Pride Of Detroit: All Posts by Jeremy ReismanA Detroit Lions blog by Lions fans, for Lions fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51601/pod-fav.png2024-03-28T09:15:00-04:00https://www.prideofdetroit.com/authors/jeremy-reisman/rss2024-03-28T09:15:00-04:002024-03-28T09:15:00-04:00Why Carlton Davis will finally allow Detroit Lions defense to be itself
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<figcaption>Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Dan Campbell explained how Carlton Davis’ addition will allow the Lions defense to finally play like how it wants to. </p> <p id="YmO4xn">The <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> have spent the last three years trying to figure out their cornerback situation. They’ve gone through players like Jeff Okudah, Quinton Dunbar, Cameron Sutton, Mike Hughes, and Emmanuel Moseley—among many others—looking for a cornerback who is capable of being a No. 1 and lockdown defender. </p>
<p id="p4zZaf">This offseason, they got a little more aggressive, trading a third-round pick for former <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> top corner Carlton Davis and a pair of late-round picks in return. With Davis, the Lions believe they have a shutdown cornerback who will unlock the Aaron Glenn’s defensive scheme in ways their past corners were never able to. </p>
<p id="zlDLvR">“There are just things he can do where he can take his side of the field away, at times,” coach Dan Campbell said. “Just to have some of that, man, goes a long way for the rest of the defense, and what (Aaron Glenn) is going to be able to call. Man, that’s going to help. And that’s really something we felt we haven’t had here since we’ve been here.”</p>
<p id="hen7nV">Campbell is well aware of what Davis can do on the field. He saw the young cornerback, for years, terrorize the NFC South when Campbell was coaching for the Saints. And when the Lions played the Buccaneers twice last season, Davis was a player the offense actively avoided. </p>
<p id="mhfXBQ">“We didn’t really want to throw at him,” Campbell said. “We knew he was a good cover guy, and he’ll tackle on the perimeter.”</p>
<p id="qDJZCK">In those two games, Jared Goff targeted Davis just nine times, completing five passes for only 29 yards and one pass defensed, good for a passer rating of just 61.8. </p>
<p id="q21iaw">So what exactly does Davis’ lockdown presence open up for the defense? In particular, it allows Glenn to call more man-coverage—something he’s preferred to do in all three seasons in Detroit, but has had to shy away from, at times, due to personnel. Campbell explained how man-coverage is a core piece of what they want to do defensively, and why Davis will help. </p>
<p id="hYHrC8">“We want to vary the scheme,” Campbell said. “We don’t want anybody to have a beat on what we’re doing defensively. But there comes a time when you want to pressure and you want to play man-to-man and know that you can do it. And to be able to have that ability now... </p>
<p id="v93FfS">“What’s funny is there are a lot of times where it really helps. Well, certainly, third down you want to play some man-to-man and get off the field, but also on base downs. A lot of times, you would love to be able to say, ‘You know what, we’re going to play man this series,’ or ‘We’re going to play man this opening drive’ and feel confident about being able to do it, especially if you’re going against tendencies that you’ve done. </p>
<p id="juga60">“Being able to play man is no different than being able to run the football or stop the run. It’s kind of one of our core values to be a good team. You want to be able to play man when called upon. So, yeah, this certainly will give AG more flexibility in what to call, I believe.” </p>
<p id="6r5uMl">Free agent signing Amik Robertson figures to be part of that plan. Though he’s just 5-foot-8, Campbell, too, noted his skill at man coverage. With Cameron Sutton now released, Robertson is in line to compete for a starting job with Emmanuel Moseley. </p>
<p id="aFp8Cs">“This guy plays like a big corner,” Campbell said. “He’s aggressive, he’s competitive, he’s got good man-cover skills, and he’s smart. He’s a ball guy, you know? He’s a football player.”</p>
<p id="Y3fU0h">The Lions pass defense has struggled in their first three years under Campbell and Glenn. They’ve finished 30th, 30th and 25th in dropback EPA in each of the last seasons, respectively. But in the final couple months of the season, they finally showed some serious disruption—notching 14 turnovers over the last nine games (including playoffs). The main reasoning, according to Aidan Hutchinson? Reverting back to Glenn’s wheelhouse: more blitzing with man coverage behind it. </p>
<p id="VtWlTO">“I was talking to AG and I feel like he was saying he got away from himself a little bit (early in the season),” <a href="https://youtu.be/gszyC_I7pME?si=1K8Heyi7A88i3KCT">Hutchinson said in an interview with The Athletic last month</a>. “He got away from himself. His identity is blitzing. His identity is being aggressive, applying that pressure.” </p>
<p id="5ZsLLb">But the Lions ran into a problem down that stretch: their cornerbacks weren’t holding up in coverage. The duo of Sutton and Kindle Vildor were constantly losing their one-on-ones. So while Detroit was getting disruptive plays on defense, they were also absolutely gashed by big plays. Over the last seven games of the regular season, the Lions gave up 38 passing plays of 20+ yards—nine more than any other team over that stretch. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Carlton Davis says he's going to be a lockdown CB and will take on WR1s. <br><br>How badly do the Lions need that? <br><br>Very badly. <br><br>Final 6 games: <a href="https://t.co/6k5hj1oZvH">pic.twitter.com/6k5hj1oZvH</a></p>— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) <a href="https://twitter.com/DetroitOnLion/status/1768033878889943532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a>
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<p id="quyybP">The Lions are banking on Davis shutting that down. Not only will they trust him to take care of the opponent’s top receivers, but his ability to shut down an entire side will also allow them to mix up coverage on the opposite end of the field. </p>
<p id="e7TwxM">“Your ability to tilt from him a little bit at times and just say, ‘Hey, you’ve got this side of the field’ or ‘you’ve got this player,’” Campbell said. “And now we can—Kerby (Joseph) and Iffy (Ifeatu Melifonwu)—and we can kind of move them a little bit more the other way and help out the middle of the defense, or even on the other side. So it just gives AG more flexibility in his calls is what it does.” </p>
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https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/28/24114443/detroit-lions-carlton-davis-opens-defense-first-time-dan-campbell-aaron-glennJeremy Reisman2024-03-28T06:00:00-04:002024-03-28T06:00:00-04:00Open thread: Is wide receiver a major need for the Detroit Lions?
