:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9539425/20121014_kdl_ac6_180.0.jpg)
Based on what has come out in the last hour or so, the Detroit Lions must be pretty serious about wanting to upgrade their secondary. First, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Lions are among the favorites for free-agent safety Dashon Goldson. Then, about 40 minutes later, NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah reported that there is a "buzz" about the Lions and free-agent safety Glover Quin.
Hearing a lot of buzz about the Lions and safety Glover Quin. Tomorrow could be an active day for Martin Mayhew.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 12, 2013
Quinn entered the NFL in 2009 as a fourth-round pick of the Houston Texans. He has been with them ever since, but it's looking more and more like he will leave to cash in on a big contract this year. While Quin may be a bit more affordable than Goldson, that's not saying a whole lot with Goldson expected to get up to $7-8 million per year.
In 2012 with the Texans, Quin had 84 tackles, 14 passes defended, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles. Just as with Goldson, Quin would upgrade the Lions secondary in a big way, and he would immediately become their best defensive back. Pairing him with a move like re-signing cornerback Chris Houston would go a long way toward giving the Lions some stability and skill in their secondary.
It's entirely possible that nothing will actually come of these rumors involving the Lions and safeties, but at least they exist this year. That suggests that the Lions are looking to make a splash of some sort, although they will need to clear more cap space for any kind of splash like signing Quin to be possible.
More:
• Follow all of the Lions' free agency news
• Lions free agency predictions