming off the best seasons of his career the Lions would be buying him at the top of his market, so he’d be expensive, but he would provide a dominant interior presence that they require on a short-term deal.
Zach Allen
A play that’s constantly improving, however I have a selfish reason for wanting him, and that’s his ridiculous eyes. Not since Chris Hogan has a players eyes stirred so many emotions in me.
Greg Gaines
Being 300lbs+ and being able to rush the quarterback should mean Gaines has plenty of suitors. He will be a cheaper option than some of the others and could be a great piece for the team.
Linebacker
The Lions have two promising young linebackers in Malcolm Rodirguez and Derrick Barnes. What they need though, is an experienced veteran who can be the green dot and call out the plays. This was Alex Anzalone, but we can do better, as beautiful as his hair was.
Lavonte David
One of the most underrated at his position for the past decade and showing no signs of slowing down. His experience will be invaluable for the younger members of the linebacking core.
Bobby Wagner
Same as above but Wagner is a nailed on hall of famer. Had a career resurgence at the Rams and will be looking for one last pay day with, dare I say, a contender.
TJ Edwards
Coverage linebackers are the most valuable that they have ever been, and Drue Tranquill (he spells it 'Drue'?) has been solid against the pass in his career so far. Would be a good under-the-radar pick-up.
Back Up QB
I’m not watching Tim Boyle anymore. I just can’t. While Goff stayed healthy this past year, it was only in the year before that he struggled to say healthy and we paid the price of having poor back ups. And they shouldn’t only be brought in to be backups. Goff isn’t the franchise solution as much as everyone wants him to be, and any QB brought in should expect to push him for the starter spot.
Gardner Minshew
Every teams dream back up QB. Good enough to be a starter but without the ceiling to be a franchise star. Safe with the ball, accurate and good at extending the play. The perfect back up to fire up any team and fanbase in the worst case scenario.
Andy Dalton
A QB who quietly had one of the best seasons of his career last year on the Saints, proving that he can still be a solid option. And tbh, there’s not that much of a difference between him and the current starter in Goff.
Sam Darnold
Darnold is ready to fall into his new role as a career back up. In the past he’s shown to crumble under the responsibility of being a starter, so perhaps being out of the limelight will suit him.
Running Back
Swift is entering the last year of his deal and won’t be resigned while Jamaal Williams will be testing free agency. While it would make sense to invest in this position in the draft (please no Bijan), there’s also plenty of solid options to pick up for cheap in free agency.
Alexander Mattison
Signing a backup running back on a rival NFC North team worked well enough recently, so why not try again? Mattison is an explosive back who doesn’t have the wear and tear of most running backs his age.
Rashaad Penny
An often injured, former first-round bust. Why would I want the Lions to sign him? Well he absolutely eviscerated the Lions in one of his rare healthy games, and when he is fit he looks strikingly similar to Adrian Peterson. I’d take a flier on his talent.
Boston Scott
Huge fan for not a huge man. Though that said he’s over 200lbs at only 5”6. The man is a cannonball and is equally as capable as a receiving back as he is a goal-line back.