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<figcaption>Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Now that Josh Reynolds is headed to Denver, how big of a need is WR for the Detroit Lions? </p> <p id="OKNH3j">On Wednesday, news broke that former <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> wide receiver Josh Reynolds is signing a two-year deal with the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> worth up to $14 million. According to general manager Brad Holmes, it’s the first and only loss the Lions took in free agency for a player that they were prioritizing to bring back. </p>
<p id="DGsh90">“Josh Reynolds, he’s one that was part of the original plans,” Holmes said Tuesday, a day before Reynolds landed in Denver. “Still having dialogue, we’ll just kind of see where that goes. But that’s really the only one that’s still out there who was in the original plans.”</p>
<p id="OPWZvt">The Lions aren’t exactly hurting when it comes to bodies at the wide receiver position. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are now the expected starters, with Donovan Peoples-Jones, Kalif Raymond, and Antoine Green expected to be the primary backups. Even beyond that, they have some players with some game experience in Tom Kennedy and Maurice Alexander. </p>
<p id="hINTen">But, if we’re being honest, the Lions top talent could use an upgrade. Jameson Williams still has a <em>lot</em> to prove, Peoples-Jones only has a single season with more than 35 catches, and Detroit still doesn’t have a proven, big-bodied receiver to take advantage of smaller corners in the red zone. Yes, having a stud like Sam LaPorta at tight end and a receiving back like Jahmyr Gibbs helps, but like many of Lions positions, there’s room for improvement on the roster.</p>
<p id="iIQaX1">So today’s Question of the Day is: </p>
<h3 id="f1Wax7">How big of a need is wide receiver? </h3>
<p id="25tWE1"><strong>My answer: </strong>I would probably put it at a 5 out of 10. Detroit should absolutely add some competition there, but I don’t think he needs to be the team’s highest priority. In fact, I think depth at safety, guard, and tackle are higher priorities right now. </p>
<p id="nbOx4p">That said, when taking a long-term look at the Lions’ roster, it certainly would make sense to invest in the receiver position in the draft. While St. Brown is likely getting an extension this offseason, only Green is currently signed beyond 2025. </p>
<p id="f4e92E">But I don’t think the need is so pressing that Brad Holmes would move off of his “best player available” approach—I don’t think if it was a pressing need he’d move off that strategy, either. So if you’re thinking, “the Lions <em>need</em> to draft a receiver this year,” I think you’re looking at this situation incorrectly. The draft does have a lot of intriguing receiver options, but Detroit won’t draft him unless he’s the <em>right</em> receiver and their top prospect when they’re on the board. </p>
<p id="Yk4STT">Detroit has done an excellent job filling all of their primary needs, and I think that’s true at wide receiver, as well. </p>
<p id="WCiY2T">What do you think? Vote in the poll below and scroll to the bottom of the page to explain your answer in the comment section. </p>
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https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/28/24113993/wide-receiver-major-need-detroit-lions-josh-reynoldsJeremy Reisman2024-03-27T17:48:12-04:002024-03-27T17:48:12-04:00Detroit Lions re-sign veteran quarterback
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<figcaption>Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Detroit Lions are bringing back veteran backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld. </p> <p id="CaA1RJ">The <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> announced on Wednesday evening they have re-signed veteran quarterback Nate Sudfeld. Contract terms were not immediately available. </p>
<p id="WALQXw">Sudfeld entered 2023 as the expected backup quarterback before the Lions made two significant moves at the position. First, they drafted Hendon Hooker in the third round of the 2023 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, and then they signed veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to serve as the backup quarterback and mentor. </p>
<p id="eG6K2R">Sudfeld entered training camp with all signs pointing to him being the third-string quarterback (with Hooker on the Non-Football Injury list). The question was whether he would end up making the 53-man roster or spend the season on the practice squad. Unfortunately, the answer was neither, as Sudfeld tore his ACL in the preseason finale, moved to injured reserve, and missed the entire season. </p>
<p id="velNQX">With Jared Goff back, and Hooker expected to assume the backup job, Sudfeld returns with the important role as a valuable veteran to be a sounding board. In the past, Goff has spoken about Sudfeld’s importance in that role. </p>
<p id="xO9q8v">“Nate’s been awesome,” Goff said last August. “His demeanor on the sideline with me has been awesome. He’s been extremely helpful, and I know he’s been ready to play if his number is called.”</p>
<p id="c07vV3">Since entering the league in 2016 as a sixth-round pick for the <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Commanders</a>, Sudfeld has made just six game appearances. In those games, he’s completed 25-of-37 passes for 188 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. </p>
<p id="tUyUlz">One important thing to keep in mind regarding Sudfeld is the new emergency quarterback rule that passed at the owners meetings this week. The new rule states that teams can elevate an emergency quarterback from the practice squad an unlimited amount of times during the season. That could very well be the role that Sudfeld plays this year. </p>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/27/24114007/detroit-lions-re-sign-veteran-quarterback-nate-sudfeldJeremy Reisman2024-03-27T13:56:50-04:002024-03-27T13:56:50-04:00Lions free agency news, rumor tracker: Targets, signings, more
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<p>Tracking every piece of news and rumor surrounding the Detroit Lions and 2024 free agency. </p> <p id="b82tG3">The negotiating period of free agency is just hours away, with teams allowed to negotiate (through agents) with players set to become unrestricted free agents starting on Monday at Noon ET. At that time, teams are permitted to come to terms with an agreed contract that will only become official when the new league year starts on Wednesday, March 13. We’ll undoubtedly see some reported deals on Monday, and that includes a <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> team that is likely to be somewhat active in free agency.</p>
<p id="3IlYHt">When deals are agreed to or officially signed, we’ll notate it in our <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/2/26/24080990/2024-detroit-lions-free-agency-offseason-tracker-latest-signings-trades">2024 Detroit Lions offseason tracker</a>. But there were also be news and rumors along the way. In fact, we’ve already heard the Lions connected to a few players. This post will serve as a collection of those news pieces. We’ll track which players the Lions are interested in and where they eventually end up. We’ll do the same with Lions free agents, if there are multiple teams interested in their services.</p>
<p id="orn6Ci">In short, we’re going to have all the comprehensive free agency coverage you could possibly need. </p>
