4 potential 2021 Free Agents the Lions should be watching during Sunday’s Divisional Playoff games

Identifying four potential 2021 Free Agents the Detroit Lions should be watching during Sunday’s Divisional Playoff games.

The Detroit Lions have hired Brad Holmes as their next general manager, and depending on how today’s games play out, their head coach situation — Dan Campbell is the favorite — could be decided on in the next few days.

As the Lions work towards establishing a new culture and staff, the NFL continues to roll on and Detroit’s scouting department needs to be working today, taking notes on the NFL playoffs.

Sunday’s Divisional Playoff games will feature the Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs (3:05 pm EST on CBS), followed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints (6:40 EST on FOX).

Here are four potential 2021 Free Agents — one from each team — that the Lions should be watching during today’s games.

Browns: Rashard Higgins, WR (6-1, 198)

Higgins is coming off his best year as a pro, often stepping up for the Browns when given the opportunity. With Odell Beckham on injured reserve, Higgins has found himself in the starting lineup, but with Beckham, Jarvis Landry, and rookie Donovan Peoples-Jones under contract next year Higgins may be looking for opportunities elsewhere this offseason.

A deep threat that often finds ways to get open, Higgins (26 years old) is an intriguing option for the Lions. If they get Kenny Golladay under contract and plan on leaning on a rookie or Quintez Cephus — or both — for heavy contributions in 2021, Higgins would offer the Lions a veteran option at an affordable price.

Previously profiled for the Browns: Larry Ogunjobi, DT

Chiefs: Bashaud Breeland, CB (5-11, 195)

As discussed in yesterday’s free agent preview, the Lions could be in the market for a veteran third corner who can spot start on the outside behind Amani Oruwariye and Jeff Okudah, as Demond Trufant and Justin Coleman’s roster status is potentially in jeopardy due to their expensive contracts.

While Breeland would be a less expensive option there is a more inconsistent level of play and some off the field concerns that come with it — he was suspended four games this year after a substance abuse related arrest.

Bucs: Ndamukong Suh, DT (6-4, 313)

Okay, hear me out.

At 34 years old, Suh is not the dominator he once was, but he is still plenty impactful at a position the Lions need help upgrading. The price tag has come way down from his last stint in Detroit, and with ties to the city — he still owns businesses and property in Michigan — he could entertain returning to the team who drafted him.

Previously profiled for Bucs: Shaquil Barrett, EDGE

Saints: Sheldon Rankins, DT (6-2, 305)

The former 12th overall pick in the 2016 draft, Rankins’ career was ascending when a 2019 Achillies injury stole his momentum. While he is still presenting some lingering effects from the injury, he showed he still enough potential to pay attention to — especially in last week’s playoff game against Chicago.

Because of the Achilles injury, Rankins’ comes with some risks, but that will also likely drive his price tag down. Even with the reduced rate, the Saints won’t be in a position to afford him this offseason as they are very much up against the cap.

Previously profiled for the Saints: Marcus Williams, S