Just Say No 4.0: Final 5 free agents the Lions should avoid

Here we are, Detroit Lions fans: Just days away from free agency. In fact, teams will be able to start the negotiating process with players on Tuesday. So with that in mind, we come to our final Just Say No piece of the 2017.

What an amazing four weeks it’s been. we laughed, we cried and then we cried some more. But as we all know, the fourth has to be the last. Lethal Weapon 4, That Matrix probably had a fourth movie. Who knows those things? I don’t.

There’s something about the final installment of a series. You have to go out with a bang. Something you never saw coming in the previous three. I believe that’s the route we’re going today. So without further ado, let’s jump right in.

Previous editions:
Just Say No 1.0
Just Say No 2.0
Just say No 3.0

Brandon Marshall

Via NFL.com:

"It's the little brother (complex). The big brother wants to go out and play with his friends and the little brother is annoying. 'Hey, can I go?'" Marshall continued, laughing. "No, you can't go, Detroit Lions. Sit back. Sit in your little city. Know what I mean? Fix your financial problems and all of that. You can't come with us right now."

Who could forget that? I certainly didn’t. I bet the Lions haven’t, either. The Bears have only beaten the Lions once since this comment. So for just spite reasons alone, this is why he shouldn’t be in Detroit.

For player reasons, that’s a whole different story. Let’s start with the classic: Marshall will be turning 33 at the end of this month. Again, there is a reason teams cut older players. It’s because they aren’t as good anymore, and they aren’t worth the money.

Marshall definitely fits in the not-that-good-anymore category. His 788 yards and three touchdowns was an astronomical drop in production from 2015, when the former Bear finished with 1,502 yards and 15 touchdowns. It’s clear Marshall has lost a step. This is why Detroit shouldn’t help him find that step again.

Jairus Byrd

There was a time, not long ago, when Byrd was one of the biggest free agents in the NFL. Lions fans pined for him to join their squad all year long. Byrd, who was fresh off a Pro Bowl season, signed a six-year deal with the Saints. He lasted three of those years.

Byrd suffered a lot of injuries while he was in New Orleans. He only squeaked out one full season and that was in 2016. When he did play, his play steadily declined since his days in Buffalo. Byrd became less of a problem in the passing game for opposing quarterbacks. While he did have somewhat of a bounce back year in 2016, I just can’t justify bringing in a guy that’s missed 20 games in the last four years.

Darrelle Revis

Terroristic threats. Let’s move on to the next player.

Jamaal Charles

Here’s the thing: If you can promise me that the Lions would get the non-injury prone version of Jamaal Charles, I would say sign this guy right away. He can sleep in our bedroom upstairs until he finds his own place. But that can’t be promised. So then the Lions have to pass.

This isn’t just a one or two time thing. Charles has missed 41 games in his career. 24 of those were in the last two years. Charles just cannot stay healthy. Even in the seasons when his play is fantastic, like 2014, he still had to miss time with an injury. I like Jamaal Charles, but he would just be too much of a liability. Not to mention he’s hit the magic age of 30, as well.

Besides, he and Roary are still not on talking terms.

Anquan Boldin

I told you we were going out with a bang. Let me preface this by saying that I love Anquan Boldin, and if the Lions brought him back, I wouldn’t be upset about it at all. If it makes you feel better, we’ll say Just Say Maybe.

Here’s the thing: Boldin will be turning 37 years old in October. He will be one of the oldest players in the NFL if he decides not to retire. The Lions should be focused on getting younger and looking to the future. They need a player that’s going to be in this offense for years to come.

Boldin was great for the Lions last year, and again, it’s certainly possible that he can do it again. But what if he can’t? What if the Lions find themselves in a situation similar to the one they found themselves in with Rashean Mathis? Age suddenly caught up ,and he lost his touch. Then the money you could have used on a guy that could put in time with the franchise is suddenly lost on an aging veteran that’s going to retire at the year's end.

Everything points to this potentially happening. For example, Boldin went from a 1.8 drop percentage to a 4.2. His yards after catch dropped so much that he almost completely became a possession receiver in 2016. That’s all well and good, but the Lions need guys that can help get the ball down the field. Not just bail the team out on third down.

Again, I love Anquan Boldin. I had him on the Lions on ESPN NFL 2k5. He’s consistently been one of my favorite players in the NFL, but I’m genuinely concerned that he may take one year too many and have a bad season. I’m concerned that happens in Detroit. But, again, I certainly wouldn’t be upset if the Lions brought him back for the 2017 season.

What do you think Lions fans? Would you want Boldin back? Who shouldn't have made this list? Who did I miss in the past four weeks? Be sure to leave your comments below. And remember, don’t be a chicken. Say No to these turkey’s.