<p id="MHzrV3"><em>One small note: While this is a rumor tracker, we will only be documenting rumors from sources we personally trust.</em></p>
<p id="Imu6sj">Here’s a look at all the current Lions free agency news and rumors: </p>
<h3 id="LImNGL"><strong>Lions WR Josh Reynolds — Signing with Bronocs</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="ggZ2x8">
<strong>March 27: </strong><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/27/24113709/nfl-free-agency-lions-josh-reynolds-signing-denver-broncos">Reynolds is signing with Broncos on a two-year deal worth “up to” $14M</a>
</li>
<li id="AXuy9S">
<strong>March 26: </strong><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/26/24112489/detroit-lions-want-re-sign-josh-reynolds-nfl-free-agency">Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell both want Reynolds back in Detroit</a>
</li>
<li id="nZWtSJ">
<strong>March 21: </strong><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/21/24108006/nfl-free-agency-former-lions-wr-josh-reynolds-to-visit-baltimore-ravens">Reynolds is visiting the Ravens on Friday, per Adam Schefter</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="EQoQDf"><strong>Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed — Traded to the Titans</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="ROyiMo">
<strong>March 22:</strong> <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1771369568109273229">The Titans have traded with the Chiefs to acquire Sneed</a>, per Adam Schefter</li>
<li id="3nCmoA">
<strong>March 22</strong>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1771374117343703399">Snead’s new contract is $19 M per season, $55 M guaranteed</a>, per Jordan Schultz</li>
<li id="zJ7n4P">
<strong>March 3: </strong>Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/3/24089214/detroit-lions-free-agency-rumors-news-jonah-jackson-amon-ra-st-brown-cornerback-sneed">the Lions are “in the mix” to trade for the CB.</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="eGgInu"><strong>Lions OT Matt Nelson — Signed with the Giants</strong></h3>
<ul><li id="1pL6VF">
<strong>March 21</strong>: <a href="https://twitter.com/giants/status/1770980053054091671?s=46">The New Giants announced that they have signed OT Matt Nelson</a>
</li></ul>
<h3 id="zmcZYJ"><strong>Lions CB Cameron Sutton — Released</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="mVIa81">
<strong>March 21: </strong><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/21/24108029/detroit-lions-release-cam-sutton-warrant-arrest">Lions released Sutton after domestic battery allegations</a>
</li>
<li id="FtPlHJ">
<strong>March 21</strong>: <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/21/24108084/examining-the-salary-cap-impact-of-the-lions-releasing-cam-sutton">Updating the salary cap implications following Sutton’s release</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="OluR6L">
<strong>Ravens RG Kevin Zeitler — </strong><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/18/24105342/report-detroit-lions-sign-kevin-zeitler-one-year-deal"><strong>Signed with the Lions</strong></a>
</h3>
<ul><li id="V8ogt0">
<strong>March 18</strong>: <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/18/24105342/report-detroit-lions-sign-kevin-zeitler-one-year-deal">Zeitler is signing a 1-year deal with the Lions, per Adam Schefter</a>
</li></ul>
<h3 id="JG5cCt"><strong>Texans CB Tavierre Thomas — Signed with Bucs</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="lKXNgx">
<strong>March 18: </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/aaronwilson_nfl/status/1769814298623172928?s=46&t=aDn8YLmJqEb0b8r0yOBaPw">Thomas is signing with the Buccaneers, per Aaron Wilson</a>
</li>
<li id="YRNBlN">
<strong>March 16:</strong> <a href="https://twitter.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1769022591480553767">Thomas will also take a visit with the Buccaneers, per Jeremy Fowler</a>
</li>
<li id="pe1ejR">
<strong>March 15</strong>: <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/15/24101896/detroit-lions-hosting-free-agent-cornerback-tavierre-thomas">Thomas will be visiting the Lions, per Aaron Wilson</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="lT4n0k">
<strong>Lions WR Donovan Peoples-Jones - </strong><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/16/24103292/report-detroit-lions-re-signing-donovan-peoples-jones"><strong>Re-signing</strong></a>
</h3>
<ul><li id="VE0FR7">
<strong>March 16</strong>: the <a href="https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1769071232165544227">Lions and Peoples-Jones reportedly agree on a 1-year contract</a> </li></ul>
<h3 id="aJ6kBf"><strong>Lions NB Chase Lucas - Signed with the 49ers</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="ZzByyK">
<strong>March 15: </strong> <a href="https://twitter.com/erikschlitt/status/1768683900086181904"><strong>Chase Lucas is signing with the San Francisco 49ers</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="Y6ovxr">
<strong>March 14</strong>: <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1768116267477585930">Lions are interested in bringing Chase Lucas back</a>, per Aaron Wilson</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="tyGyVY">
<strong>Lions LS Scott Daly — </strong><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/15/24101873/detroit-lions-re-sign-long-snapper-scott-daly-free-agency"><strong>Signing with Lions</strong></a><strong> </strong>
</h3>
<ul><li id="RZgc30">
<strong>March 15: </strong>Lions re-signed Scott Daly (terms unknown) </li></ul>
<h3 id="dq9r8q"><strong>Lions DT Benito Jones — Signing with Dolphins</strong></h3>
<ul><li id="8aDh60">
<strong>March 14 — </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/DMRussini/status/1768363318450729348">Jones signing with Dolphins, per Dianna Russini </a>
</li></ul>
<h3 id="T47v5k">
<strong>Bengals DT DJ Reader — </strong><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/14/24101137/detroit-lions-signing-dj-reader-2-year-deal-nfl-free-agency"><strong>Signing with the Lions</strong></a>
</h3>
<ul>
<li id="oWFeBm">
<strong>March 14 — </strong><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/14/24101137/detroit-lions-signing-dj-reader-2-year-deal-nfl-free-agency">Reader and the Lions have reached a 2-year agreement</a>
</li>
<li id="RnMJQX">
<strong>March 13: </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1768065130737111542">Reader is reportedly on a plane Wednesday night to Detroit</a>, per Jeremy Fowler </li>
<li id="iRLQQO">
<strong>March 12:</strong> Lions will host DJ Reader on a visit Thursday, <a href="https://x.com/schultz_report/status/1767743839081578777?s=46&t=aDn8YLmJqEb0b8r0yOBaPw">per multiple reports</a>
</li>
<li id="SM5Ard">
<strong>March 11: </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/JosinaAnderson/status/1767301721557229927">Lions among 3 teams with “strong interest” in DJ Reader</a> (<a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/11/24097862/detroit-lions-free-agency-rumors-interest-dj-reader">Our Story</a>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="92EjRX"><strong>49ers DT Arik Armstead — Signing with the Jaguars</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="Y9ULRg">
<strong>March 14: </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1768367849540583684">Signing with the Jaguars, per Ian Rapoport</a>
</li>
<li id="XqWXS7">
