Here are the moves the Detroit Lions should consider when free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET on March 9.
Defensive line: This is a definite area of need for Detroit, and while it is strong in the draft, the Lions have a lot of work to do when it comes to bringing in players who can generate a pass rush. If Detroit wants to make a splash on the defensive line, a player like Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (a Detroit native) would be a strong fit. Finding an edge rusher also will be a priority throughout the offseason, and the Lions could look to add a couple of rotational players. Jabaal Sheard, yes, another New England player, could be a name to watch as a midrange option. But considering the Lions have four defensive linemen under contract (Ezekiel Ansah, Haloti Ngata, A’Shawn Robinson and Anthony Zettel) and two others, Kerry Hyder and Brandon Copeland, likely to be picked up with the exclusive rights tender, Detroit must add players here. Nick Fairley and Karl Klug could be other names to watch on the interior as well as Jared Odrick as an end/tackle. Green Bay’s Datone Jones could be another player to pay attention to.
Secondary: It might not seem like the most pressing need considering holes in the front seven and on the offensive line, but it's also a spot Detroit could be poised to make some moves. Both of its starting safeties are entering contract years, as is cornerback Nevin Lawson. Considering the Lions allowed opponents to complete 72.7 percent of passes in 2016, it’s an area that needs some shoring up. Logan Ryan, the Patriots cornerback, is a player to watch as general manager Bob Quinn has familiarity with him. Players with special-teams abilities, such as Duron Harmon, another Patriot, could get a look along with Bills safety Sergio Brown (an ex-Patriot).
Linebacker: The Lions need to add speed and depth. Detroit could enter the Dont’a Hightower sweepstakes, but there’s a decent chance it would get outbid by teams with more cap room available. But the Lions badly need a playmaker and can’t yet trust that DeAndre Levy will return to form. If Levy does, and the Lions make a big signing, that would be a boon for a defense that has struggled to cover offensive players who operate in the middle of the field. Kevin Minter could be another name to pay attention to, along with some of Detroit’s own free agents.
Offensive line: This is the wild card, as Larry Warford and Riley Reiff enter free agency, and the Lions could lose both. Detroit could plug in a combination of Joe Dahl and Laken Tomlinson for Warford at right guard, but the options at right tackle aren’t great in free agency or the draft. The Lions could try to make a run at Rick Wagner, but he might cost too much. This could be a spot where Detroit tries to go with a stopgap option like New England’s Sebastian Vollmer, while drafting for the future.
