4 Offensive Free Agents Who Could Aid Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have been active in the free-agency market throughout the offseason.
Because of their aggressiveness, they have filled a number of holes they had on the roster last season. Still, they could benefit from making a couple more moves to add depth to the roster, ahead of the 2023 season.
Here are four offensive free agents who could help the Lions in the upcoming season.
QB Teddy Bridgewater
The most obvious one is the veteran signal-caller who has already visited Detroit during training camp. The Lions like what they have in Nate Sudfeld, but Bridgewater has plenty of experience as a starter that is hard to overlook.
With the Lions' competitive aspirations, they need someone who is capable of leading the team to victory in a pinch. The 30-year-old has proven he can do just that, through several prior opportunities across the league.
Related: Dan Campbell All For Adding Teddy Bridgewater
Bridgewater has played for five teams in his career, so he has the flexibility to learn a new scheme quickly.
His presence would give the Lions a comfortable option in the event of an injury, while also providing mentorship to injured rookie passer Hendon Hooker.
TE Stephen Anderson
A crushing blow was handed to the tight end position Monday, as Shane Zylstra suffered a knee injury that is believed to keep him out six months.
As a result, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes could be on the lookout for depth. Currently, the Lions have four active tight ends on the roster, after Zylstra's setback.
Enter Anderson, who doesn't have superb receiving statistics but is a steady blocker and a contributor on special teams.
The Lions are hoping that Sam LaPorta can do the bulk of pass-catching at the position, so Anderson's ability to participate in other aspects makes him appealing.
Last season, he earned a 90.3 Pro Football Focus special teams grade across 269 snaps. He participated on all four of the Cardinals' special teams units a year ago.
WR Amari Rodgers
Wide receiver depth has long been a concern throughout the Lions' offseason. Holmes has addressed it most recently by trading for Denzel Mims.
If they're looking to add more competition, a player like Rodgers would be a solid fit. Still just 24 years old, the Clemson product has struggled to find his footing at the professional level.
He's a prototypical slot receiver, but has struggled with drops early in his career. The Lions could be a good landing spot, though, as their coaching staff could help him recapture the magic he had at Clemson.
C Billy Price
Frank Ragnow stated early in training camp that he's feeling healthy ahead of the 2023 season. However, injuries have limited him throughout the last two seasons.
If the Lions are looking to provide experienced depth at the position behind he and rotational lineman Graham Glasgow, Price would be a solid option.
Price would likely compete for a spot with Ross Pierschbacher, who has been the first option behind Ragnow and Glasgow. A first-round pick in 2018, Price has struggled to secure his footing in the league.
Still, the Lions could help develop the veteran, who is 28 years old. If the depth at the position isn't to their liking, then taking a chance on the former first-rounder would be worth a shot.