<strong>March 13: </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1767955547905491452">Lions reportedly have interest in Armstead</a>, who is expected to be released by 49ers on Wednesday, per Aaron Wilson. Texans and Bengals also interested.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="4AAv0X"><strong>Lions LB Anthony Pittman — Signing with Commanders</strong></h3>
<ul><li id="kfWv0t">
<strong>March 14: </strong><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/14/24100701/detroit-lions-lose-linebacker-anthony-pittman-to-free-agency-washington-commanders">LB Anthony Pittman has agreed to a 1-year deal with Washington</a>, per Tom Pelissero</li></ul>
<h3 id="xmENtt">
<strong>Lions’ DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson — </strong><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/12/24099080/nfl-free-agency-c-j-gardner-johnson-signing-eagles-detroit-lions-contract"><strong>Will sign with the Eagles</strong></a><strong> </strong>
</h3>
<ul>
<li id="4HZpxr">
<strong>March 12:</strong> <a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1767690237428330665">Tom Pelissero is reporting that Gardner-Johnson will sign with the Eagles</a>
</li>
<li id="JTtXiT">
<strong>March 11: </strong>Eagles have “a lot of interest” in bringing back Gardner-Johnson, <a href="https://twitter.com/RealDGunn/status/1767360386724991423">per Eagles reporter Derrick Gunn</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="C3oJvw"><strong>Raiders CB Amik Robertson — Signing 2-year deal with Lions</strong></h3>
<ul><li id="HYKL9x">
<strong>March 12: </strong><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/12/24098727/nfl-free-agency-news-detroit-lions-signing-amik-robertson-cb-raiders">Lions reportedly agree to two-year, $9.25M deal with Robertson</a>
</li></ul>
<h3 id="swzCLV"><strong>Bucs CB Carlton Davis - Lions will acquire via trade</strong></h3>
<ul><li id="JbyqKl">
<strong>March 11: </strong>Per Tom Pelissero: <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/11/24097901/detroit-lions-trade-buccaneers-cb-carlton-davis-free-agency-news">Lions agree to terms with Tampa Bay Buccaneers to trade for cornerback Carlton Davis</a>
</li></ul>
<h3 id="2JGWPV"><strong>Vikings EDGE Marcus Davenport - Lions will sign to a 1-year deal</strong></h3>
<ul><li id="HjpRXy">
<strong>March 11: </strong>Per Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo: <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeGarafolo/status/1767308509534646754">Lions agree to terms with Marcus Davenport on one-year deal</a> (<a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/11/24097892/detroit-lions-free-agency-marcus-davenport-defensive-end">Our Story</a>)</li></ul>
<h3 id="VJscLB">
<strong>Lions G Jonah Jackson — </strong><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/11/24097526/detroit-lions-free-agency-jonah-jackson-signing-los-angeles-rams"><strong>Signing with Rams</strong></a>
</h3>
<ul>
<li id="O7cMOD">
<strong>March 11:</strong> Per Mike Garafolo: <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeGarafolo/status/1767248844792680810">Jackson to the Rams on a 3-year $51M deal</a>
</li>
<li id="9jIm1K">
<strong>March 3:</strong> Per Fowler, <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/3/24089214/detroit-lions-free-agency-rumors-news-jonah-jackson-amon-ra-st-brown-cornerback-sneed">Jackson could see a contract worth “$16 million or more”</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="ry148J"><strong>Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins — Signing with Raiders</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="u1Xy7y">
<strong>March 11: Per Ian Rapoport, </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1767239925072576633"><strong>Wilkins is signing a four-year, $110M deal with Raiders</strong></a>.</li>
<li id="AwLWgS">
<strong>March 11: </strong>Per Dianna Russini, <a href="https://twitter.com/DMRussini/status/1767219711131988305">Wilkins is a top target for the Lions, Vikings, Browns, and Texans</a>. </li>
<li id="Rf78Ys">
<strong>March 10: </strong>Per ESPN’s Dan Graziano, <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/10/24096177/nfl-free-agency-rumor-detroit-lions-christian-wilkins-contender">the Lions are looking to upgrade the DT position and could be in play for Wilkins.</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="wsxEvx"><strong>Lions G Graham Glasgow — Re-signing with Lions</strong></h3>
<ul><li id="ok84rb">
<strong>March 11: </strong><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/11/24097082/nfl-free-agency-detroit-lions-re-signing-graham-glasgow-3-years">Lions re-signing Glasgow to a three-year deal. </a>
</li></ul>
<aside id="qWQJPK"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bet on the 2024 NFL season at DraftKings Sportsbook","url":"https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/football/nfl"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="uxfXdM"><strong>Browns CB Greg Newsome II</strong></h3>
<ul><li id="fZzc66">
<strong>March 8: </strong>Per Lions Wire and Washington Post, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/03/07/free-agency-storylines-nfl/">the Browns are exploring a trade at cornerback</a>, and Lions Wire’s <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffRisdon/status/1766129560674840941">Jeff Risdon believes the Lions have made a call about Newsome</a>. </li></ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="eGYrvF">
<p id="kMJjrq"><a href="https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/qqa5?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D341866674%26wpcid%3D163146%26wpcn%3DInarticle%26wpsrc%3DVox%26wpcrid%3DNFL&pcid=163146&psn=Vox&pcrn=Inarticle&pscn=NFL"><em>For the latest NFL odds and betting lines, be sure to check out DraftKings Sportsbook</em></a><em>. </em></p>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/11/24097063/2024-detroit-lions-free-agency-news-rumor-trackerJeremy ReismanErik Schlitt2024-03-27T13:54:50-04:002024-03-27T13:54:50-04:002024 Lions free agency, offseason tracker: Latest signings, trades
<figure>
<img alt="Indianapolis Colts v Detroit Lions" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ejsWe3_55HqeXbVrsq7h3XDL0O8=/0x0:8192x5461/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73164797/1336808862.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A live-updating post on all the Detroit Lions’ 2024 offseason moves: trades, signings, cuts and re-signings </p> <p id="XKk2mI">The <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>’ offseason is underway. This year figures to be critical for Detroit, as they hope to build on their <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfc-championship-game">NFC Championship</a> run and establish themselves as perennial contenders. The <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> is not only the hope, it’s the expectation. </p>
<p id="4tKlON">With a healthy amount of salary cap, a cunning general manager in Brad Holmes, and some draft capital to play around with, this figures to be an active offseason for the Lions. And we’re here to track every single move of it.</p>
<p id="NmfcqQ">This post will serve as a huge resource tracking every single move the Lions make, plus links to analysis pieces on those moves. For example, if the Lions sign a player in free agency, it’ll be listed below and complemented by links to contract details and reactions to the move. We’ll also be tracking trades, releases, internal moves, and Lions free agents who are still available. </p>
