Monday open thread: Which Lions’ free agent signing will have the best season?

The Detroit Lions are looking to turn their fortunes around after a disappointing 6-10 season in 2018, and free agency was a critical time for the team. The Lions ran into numerous challenges last season when starters under performed and injuries reared their head. Talent and depth was a significant problem for the team, so general manager Bob Quinn took the initiative this offseason.

The Lions made one of the biggest free agency splashes in years, signing defensive end Trey Flowers to a five-year, $90 million contract. Prior to that, the most money Quinn had shelled out during free agency was Rick Wagner’s five-year, $47.5 million contract in 2017. Devon Kennard topped the 2018 free agent class with a contract of $18.75 million over three years. With the Lions lacking postseason success, Quinn decided to spend some money.

Veteran receiver Danny Amendola was brought in to serve a tertiary role behind Marvin Jones Jr. and Kenny Golladay. Justin Coleman was signed to solidify a struggling corner position. Signing Jesse James is a good secondary tight end in the wake of drafting T.J. Hockenson. C.J. Anderson, a cast off from the Panthers and Raiders in 2018, had a resurgence with the Rams, and was brought in to help Kerryon Johnson in establishing a rebuilt rushing attack. Bob Quinn wasn’t shy to bring in starters this offseason.

Along with the likes of Oday Aboushi, Rashaan Melvin, Andrew Adams, Tom Savage, Jermaine Kearse, and Logan Thomas, the Lions have many new faces on the team.

Today’s Question of the Day:

Which Lions’ free agent signing will have the best season?

My answer: I am quite optimistic about this free agent class, and I think there are a lot of players that could contribute right away. Trey Flowers is an obvious pick, given that he is one of the best defensive ends in the league. With the departure of Ezekiel Ansah, he figures to be heavily involved.

That being said, I think Justin Coleman will have the best season for the Lions. The Lions’ corners were atrocious in 2018, as Nevin Lawson, DeShawn Shead, Teez Tabor, and Mike Ford proved to be inadequate starters. By contrast, even if Coleman is average in 2019, that will still be an improvement on last year’s squad. It isn’t clear if Coleman will start in the slot or work outside, but I still expect a solid year from him. Teams abused the non-Darius Slay corners last year, so Coleman will likely be targeted a lot, but I’m confident in his ability. Coupled with Amani Oruwariye and Rashaan Melvin, the secondary is looking much stronger this season.