Should the Detroit Lions kick the tires on Pernell McPhee?
The Detroit Lions could add some talent at linebacker in 2018, so why not take a look at recently released linebacker Pernell McPhee?
As the Detroit Lions prepare for the scouting combine, other teams are making cuts to their rosters. Most recently, the Chicago Bears released veteran linebacker Pernell McPhee. The 29-year-old McPhee was a cap casualty set to earn $7.2 million in 2018.
From the Lions perspective, we see this sort of thing all the time. It is more common during the season, but once a player is released a division rival swoops in and signs them to their roster. Sometimes it’s just to see if that player can help the team learn about their rival. Other times, it’s a legitimate action to improve the team at a position of need.
In this case, signing McPhee would do both for the Lions. Mostly, this move would add depth to the linebacking corps. Any information McPhee could share about his three years in Chicago would be a bonus. But with each offseason bringing new concepts to teams across the league, the benefit of information could be minimal.
Another aspect to consider before adding McPhee to the roster would be his price tag. The Bears weren’t willing to take the cap hit for the production he provided. He put up 14 sacks since 2015, but also missed 12 games with a series of injuries and knee issues.
On a positive note, McPhee began his career playing defensive end with the Baltimore Ravens. If he could provide flexibility for the defense by playing on the line or dropping into coverage, it would add some versatility to more than one position of need. But this could be a big if.
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Overall, the risk doesn’t appear to be worth the potential reward. At this point in the year, general managers will be considering all options to better their roster. Looking at a player recently released by a division rival is worth consideration. But in this case, the Lions could look for cheaper, younger options.