<p id="hwSird">The best part about this resource is you can look back at the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/6/23626274/2023-detroit-lions-free-agency-offseason-tracker-latest-signings-trades">2023 Lions offseason tracker</a> or <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/3/14/22972553/2022-detroit-lions-free-agency-offseason-tracker-latest-signings-trades">2022 tracker</a> and easily tell which moves turned out to be good ones, and which ones turned out to be mistakes. </p>
<p id="cc0W4s">The Lions have already made a handful of moves this offseason, so let’s get into it. Here is our comprehensive 2024 Detroit Lions offseason/free agent tracker. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="WR9xRs">
<p id="iW9QY9"><em>Other resources:</em></p>
<ul>
<li id="CXz9bM"><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/2/1/24022136/2024-detroit-lions-contract-tracker-positional-breakdown-of-signed-players-free-agents"><em><strong>Position-by-position breakdown of Lions’ currently-active contracts</strong></em></a></li>
<li id="lkcuNr"><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/11/24097063/2024-detroit-lions-free-agency-news-rumor-tracker"><em><strong>Detroit Lions free agency rumor tracker</strong></em></a></li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="nIddE5">
<h2 id="eQ695A"><strong>Additions</strong></h2>
<h3 id="JAnoOj"><strong>Signed by the Lions</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="S91yoy">EDGE Mathieu Betts — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/2/13/24072036/detroit-lions-sign-2023-cfl-defensive-player-year-mathieu-betts">Signed 1-year, $795,000 deal</a> (<a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/2/27/24084489/contract-details-michael-badgley-mathieu-betts-detroit-lions-2024-free-agency">contract breakdown</a>)</li>
<li id="QyTK72">EDGE Marcus Davenport — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/11/24097892/detroit-lions-free-agency-marcus-davenport-defensive-end">Will sign a 1-year, $6.5M deal</a> (<a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/12/24098095/roster-impact-of-the-lions-agreeing-to-terms-with-edge-marcus-davenport">Roster impact</a>, <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/11/24097932/nfl-free-agent-grades-lions-get-passable-grade-marcus-davenport-signing">grade</a>)</li>
<li id="IfuogI">CB Amik Robertson — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/12/24098727/nfl-free-agency-news-detroit-lions-signing-amik-robertson-cb-raiders">Reported two-year worth $9.25M in total</a>
</li>
<li id="KRIDfL">DT DJ Reader — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/14/24101137/detroit-lions-signing-dj-reader-2-year-deal-nfl-free-agency">Reported two-year deal with up to $27.25M</a>
</li>
<li id="XXgJsN">OG Kevin Zeitler — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/18/24105342/report-detroit-lions-sign-kevin-zeitler-one-year-deal">Reported 1-year deal</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="TDtgai"><strong>Players acquired via trade</strong></h3>
<ul><li id="pdx4CW">
<a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/11/24097901/detroit-lions-trade-buccaneers-cb-carlton-davis-free-agency-news">CB Carlton Davis via Buccaneers</a> (<a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/11/24097956/roster-impact-of-the-lions-trading-for-cb-carlton-davis">Roster impact</a>, <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/12/24097989/nfl-free-agent-grades-detroit-lions-carlton-davis-trade-tampa-bay-buccaneers">grade</a>, Bucs <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/11/24097938/carlton-davis-trade-detroit-lions-buccaneers-fans-analysts-reaction">fans/analysts' reaction</a>)</li></ul>
<h2 id="TbfLN9"><strong>Lions released</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="CqmnIn">S Tracy Walker — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/2/20/24078606/tracy-walker-released-detroit-lions-cap-saving-move-details-farewell">Released, saves $5.5M in cap space</a>
</li>
<li id="12JQMr">CB Cam Sutton — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/21/24108029/detroit-lions-release-cam-sutton-warrant-arrest">Released after domestic battery allegations</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="gWlinv"><strong>Lions traded </strong></h2>
<ul><li id="qBsPtf">None</li></ul>
<h2 id="tcVQUZ"><strong>Lions’ free agents</strong></h2>
<h3 id="dj8oFh"><strong>Re-signed</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="bE6Eo7">TE Shane Zylstra — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/4/24090599/nfl-free-agency-news-detroit-lions-re-sign-shane-zylstra-tight-end">Signed 1-year, $985,000 deal</a>
</li>
<li id="HHEUuS">G/C Graham Glasgow — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/11/24097082/nfl-free-agency-detroit-lions-re-signing-graham-glasgow-3-years">Signing 3-year, $20 million deal</a>
</li>
<li id="kHtT2A">LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/2/26/24083920/nfl-free-agency-detroit-lions-re-sign-jalen-reeves-maybin-2-year-deal">Signed a 2-year, $7.5M deal</a> (<a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/1/24086527/jalen-reeves-maybin-contract-details-detroit-lions-deal-nearly-identical-texans-2022">contract breakdown</a>)</li>
<li id="pUEDIz">CB Emmanuel Moseley — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/5/24091423/detroit-lions-re-sign-cb-emmanuel-moseley-1-year-contract-free-agency">Signed 1-year, $2.2M deal</a> (<a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/10/24096454/emmanuel-moseley-contract-details-detroit-lions-free-agency-2024">contract breakdown</a>)</li>
<li id="9KgZS9">K Michael Badgley — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/2/22/24080444/detroit-lions-re-sign-k-michael-badgley-free-agency">Signed 1-year, $1.3M deal</a> (<a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/2/27/24084489/contract-details-michael-badgley-mathieu-betts-detroit-lions-2024-free-agency">contract breakdown</a>)</li>
<li id="pQ0Tl7">OL Dan Skipper — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/12/24098998/dan-skipper-re-signing-detroit-lions-contract-free-agency-2024">Signed a 1-year deal</a>
</li>
<li id="FVrSBs">CB Khalil Dorsey — <a href="https://twitter.com/Lions/status/1768411906425966977">Wasn’t offered an RFA tender, signed a new contract instead</a>
</li>
<li id="ahSs43">LS Scott Daly — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/15/24101873/detroit-lions-re-sign-long-snapper-scott-daly-free-agency">Wasn’t offered an RFA tender, signed a new contract instead</a>
</li>
<li id="oVjdzW">WR Donovan Peoples-Jones — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/16/24103292/report-detroit-lions-re-signing-donovan-peoples-jones">Agreed on a 1-year deal</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="00oCAb"><strong>Tender applied</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="ubwhhA">RB Craig Reynolds — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/10/24096218/report-detroit-lions-tender-erfa-rb-craig-reynolds">ERFA Tendered ($985,000)</a> </li>
<li id="espw90">RB Zonovan Knight — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/7/24093642/nfl-free-agency-zonovan-knight-re-signing-detroit-lions">Signed 1-year, $985,000 deal</a>
</li>
<li id="HOfUJm">TE Brock Wright — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/7/24093167/report-detroit-lions-applying-rfa-tender-to-te-brock-wright">Lions have reportedly applied RFA tender ($2.985M)</a>
</li>
