Pros and Cons of Lions Pursuing Eric Fisher

Left tackle Eric Fisher tore his Achilles when the Kansas City Chiefs won the AFC Championship against the Buffalo Bills.

Without their starting left tackle, the Chiefs were defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 31-9, in Super Bowl LV.

The veteran offensive lineman is a former No. 1 overall pick, but will now be looking for his next opportunity.

The Chiefs, the only NFL team he has played for during his eight-year NFL career, decided to part ways with the left tackle in a move to aid their current salary-cap situation.

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for both Eric and Mitchell. With Eric, obviously he was the very first player that we drafted when we got to Kansas City, and we were able to watch him grow into a solid tackle for us for many years. These decisions are never easy, especially with guys like these, but both of these players will forever be a part of our history," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said in a statement.

In eight seasons, Fisher started 113 games.

The two-time Pro Bowler struggled during the early portions of his career, but he began to live up to his potential the past few seasons.

His Pro Football Focus grade rose to 83.9 in 2018, but injuries cost him time in 2019. And, his 2020 season ended with the aforementioned Achilles injury.

For the Lions' front office, adding an inexpensive player with veteran experience -- who also adds depth to their offensive line -- would be viewed as a welcome addition.

Additionally, he would be perceived by many NFL analysts as an upgrade over Tyrell Crosby, who is in the final year of his current contract with Detroit.

"He's not elite, but he is the starting left tackle on the most prolific offense. He's a good athlete, not a great athlete. His strength is good, not great. He does everything just good enough. He's a good player, but he's not dominant," NFL analyst Mike Tannenbaum said via ESPN. "You don't see those flash plays. But, there's a lot to like about his game. I've been around a lot worse left tackles than him."

Could Detroit consider switching Fisher to the right side of the offensive line to make up for the obvious deficiencies of Halapoulivaati Vaitai?

Vaitai is not currently viewed as a candidate to be a cap casualty this offseason, since it would cost more to cut him than to have him remain on the 2021 roster.

With new Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn looking to establish the run early in his tenure in Motown, taking a flier on Fisher might not prove to be too costly.

If Detroit decides to pass on Fisher, there are also options in the draft and free agency to continue its retooling of the roster.

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