The Detroit Lions have been very active so far in free agency but they still have a few more holes on their roster where they should consider adding talent.
The Detroit Lions have been very active so far in free agency but they still have a few more holes on their roster where they should consider adding talent.
Not all the Lions’ free-agent contracts have been reported, but based on our best guess, they have around $12 million in available salary-cap space that they can still spend in free agency. So with that in mind, here a list of remaining free agents they should consider.
1. Kamalei Correa, JACK LB
Correa is everything the Lions are looking for in a JACK linebacker. Comfortable pass-rushing, stopping the run, and dropping into coverage, Correa fits the mold of the hybrid linebacker the Lions have slowly been moving towards over the past two offseasons. As a career rotational player, Correa shouldn’t command a hefty payday, but his experience working with new Lions’ linebacker coach Tyrone McKenzie, could be enough to entice him to sign on with the Lions.
2. Daryl Williams, T/G
I had Greg Van Roten pegged here, but he signed with the Jets last night, so I shifted gears to his teammate in 2019, Daryl Williams. Williams is capable of playing both tackle and guard at a starter level and is arguably the top remaining guard in free agency. He is coming off a subpar year in 2019 and season-ending knee injury in 2018, but in 2017, he was one of the best right tackles in the league. His ability to play multiple positions and win in the running game will appeal to the Lions. He’s capable of starting at right guard on this current roster and should come with a reasonable price tag after his previous two seasons.
3. Shelby Harris, DT
The Lions have already signed Nick Williams and Danny Shelton, but it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibilities for them to add another defensive tackle. The biggest obstacle for adding Harris will likely be price but if the Lions aren’t interested in adding a defensive tackle in the draft, he may be the most impactful option.
Marcel Dareus is someone the Lions were looking into at the Combine, and Mike Daniels is another option the Lions would consider bringing back, but both are coming off multiple seasons where injuries impacted their availability.
4. David Morgan, TE
My 2016 draft crush, Morgan is a blocking tight end with basketball skills and vice-grip hands that make him an ideal TE3, who could push Jesse James for TE2 snaps. A knee injury cost him last season with the Vikings and the current world situation makes getting him medically cleared a large obstacle, but he’s worth making the effort for.
5. Ronald Darby, CB
Injuries have been a massive problem for Darby and significantly damaged his perceived value. But, he has a history of working with new Lions defensive coordinator Cory Undlin and his above-average cover skills make him a capable starter. He would give the Lions insurance if they don’t land Jeff Okudah in the draft and if Amani Oruwariye isn’t ready for a starting role. If he signs, expect a contract heavy with incentives surrounding performance and availability.
Logan Ryan and Aqib Talib are also starting level corners with ties to the coaching staff but both come with a glaring concern. Ryan’s reportedly asking for a minimum contract that averages $10 million, while Talib is 34-years-old and coming off a season-long rib injury.
6. Breshad Perriman, WR
Robby Anderson is the top wide receiver available in free agency but the cost of adding him would likely force the Lions to make a hard decision on Marvin Jones. Anderson is three years younger than Jones, but he probably comes with a higher price tag as well.
Perriman, whose father had a long career with the Lions, is a tick younger than Anderson, and after tough first few years in the league, has found his confidence. He is a legitimate vertical threat with sub-4.3 speed and would fit in this scheme like a glove.
Phillip Dorsett is another vertical threat with sub-4.3 speed and could also be in the mix.
7. Dion Lewis, RB
At this point in his career, Lewis is likely a third-down back only, but with the departure of J.D McKissic, the Lions are in the market for one. Lewis is declining a bit as a runner, but he can still be a weapon in the passing game, especially as a pass protector.
Devonta Freeman should also be in the mix, but will likely require a higher price to secure.
8. Josh Kline, RG
Kline was in Minnesota in 2019 but spent his first three years in the NFL with the Patriots. He has always been a solid pass protector, which will appeal to the Lions, but he is probably better suited as a spot starter and rotational player at this point in his career — which may fit what the Lions are looking for.
9. Everson Griffen, DDE
Griffen is one of the top available pass rushers remaining in free agency and even at age 32, is terrific at creating pressure. The Lions would love to get him on their team as opposed to facing him twice a year, but the big question is can the Lions afford him?
10. Clay Matthews, pass-rushing specialist
By the time the 2020 season opens, Matthews will be 34-years old and far removed from his days of glory, but he showed last season (8 sacks) he is still capable of contributing as a pass-rushing specialist. He could fill a void as a rotational JACK linebacker for the Lions.
