Lions Miss Out on Two Top Free Agents
The Detroit Lions were linked to Christian Wilkins early in Monday's legal tampering period as NFL free agency kicked off.
However, the former Miami Dolphin will not be donning a Lions uniform in 2024. Wilkins is set to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders when the NFL league year officially starts on Wednesday, according to reports.
The Lions were listed among several teams interested in signing the talented defensive lineman. However, they were ultimately unable to come to a deal. Wilkins will reportedly sign a four-year contract worth $110 million with $84.75 million guaranteed with the Raiders.
Wilkins has 20.5 career sacks, including 9.5 last year with Miami.
Additionally, top defensive end target Jonathan Greenard will take his talents to the NFC North. The Lions will be forced to face off against him twice a year, as Greenard agreed to a deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
With Minnesota, Greenard inked a four-year pact worth $76 million, with $42 million guaranteed. The former Houston Texan had 12.5 sacks last season and could be a potential replacement for veteran Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter.
Detroit has yet to make its first external addition of free agency. Reports linked them to the defensive line market, which included Wilkins and D.J. Reader. Though Wilkins signed with the Raiders, Reader remains available.
The Lions are estimated to have around $45.2 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap.
Elsewhere, former Lions running back D'Andre Swift agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal with the Chicago Bears. The Green Bay Packers also made a move, electing to release veteran offensive tackle David Bakhtiari.
