6 Free Agents for Lions to Watch during Sunday's Divisional Round
Another day of divisional round playoff action has arrived, and it means that the Detroit Lions have another two games to watch from home.
Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams will travel to Tampa Bay to take on Tom Brady and the Buccaneers (3 p.m. EST), while Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs will play host to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills (6:30 p.m. EST).
Just like Saturday's slate of action, there will be a variety of players that the Lions' coaching staff and front office should be keeping an eye on.
Here now are the six impending free agents from Sunday's postseason contests that Detroit should be keeping close tabs on throughout the day.
Los Angeles Rams CB Darious Williams
Williams is no household name. But, the part-time player would be an asset to Detroit's young secondary, and very well could start on a full-time basis in the Motor City.
The 28-year-old -- who will be 29 come March 15 -- didn't record a single interception in 14 games this past regular season.
However, he produced a combined 23 passes defensed the last two seasons, including nine in 2021. Along with that, he did record a total of six interceptions in 2019 and 2020.
On a short-term deal, I think he'd make a lot of sense for Brad Holmes & Co. this offseason.
Buffalo Bills CB Levi Wallace
The Alabama product has been a steady contributor for the Bills.
Since 2019, the 6-foot-0, 179-pound cornerback has amassed at least two interceptions and eight passes defensed each season. And, in 2021, he posted a career-best 10 passes defensed.
I think he'd be a nice, cost-effective find for the Lions' front office this offseason.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers S Jordan Whitehead
Whitehead will be just 25 years old come next season, and he's already proven himself to be a rather big-time playmaker in Tampa Bay's secondary.
In 14 games this past regular season, he produced two interceptions, eight passes defensed, a forced fumble and five tackles for loss.
Sure, Whitehead won't ever be confused for the best player at his position. But, he'd still be a surefire upgrade for a Detroit secondary that is lacking playmakers.
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Kansas City Chiefs S Tyrann Mathieu
If the Lions are looking to grab a safety on the open market this offseason, Mathieu, affectionately known as the "Honey Badger," is easily one of the top options.
The three-time All-Pro could make an immediate positive impact on Detroit's secondary. He's played in at least 15 games and has recorded two or more interceptions each season since 2017.
Additionally, he's produced a combined nine picks over the last two seasons, and has been named a Pro Bowler each of the past two campaigns, too.
The 29-year-old -- who will turn 30 on May 13 -- would be a godsend for the Lions' young and inexperienced defensive backs unit.
Buccaneers DE William Gholston
The Detroit native put up a career-high 4.5 sacks in 2021. He'll be 31 come the start of next season, and he's not a full-time starter. But, the Michigan State product, as a situational pass rusher, could still be a nice, cost-effective addition to the Lions' pass-rush department.
Buccaneers DT Ndamukong Suh
Reunited, and it feels so good. How about a reunion for the 2010 No. 2 overall draft pick in the Motor City?
The now 35-year-old has been an ironman in his career, having failed to miss a single game since suiting up for just 14 contests in 2011 with the Lions.
Additionally, the Nebraska product has recorded six sacks each of the past two seasons, and has only gone one year without producing at least four (2019; 2.5 sacks).
He's also posted 12 or more QB hits each year since 2012.
He won't be an every-down player, but that won't matter as long as he's getting after the opposition's passer when he's in the game.
With all the time that has passed since Suh last took a snap for the Lions (2014), I think Detroit fans would largely welcome the three-time All-Pro back with open arms.
