Top Offensive Free Agents Available for Lions
The Detroit Lions were among the league's most active teams at the start of free agency. In particular, they overhauled their secondary, with three additions to the position group.
With Organized Team Activities on the horizon and training camp looming, the team could still stand to add talent to its offense.
Gearing up for a run at the NFC North division title, Detroit already has an influx of talent. Yet, the team still has holes from a depth perspective that could prove costly down the stretch of the regular season.
Here are five available offensive free agents the Lions could sign, leading into the next stages of the offseason.
QB Teddy Bridgewater
The Lions have had well-documented interest in Bridgewater. Even after drafting Hendon Hooker in the third round, there's still a need at the position.
After all, Nate Sudfeld is the only other established quarterback behind Jared Goff. Meanwhile, Bridgewater has proven to be one of the league's most reliable backups.
Hooker was drafted with the hope that he can step in under center in the future. But, he will be limited this season, while recovering from an ACL injury.
This leaves the team in need of a reliable backup option in the event that Goff has to miss time with an injury. Bridgewater has started games in each of the last five seasons, and holds a winning record as a starter.
RB Kenyan Drake
In an offseason where the Lions have overhauled their running backs room, a third and final addition may not be out of the realm of possibility.
Craig Reynolds, the incumbent third option, was limited to just nine games in 2022. Justin Jackson, meanwhile, performed steadily in his absence, and handled some return duties, as well.
In Drake, the Lions would be getting a similar type of player. He's known for his speed, which would certainly help with the return game.
Drake, who has 41 career kick returns and a score, could handle those duties, while also taking on a moderate role in the backfield, spelling the duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
WR Demarcus Robinson
The Lions' need for receiver depth is no secret. After losing DJ Chark in free agency and the gambling violation that resulted in three suspensions, there's room for more at the position.
Robinson may not be a prototypical "X" receiver in terms of size, but he is a durable and reliable wideout who can win in contested situations.
Per Pro Football Focus, he caught 44 percent of passes thrown his way in contested situations. His average depth of target was just above 10 yards, so he's capable of helping the offense move the chains.
Though he's never put up eye-popping stats in his career, he's surpassed 400 yards in three of the last four seasons. Additionally, health has never been a concern.
If Detroit is looking for a reliable and skilled wideout that it can count on in key situations, Robinson is a top choice among those still available.
Katie Stratman, USA TODAY Sports
TE Anthony Firkser
Firkser began his career with four seasons in Tennessee, before suiting up for Atlanta in 2022. He's enjoyed modest production, notching 1,207 receiving yards.
However, he would fit well with Detroit's blocking tight ends. Last season, he earned a 53.3 run-blocking grade and an 80.3 pass-blocking grade from PFF.
With rookie Sam LaPorta set to do most of the receiving from the position, Firkser could help Brock Wright with the blocking duties. He'd compete for a roster spot, with the likes of Shane Zylstra and James Mitchell.
OL Bobby Hart
Hart is a versatile lineman who split time last season between the guard and tackle positions. Though he didn't start a game, he was reliable in spot duty.
Detroit signed Graham Glasgow and drafted Colby Sorsdal to deepen the offensive line interior, but depth at tackle is still a concern.
Versatility is everything for offensive linemen, so adding a player capable of playing both guard and tackle would be big for the Lions.
Hart is also an eight-year veteran, so he would bring leadership for players like Sorsdal and third-year pro Penei Sewell.