<li id="bTjITL">OG Kayode Awosika — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/14/24097197/detroit-lions-tender-james-houston-kayode-awosika-erfa-deal-contract-free-agency">ERFA tender applied</a>
</li>
<li id="yvB2F9">EDGE James Houston — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/14/24097197/detroit-lions-tender-james-houston-kayode-awosika-erfa-deal-contract-free-agency">ERFA tender applied</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="8YB3pl"><strong>Signed elsewhere</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="DDjAWa">TE Zach Ertz — <a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1765449235917418694">Signed 1-year deal worth “up to $5M” with Commanders</a>
</li>
<li id="CjsfaD">WR Josh Reynolds — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/27/24113709/nfl-free-agency-lions-josh-reynolds-signing-denver-broncos">Signing 2-year deal worth “up to” $14M with Broncos</a>
</li>
<li id="LAwGN4">OG Jonah Jackson — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/11/24097526/detroit-lions-free-agency-jonah-jackson-signing-los-angeles-rams">Reportedly will sign with Rams on a 3-year, $51M deal</a>
</li>
<li id="9Omzru">OT Matt Nelson — <a href="https://twitter.com/giants/status/1770980053054091671?s=46">Signed with the Giants</a>
</li>
<li id="gb999B">EDGE Julian Okwara — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/2/14/24073279/eagles-sign-former-lions-third-round-pick-julian-okwara">Signed 1-year, $1.3M deal with Eagles</a>
</li>
<li id="PbzTC7">DT Benito Jones (RFA) — <a href="https://twitter.com/DMRussini/status/1768363318450729348">Signing with the Dolphins</a>
</li>
<li id="AezBxV">LB Anthony Pittman — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/14/24100701/detroit-lions-lose-linebacker-anthony-pittman-to-free-agency-washington-commanders">Signing with the Commanders</a>
</li>
<li id="BF9Awg">CB Chase Lucas — <a href="https://twitter.com/erikschlitt/status/1768683900086181904">Signed with the 49ers</a>
</li>
<li id="mnrMPz">DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/12/24099080/nfl-free-agency-c-j-gardner-johnson-signing-eagles-detroit-lions-contract">Reportedly will sign with the Eagles on a three-year deal</a>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="9Tro0P"><strong>Retired</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="VIVYR6">QB David Blough — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/2/15/24073949/former-lions-qb-david-blough-joins-washington-commanders-coaching-staff">Hired as Commanders assistant QBs coach</a>
</li>
<li id="5GnbFW">QB Teddy Bridgewater — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/2/2/24059272/teddy-bridgewater-officially-hired-as-florida-high-school-head-coach">Hired to coach high school Florida team</a>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="CJqTpX"><strong>Remain unsigned</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li id="f7kn8s">QB Nate Sudfeld</li>
<li id="ND1H56">RB Mohamed Ibrahim</li>
<li id="mvsD33">FB Jason Cabinda</li>
<li id="N60eYw">TE Anthony Firkser</li>
<li id="cEgwpK">OL Michael Schofield</li>
<li id="AT0sog">OG Halapoulivaati Vaitai</li>
<li id="otXmn1">DL Tyson Alualu</li>
<li id="LRnuvO">EDGE Romeo Okwara</li>
<li id="DeRV5H">EDGE Charles Harris</li>
<li id="NURbtS">CB Jerry Jacobs (RFA) — <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/6/24092279/nfl-free-agency-jerry-jacobs-not-tendered-restricted-detroit-lions">Lions will not offer RFA tender</a>
</li>
<li id="F4xtIU">CB Kindle Vildor</li>
<li id="ewZZOc">DB Will Harris</li>
<li id="HZ7sJS">LS Jake McQuaide</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="37Kn10"><strong>Future deal signings</strong></h2>
<p id="5xDiki"><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/1/30/24056125/detroit-lions-sign-11-players-futures-contracts-2024-offseason"><em>Feature article on initial 12 signings</em></a></p>
<ul>
<li id="I5XAw4">RB Jermar Jefferson</li>
<li id="pZ0oTw">RB Jake Funk</li>
<li id="8Ok56h">WR Tom Kennedy</li>
<li id="VXKk46">WR Maurice Alexander</li>
<li id="eZPqFK">WR Tre’Quan Smith</li>
<li id="eZgI3G">WR Daurice Fountain</li>
<li id="a1HMF2">OT Connor Galvin</li>
<li id="dEnNpW">OL Matt Farniok </li>
<li id="VtkwFV">iOL Michael Niese</li>
<li id="fG7Ybu">OL Netane Muti</li>
<li id="SlhrSq">DT Chris Smith</li>
<li id="2M5F6B">EDGE Mitchell Agude</li>
<li id="q7FnFw">CB Craig James</li>
<li id="oy4Na9">S Brandon Joseph </li>
</ul>
<p id="RYq0GL"></p>
<p id="NGtCiM"></p>
<p id="4dAUPb"></p>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/2/26/24080990/2024-detroit-lions-free-agency-offseason-tracker-latest-signings-tradesJeremy ReismanErik Schlitt2024-03-27T13:28:02-04:002024-03-27T13:28:02-04:00Report: Lions losing WR Josh Reynolds to the Denver Broncos
<figure>
<img alt="NFC Championship - Detroit Lions v San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oh3n58MhOSrfHuWxCIXh-38dhks=/0x0:4216x2811/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73236693/1968659805.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Per various reports, the Lions are losing WR Josh Reynolds to the Broncos. </p> <p id="5jAL27">The <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> will have to find more wide receiver help, as they lost one of their biggest contributors in free agency this week. As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, wideout Josh Reynolds is signing a two-year deal worth a maximum of $14 million total. At this point in reporting, the main structure of the deal is unknown. </p>
<p id="lfngFo">This week at the NFL owners meetings, both coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes expressed interest in bringing Reynolds back for the 2024 season. </p>
<p id="Uc8o4i">“We’re still in contact with J-Rey,” Campbell said Tuesday. “I don’t think it’s a secret what we think about him as far as type of player he is, the unselfishness, the dirty work, the versatility so look, I love J-Rey and that doesn’t mean something won’t get done.” </p>
<p id="QKvOP4">Holmes noted that the Lions hit on every Plan A in free agency... except for bringing back Reynolds. </p>
<p id="3jSt7R">“Josh Reynolds, he’s one that was part of the original plans,” Holmes said. “Still having dialogue, we’ll just kind of see where that goes. But that’s really the only one that’s still out there who was in the original plans.”</p>
<p id="4znYrq">That said, the Lions are still in a somewhat comfortable spot at wide receiver. Amon-Ra St. Brown returns and is due for an extension, Jameson Williams is expected to take on a bigger role, and the Lions are also confident that with an offseason to fully learn the offense, recently re-signed Donovan Peoples-Jones could make a bigger impact, too. </p>
<p id="MYCipC">“He’ll have a better understanding of what we’re doing (when) we go into camp,” Campbell said. “And so I think what it does it just gives us somebody that we know can play the position. He’s a bigger-body guy, too, so he’s a little different than anybody we’ve got. And that’s really what he gives us.”</p>
<p id="DQopmP">Beyond that, the Lions have ample depth with players like Kalif Raymond, Tom Kennedy, Maurice Alexander and Antoine Green. Still, they could probably stand to upgrade their top-end talent. </p>
<p id="BYVBEc">Reynolds’ time in Detroit ends after 2.5 seasons. Over that time, he caught 97 passes for 1,393 yards and 10 touchdowns. </p>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/27/24113709/nfl-free-agency-lions-josh-reynolds-signing-denver-broncosJeremy Reisman2024-03-27T11:30:00-04:002024-03-27T11:30:00-04:002024 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft: Pairings, deadlines
