6 Remaining Free Agents Lions Could Target
The Detroit Lions are eagerly anticipating the start of training camp.
Organized team activities and minicamp are over. The players will return to Allen Park in late July to commence the final stage of preparation before the season.
The Lions have been considered to be among the winners of the offseason, but holes still remain on the roster. Here are six free agents who could be of interest to the organization ahead of the start of training camp.
DT Matt Ioannidis
As it currently stands, the Lions could benefit from adding more depth on the defensive interior. Questions remain about Levi Onwuzurike's availability post-injury, so production behind Alim McNeill is a concern.
Ioannidis didn't produce eye-popping numbers with Carolina last season, but he's proven to be a reliable run-stuffer in his lengthy NFL career. He played well off Derrick Brown last season, and could have a similar role working with Alim McNeill.
Detroit has competition up front, but this free agent would be the most established player in the room. He'd be a solid veteran addition for a mostly young defensive line.
WR N'Keal Harry
Injuries have plagued the former first-round pick throughout his brief NFL career. Harry is still just 25 and could be worthy of a look through training camp as the Lions accumulate depth at wide receiver.
He's built like an 'X' receiver, which is a position of need for the Lions while Jameson Williams is sidelined for the first six games of the season. There's also veterans in the receiver room who could help get him back on track after experiencing struggles early in his career.
OLB Kyle Van Noy
If the Lions are interested in bringing back another veteran, Van Noy could be a candidate ahead of the preseason. He played three seasons with the Lions, the third of which saw him traded to the Patriots.
Since that trade, he's been able to carve out a solid career. The 32-year-old has won two Super Bowls and would bring a winning pedigree back to the organization.
Van Noy could also help to mentor the likes of Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston as they enter their second professional season. He would bring a level of special teams versatility, which is always an asset.
Free agent linebacker Kyle Van Noy
© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
RB James Robinson
After bursting onto the scene as an undrafted free agent, Robinson has struggled to find his footing the last two seasons. He rushed for 1,070 yards as a rookie but has been limited by injury in each of the previous two campaigns.
Most recently, he was released by the New England Patriots.
The Lions have two options at the position they're confident in, but the battle for the third spot remains a competition. He could bounce back from recent struggles by coming to Detroit and winning the job, or provide competition for the others on roster at the very least.
EDGE Yannick Ngakoue
If the Lions are looking for more heat off the edge, Ngakoue brings it. He has taken his lumps as a run-defender, but he still has the ability to put pressure on the quarterback.
The veteran would be a solid addition to the unit as a sub-package rusher, alongside the likes of Hutchinson and Houston. Detroit has plenty of pop at the spot already, but Ngakoue could make a strong impression if he gets an opportunity.
IOL Chase Roullier
The former Washington Commander is a versatile offensive lineman who could play either spot on the interior. He has experience playing center, as well as guard, but has struggled with injuries that have driven his value down.
With Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow dealing with injuries, adding another form of depth up front wouldn't hurt. Roullier would likely have to compete with Graham Glasgow for a roster spot.
