Lions free agency rumors: T.J. Ward drawing interest from Detroit

The Detroit Lions apparently have their sights set on improving their secondary when free agency opens. Earlier, it was reported that they have interest in free-agent cornerback Alterraun Verner. Now, Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Lions are interested in free-agent safety T.J. Ward as well.

Among the teams inquiring about #Browns free agent S T.J. Ward? The #Lions. Detroit hopes to create cap space with a Suh deal, can spend

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2014

Ward, like Verner, is set to become a free agent as he heads into his fifth season in the NFL. Ward spent his first four seasons with the Cleveland Browns, and he had 112 tackles, 5 passes defended and 2 interceptions last season. Pro Football Focus graded him as the No. 3 safety in all of the NFL, and he's among the top free agents at that position this year.

With the Lions releasing Louis Delmas earlier in the offseason, adding Ward to go along with Glover Quin would really solidify the safety position. Similar to Verner's situation, though, Ward is expected to command a pretty big contract, and he could be out of Detroit's price range as a result. Even so, it's nice to hear that the Lions are taking a look at these young, talented defensive backs.