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VRowdOXFzCNFbZZolSSxzBcOGOw=/0x134:2000x1467/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73236348/Pride_Of_Detroit_Full.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Our 2024 POD Community Mock Draft is underway! Here is everyone who is participating. </p> <p id="2yCGVI">Our 2024 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft is underway! If you missed the original announcement, this is a mock draft that will span the entire month of April with members of our comment section representing all 32 teams in the draft. It’s also an opportunity for those members to write their own articles explaining their first round picks.</p>
<p id="cdBWTZ">Over the past week, I’ve tried my best to pair people who submitted their form to a team they requested. I couldn’t match everyone with a team they wanted, but a large majority of the people selected should be representing a preferred team. </p>
<p id="p6Wyn0"><strong>If you have been selected to participate, you should have already received an email from me. If you are on the list below, but didn’t get an email, please say something in the comment section below, and I’ll reach out to you. If you have been selected, but cannot participate any longer, please reach out to me ASAP so I can get a replacement. </strong></p>
<p id="smBhCH">The draft is already underway via email, but we’ll be providing updates on the mock draft on the website very shortly. Each pick in the first round will get its own post, plus an opportunity for our entire community to grade each selection. Once the draft really gets going, we’ll have a tracker for you to keep abreast of all the picks. Hopefully by the time the real draft rolls around, we’ll have two full rounds of mocking here at the site. </p>
<p id="gj69pP">For now, here’s a look at everyone who will be participating in this year’s Community Mock Draft. </p>
<div id="vlGH4m"><div data-anthem-component="table:12290865"></div></div>
<h3 id="3VVhX9"><strong>How the Community Mock Draft works</strong></h3>
<ol>
<li id="QsuKLF">If you’re in the above group, <strong>you will get an email from me when you are on the clock. </strong>The email will include a list of all the players selected prior to your pick.</li>
<li id="AWmhlC">
<strong>When you get this email, send me your pick ASAP. </strong>To get the draft moving along as quickly as possible, I need your pick before your write-up. So as soon as you decide, please send me an email back, and <em>then</em> get working on your write-up.</li>
<li id="K32nrv">Your write-up should be sent shortly thereafter <strong>and should be no longer than 300 words.</strong>
</li>
<li id="fC6RhM">Please do research on your own team, but don’t let it hold up the rest of the draft. For example, when you’re on the clock, don’t go over to your team’s website and hold a poll for your pick. That process could take over 24 hours, and you shouldn’t be waiting that long to make your pick. If everyone took 24 hours, we wouldn’t finish this on time. Do your research <strong>BEFORE </strong>you’re on the clock.</li>
<li id="1ZX1bW">If you need to bow out of your GM responsibilities, <strong>email me immediately</strong>. We have plenty of commenters on standby if you can’t pick.</li>
<li id="qYcFTd">Please do not reveal any of your picks before they are posted on the website. That takes the fun out of it.</li>
<li id="1xgcdc"><strong>When we get to the second round, I only need your pick. There will be no individual writeups.</strong></li>
</ol>
<p id="qpb3sZ">If you have any questions, feel free to type them in the comment section below or reach out to me via email or Twitter. </p>
<p id="yNEobg">HAPPY DRAFTING! </p>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/27/24113534/2024-pride-of-detroit-community-mock-draft-pairings-deadlinesJeremy Reisman2024-03-27T09:15:00-04:002024-03-27T09:15:00-04:00Statistical model shows Lions having top-5 offseason, free agency
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: OCT 15 Lions at Buccaneers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UElYVCWeQPe4lIAXxy-BosblU5o=/0x0:4800x3200/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73236002/1728646692.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>One statistical model says the Detroit Lions have had one of the best free agency periods in the NFL so far. </p> <p id="B7DyAw">This week, <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> general manager Brad Holmes claimed that the team just had its best free agency period in his four years here, and they hit on all of their Plan A options (aside from the still-unsigned receiver Josh Reynolds). It’s a bold thing to boast, but at least some data supports his claim. According to an <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5357461%2F2024%2F03%2F25%2Fnfl-offseason-projection-winners-losers-bears-falcons%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2024%2F3%2F27%2F24113386%2Fnfl-free-agency-model-shows-detroit-lions-having-top-5-offseason" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">interesting article from The Athletic’s Austin Mock, the Lions are having a top-five offseason so far.</a></p>
<p id="xuHSIl">Mock created a model that assigned every free agent an overall value amount, based on multiple seasons of advanced metrics from “TruMedia, PFF, and other sources.” Then it was simply a matter of addition and subtraction: subtract the value of the players lost or not retained in free agency and add the value of the new incoming players.</p>
<p id="0fdlvW">Per Mock’s model, the Lions added 13.8 “points” this offseason, good for fourth in the NFL. The only teams ahead of them were the Falcons (+52.4), Bears (+26.2) and <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> (+20.5). </p>
<p id="Py7uuX">“The Lions’ additions are highlighted by edge Marcus Davenport, defensive tackle DJ Reader and guard Kevin Zeitler,” Mock wrote. “Jonah Jackson departed for the Rams, but Zeitler should be an upgrade on the offensive line. C.J. Gardner-Johnson left, which is a smaller loss, but the blow isn’t as big with the additions along the defensive line.”</p>
<p id="eAluXp">In total, here’s what the Lions’ scorecard look like so far this offseason: </p>
<p id="efZV2L"><strong>Gained: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="1MeGlw">G Kevin Zeitler</li>
<li id="XMLkwk">EDGE Marcus Davenport</li>
<li id="bRgoBj">EDGE Mathieu Betts</li>
<li id="RoIjnE">DT DJ Reader</li>
<li id="aCHmdm">CB Carlton Davis</li>
<li id="T7azS6">CB Amik Robertson</li>
</ul>
<p id="TMmS0x"><strong>Lost: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="odPdNf">G Jonah Jackson (Rams) </li>
<li id="ChQ0m9">OT Matt Nelson (Giants)</li>
<li id="fzxcoq">EDGE Julian Okwara (Eagles)</li>
<li id="9UlbOq">EDGE Romeo Okwara (retired)</li>
<li id="LBFBkz">DT Benito Jones (<a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a>)</li>
<li id="ZWgLZ0">LB Anthony Pittman (Commanders) </li>
<li id="OqcRAU">DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Eagles)</li>
</ul>
<p id="l7odbU"><strong>Notables still unsigned: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="R8SaeL">WR Josh Reynolds</li>
<li id="HBimt1">G Halapoulivaati Vaitai</li>
<li id="fj0eWX">EDGE Charles Harris</li>
<li id="14L4oW">CB Jerry Jacobs</li>
<li id="1v6S9i">CB Kindle Vildor</li>
<li id="UDfhPo">CB Cam Sutton</li>
<li id="e08EeE">S Tracy Walker</li>
</ul>
