Burning Questions: How Lions Can Win Free Agency
An increase in salary cap has made anticipation for NFL free agency all the more intriguing.
With an official number of $255.4 million, teams in the NFL have more cap space to work with than ever before. One of the biggest beneficiaries of this hike in allotted space are the Detroit Lions, who have plenty of cap space available.
Detroit has talent on its roster, but could stand to add more as it gears up for another potential deep playoff run in 2024. General manager Brad Holmes has another chance to bolster the roster depth in free agency.
With one of the deepest amounts of cash available, Holmes has a path forward in which he can afford to make a splash. However, the Lions will have to be careful with external commitments as they prepare extensions for several key players already on roster.
The approach to this stage of player acquisition must be measured, which Holmes has a reputation for.
Detroit's needs are much more minute than they were when Holmes arrived. As a result, they don't have as many needs to fill in free agency. By focusing on one area, be it cornerback or pass-rusher, Holmes can afford to make a singular splash that would make the Lions an even-bigger threat.
Among the top options available are cornerback L'Jarius Sneed and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. Sneed has been franchise-tagged and would have to be acquired via trade.
Elsewhere, the organization can win free agency by bringing in competitive depth on short-term contracts. Holmes has spoke out about his desire to add competition at every position, so by finding viable players who can help the team if needed he can boost their chances at making another deep run.
The Lions are no longer in a rebuild, but player acquisition remains a vital part of the process. Each addition must be calculated, and the Lions must manage their current resources well.
Will Brad Holmes draft a cornerback?
Cornerback is considered to be the Lions' biggest need this offseason. Much has been made about the unit's struggles last season, particularly late in the year against some of the league's best wide receivers.
This year's cornerback crop features several top-tier options, but many are expected to be gone by the time Detroit is on the clock at No. 29 overall.
Holmes has a unique approach to drafting cornerbacks, as he shared at the Combine. Having been a cornerback cross-checker as a scout, he's very familiar with the intricacies of playing the position and what good cornerback play looks like.
Drafting a cornerback with the intention of starting right away comes with its ups and downs. Rarely does a cornerback enter the league in dominant fashion, and some struggle with the physicality or speed of matching up with elite receivers right away.
The Lions do need help at that position, both in a starting and depth capacity. Kindle Vildor is an unrestricted free agent, while Jerry Jacobs is hitting the market as a restricted free agent.
Because of this, the Lions would be apt to add a young cornerback through the Draft. Should they not land one of the top available options such as Sneed or Jaylon Johnson, drafting one early becomes more likely.
Two of the best fits for the organization are Alabama's Terrion Arnold and Missouri's Ennis Rakestraw. Arnold is viewed as one of the top two prospects at the position, while Rakestraw is top-five with a first-round grade by many.
In order to land one, they may have to move up in the Draft. As a result, the final month leading up to the first round will be fascinating to follow.
How will Lions address O-line?
The Lions have a very interesting situation facing them heading into the offseason. Two starters on their vaunted offensive line are free agents, as both Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow are set to hit the market.
Both players have played at a high level, but are at different stages in their careers. On one hand, Glasgow is a veteran who excelled last season after struggling in Denver. Jackson, meanwhile, just finished his rookie deal in which he stood out but was hampered by injuries in his contract year.
The Lions have built their success around their offensive line, so retooling the unit for the future will be pivotal. With two free agents, along with Frank Ragnow dealing with injuries, adding young talent should be a priority.
Detroit could have multiple solid options available at the end of the first round, such as Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson and West Virginia's Zach Frazier. Either can play all the interior line spots and would be good fits.
With Holmes' affinity for retaining the team's talent, it wouldn't be surprising to see them re-sign either player. Jackson, as a younger option, may command a commitment outside of what the Lions are willing to pay.
Detroit will be forced to address the group in a timely fashion, and it would be wise for the organization to invest in young depth.
Will Jason Cabinda be on the roster in 2024?
Jason Cabinda's trajectory took a turn in 2023. After missing most of the season with a knee injury, he was waived after being activated from injured reserve.
He was brought back on the practice squad and used as a practice squad elevation throughout the playoffs, but didn't get a reserve/futures deal and is currently a free agent.
However, he has expressed a desire to return to Detroit and is clearly a key piece. Playing the fullback position gives him a unique role, and his work on special teams is also important.
With this in mind, Cabinda seems to be a natural fit to return on a short-term contract to continue contributing for the Lions in 2024.
