We're nearly two full weeks into free agency and the Detroit Lions are still without a starting left guard. They brought in free agent Justin Blalock for a visit shortly after free agency began, and he could very well end up signing and occupying that role. He's still unsigned for now, though, and it's unclear what kind of timetable he has in mind as far as picking a new team goes.
Rob Sims, meanwhile, also remains unsigned. He has been the Lions' starting left guard since 2010, and he has expressed interest in staying in Detroit. At one point, it seemed like the Lions were ready to go in a different direction, but now it seems they are interested in re-signing him.
Mayhew said the Lions have reached out to Rob Sims about a return. Would not comment on whether Justin Blalock is an option at guard
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) March 23, 2015
Sims and Blalock really aren't all that different when you look at their grades on Pro Football Focus. Blalock has been a bit more consistent over multiple years, but Sims outperformed him quite a bit down the stretch last season. Of course, Sims really struggled for an extended period of time before he got things turned around toward the end of 2014, so that's something to keep in mind.
Regardless of whether the Lions sign Sims or Blalock or someone else, there's a very good chance they will draft an interior lineman to eventually take over the starting left guard job. Sims or Blalock could be the starter this year even if the Lions do draft someone, but it seems likely that any deal involving a free agent will be of the short-term variety.