All Lions: Detroit Expected To Be Active in Free Agency
A very interesting offseason could be in store for the Detroit Lions.
Equipped with approximately $54 million in cap space, the Lions should be active players when free agency opens up Wednesday at 4 p.m. EST.
Detroit general manager Brad Holmes will have a litany of decisions to make for the reigning NFC North champions, including whether to re-sign a variety of the team's own free agents. Holmes & Co. are expected to make a push to retain the services of offensive linemen Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow, as well as veteran defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson and veteran wideout Josh Reynolds.
And, along with that, the Lions are likely to make a play for several external free agents.
The Athletic's Colton Pouncy recently identified multiple potential free-agent targets for Detroit's front office this offseason. Among a handful of names, cornerbacks Darious Williams, Tre'Davious White and Stephon Gilmore were mentioned as potential fits. Plus, several EDGE defenders and kickers were listed as possible targets for Detroit, including EDGEs Danielle Hunter and Mike Danna and veteran kickers Greg Zuerlein and Nick Folk.
"He’s the big name here, coming off a year in which he totaled 16 1/2 sacks for the Vikings, just in time for a free-agency payday," Pouncy opined about Hunter. "Hunter has recorded 70-plus pressures in three of his last four seasons and is an excellent finisher. He also ranked sixth among edge rushers in PFF stops. The idea of Hunter and Hutchinson on the same defensive line is downright scary, although it would come at a cost. Hunter is projected to receive north of $20 million per season. Perhaps the Lions can make the numbers work and sign Hunter to a shorter-term deal."
Just like many other pundits, Pouncy also mentioned Kansas City Chiefs shutdown cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, although recently franchise-tagged, as a potential target for Detroit.
If Holmes & Co. are able to swing a deal for the high-profile defensive back, expect the organization to part with multiple picks in this year's draft.
The Lions presently possess seven total picks in the 2024 draft, which is set to take place April 25-27 in downtown Detroit.
Here are other storylines surrounding the Detroit Lions on March 9:
- Woodward Sports debated whether the Lions will make a "splash" free-agent signing this offseason.
- Former NFL running back Bo Scarbrough, who played in six games for the Lions during the 2019 season, formally announced his retirement.
- Reserve running back Zonovan Knight, who was recently re-signed by Detroit to a one-year deal, will make $985,000 in 2024, according to NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
- MLive examined whether the Lions could pull off a trade for Chiefs star corner L'Jarius Sneed.
- Detroit Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta announced that he's engaged.
