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Detroit Lions: Offseason Guide To Success

By Mike Payton

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Fix Offensive line in Free Agency

Sep 20, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills tackle Cordy Glenn (77) and New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Patriots beat the Bills 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills tackle Cordy Glenn (77) and New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Patriots beat the Bills 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

There is no doubt that offensive line is and should be the top priority this offseason. Reason number one is obvious, Matthew Stafford has been sacked 89 times in the last 32 games. Your quarterback just can’t survive a beating like that for a third straight year. Reason two is because Calvin Johnson is retiring. This means the Lions offense must now lean on it’s running game like never before. The offense cannot survive in 2016 with this group.

But where do you address these needs? It has to be in free agency as opposed to the draft. Only in free agency can the Lions get a franchise left tackle like Cordy Glenn or Russell Okung. Or at least get a shot at one of those guys. Bringing in a stud left tackle means you can swing Reiff over to the right side without wasting time coaching a rookie up. Not to mention the crop of offensive lineman coming into the NFL has not been all that great as of late.

Additionally the Lions may do themselves a favor if they back off Travis Swanson as the starting center. At least for a little while. There are a few options out there like Stephen Wisniewski or Mackenzy Bernadeau that can come in and give you that little while.

Next: Don't put all your eggs in the receiver basket

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