Tuesday open thread: Which future Lion are you most excited about?

When the Lions cut Rick Wagner last week, it became a matter of when, not if, they would make a splash signing in free agency. Not only did they already have significant cap space, but cutting Wagner opened up cash as well as a roster hole, both of which needed to be addressed. Lo and behold, address them the Lions did, coming to terms with free agents OL Halapoulivaati Vaitai and LB Jamie Collins Sr. on the opening day of the tampering period.

(Note: This story was written prior to the midnight story of the Lions signing Nick Williams.)

Question of the day: Which free agent acquisition are you more excited about?

My answer: Collins.

I’m certainly a little more excited about Vaitai (aka ‘Hal’, or ‘Big V’) than I typically would be for an offensive lineman. This is simply because the gaping roster hole at right tackle worried me, and this is about the best I could have hoped for the Lions to address it. While at first I feared the Lions overpaid, the more I learn about “Big V” the more excited I get. He’s a much better run blocker who is four years younger than Wagner, and he may still have room to grow in his game.

I’m ecstatic about Collins, though. Through two years, the Quinntricia marriage has proven resistant to valuing good linebackers, and this is a step in the right direction regarding changing that notion. Collins thrived under Patricia in New England, and returned there this season where he thrived following a two-year relegation to Cleveland.

I’m excited to see how he brings the Lions defense together, especially considering he is a formidable cover linebacker, something the Lions haven’t had since DeAndre Levy about six years ago.

Your turn - who are you more excited about?