<p id="VMJnvl">It’s easy to see why this model sees the Lions as significantly improved. Of the players they lost, only Jackson, Romeo Okwara, Benito Jones, and Cameron Sutton played a significant amount of snaps for the Lions last season, and of those three, only Jackson received a big contract. </p>
<p id="LRHHRa">Meanwhile, the Lions gained three high-tier starters in Zeitler, Reader, and Davis. Davenport and Robertson will likely be significant contributors, while Betts is an intriguing player who had a monster year in the CFL. </p>
<p id="7XwBla">Of course, time will actually tell whether this actually means anything. As Holmes has said multiple times recently: it’s easy to win headlines in March, much harder to do so in December and January. </p>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/27/24113386/nfl-free-agency-model-shows-detroit-lions-having-top-5-offseasonJeremy Reisman2024-03-27T08:10:00-04:002024-03-27T08:10:00-04:00Detroit Lions have big plans for defensive back Brian Branch
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: Detroit Free Press" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uSDUmYxfQXAy6dUHevhr-ZC4gz0=/0x0:2293x1529/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73235878/usa_today_20752259.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Detroit Lions were thrilled with Brian Branch’s rookie season—and they’ve got even more on his plate moving forward.</p> <p id="LSmczT"><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> defensive back Brian Branch had a stellar rookie season, but the team has even bigger plans for the 22-year-old defender moving forward.</p>
<p id="vj4OU9">Many have wondered if the fact that the Lions have not gone out and signed a safety in free agency was a sign that they were preparing to play Branch—who was almost exclusively a nickel cornerback last season—at safety more going forward. While coach Dan Campbell said they are still looking for additional safety help, he more-or-less admitted that was the track Branch is on. </p>
<p id="ERzcbe">“Branch has got flexibility to be able to play the safety position, we believe, here in time,” Campbell said. “And we already feel very confident about the nickel. He’ll only get better and better. It’s really, we do believe he’ll be able to get there, it’s how fast do you get him there.”</p>
<p id="FeX0ue">Last year, Branch changed their entire plans in the secondary with how well he was playing in training camp. C.J. Gardner-Johnson entered camp as the starting nickel, with Kerby Joseph and Tracy Walker heading up the safety spots. But Branch was so dominant at nickel with the second-team defense that he forced Gardner-Johnson back to safety and Walker to the bench. </p>
<p id="HFdrUQ">The Lions can’t help but see the similarities between Branch and Gardner-Johnson. It’s clear they want Branch on a similar career arc, where he can be the versatile piece that Gardner-Johnson has been since entering the league first as a nickel corner. </p>
<p id="9V8JiZ">“Ducey was the same way when we got him in New Orleans,” Campbell said. “It was, ‘Man, is he a safety (or) nickel?’ When we just let him play nickel, he just really exploded. Now you see, here he is later in his career and he can really do both. He really grew in both areas. It’s just a matter of how fast he can get there.” </p>
<p id="BTKrxk">The Lions won’t rush the process. They are thrilled with what Branch is doing at nickel right now, and they don’t want to mess with it. Last year, they tried to share some of his time in practice at safety, but scaled back when it proved to be a little too much for a rookie who was still learning the system. Beyond that, it’s not entirely clear if Detroit has a capable backup nickel who could take over if/when he drops back to safety. </p>
<p id="PV5DxO">That said, Campbell clearly believes Branch is capable of playing safety, and having a full offseason to learn the position may be the time to start adding to the young defensive back’s plate. </p>
<p id="tAhWoV">“Now he’s been in the system a year. He understands,” Campbell said. “He has got a whole (new) understanding of the nickel position, which helps. Now, he can start really diving into the safety (position).”</p>
<p id="vfVcAr">It’s unclear what that would mean for Detroit’s current starting safeties: Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu. Would one be pushed off the field in certain subpackages? Will the Lions bring back more three-safety looks? That’s all to be determined. But, for now, the Lions seem thrilled about the potential of having another versatile piece in their secondary. </p>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/27/24113350/detroit-lions-have-big-plans-for-defensive-back-brian-branchJeremy Reisman2024-03-27T07:15:00-04:002024-03-27T07:15:00-04:00Detroit Lions requesting joint practices with New York Giants
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: Detroit Free Press" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H2gsCgdS9APohczjOxQo-LJLz8s=/0x0:2400x1600/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73235762/usa_today_21165054.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Lions are hoping to pair up with the Giants—and an undecided second team—for joint practices this year. </p> <p id="jEti6Y">The <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> and <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> are pushing for joint practices this year during the first week of the preseason, coach Dan Campbell confirmed during his breakfast media session at the NFL owners meetings this week. </p>
<p id="ouImLp">“Tentatively right now i’ve been talking to (Giants coach Brian) Daboll and so I think there’s a chance we could go to New York,” Campbell said on Tuesday. </p>
<p id="APrhNj">NFL teams get to request one team they want to play in the preseason, and while there is no guarantee Detroit and New York will get the pairing they’re requesting, those requests are typically granted as long as there isn’t a logistical conflict. In other words, expect the Lions to travel to New Jersey this year for at least a pair of joint practices before the opening preseason game.</p>
<p id="e74BA1">If this request is granted, it will be the second year in a row the Lions and Giants pair up for practices. Last year, the Giants traveled to Allen Park for the practices, so it makes sense that Detroit would travel to New Jersey the following year. </p>
<p id="ukbmEd">While teams only get one request for a preseason opponent, that doesn’t mean Detroit will only have joint practices against the Giants. Campbell said he will push for another set of joint practices, but he’ll have to come to an agreement with whoever the league pairs the Lions up with in Week 2 of the preseason. Last year, the Lions and Jaguars were able to come to an agreement for a second set of joint practices, as Campbell explains here: </p>
<p id="sSAWi7">“Last year we got the Giants, we requested it and they requested it so we got it,” Campbell said. “(Jaguars coach) Doug (Pederson) fell in my lap. They just happened to schedule it, so I called Doug, he’s like, ‘absolutely.’ </p>
<p id="8RbeTi">“So it’ll be that again. Whoever we match up with in Week 2, I would love to do two weeks again like we did last year. it’ll be predicated on who that is and whether we go to them or they come to us. But yeah, I’m all for it.”</p>
https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2024/3/27/24113342/detroit-lions-requesting-joint-practices-new-york-giants-training-campJeremy Reisman