With free agency just over a month away, the real offseason fun is right around the corner. The Lions’ brass have their work cut out for them and there’s no better way to get this culture change back to what it needs to be than knocking one out of the park in their first free agency.
Luckily for the Detroit Lions, there’s a litter of good players to choose from, especially in big areas of need. And with revenue being down during a COVID-19 year, a lot of these players could be had on cheaper-than-normal deals.
If Lions general manager Brad Holmes and company are looking to add a lot of key pieces on defense, then you may be looking at some top names like Justin Simmons, Lavonte David, Shaquil Barrett, Marcus Williams, John Johnson, Carl Lawson, among many, many others. And of course on the other side of the ball, the Lions still need to figure out what they’re going to do with Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones to make sure they have some receivers for Jared Goff to throw to.
That leads us to Today’s Question of the Day...
What free agent would you like the Lions to sign the most?
My answer: My first pick is a bit of a longshot in Tampa Bay’s Lavonte David. After winning the Super Bowl, Bruce Arians told David “your ass ain’t going nowhere.” It makes sense to stay and shoot for another title, but if the Lions are willing to pay up to get a stop gap at the linebacker position to mold their future young LB core, then that would be the best outcome the Lions could get from this year’s FA, if you ask me.
A more realistic option that already has some connections is Rams safety John Johnson III. Obviously, with the Holmes/Rams connection, some of the homework has already been done. Johnson, a former third-round pick, has already developed into one of the NFL’s best young safeties. He is currently ranked No. 23 on Pro Football Focus’ list of top 2021 free agents and was their third-highest graded safety last year.
Your turn.