Detroit Lions must show patience in 2018 free agent market
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Because of the absolute lack of talent at defensive tackle, this is the only position worth a big free agent signing.
Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata would have been a great stop gap for one more year, but it looks like he is headed to the Philadelphia Eagles. Of course, the Lions have largely ignored this position, which is why the cupboard is so barren.
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Defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, who was drafted in 2016, is the one exception. But Robinson needs a durable running mate.
First and foremost, Detroit must look to draft some depth at this position. However, even if they do make some selections in the draft, it would be hard for those picks to make a great impact in 2018.
Then there is free agency. The Detroit Lions should focus all of their attention on defensive tackle Dontari Poe. Poe played for the Atlanta Falcons last season (first five with Kansas City Chiefs), and he has only missed two games in six years.
Poe is very durable and still young enough (at age 27) to be a long-term solution for Detroit. The biggest issue with Poe is that his contract might be too big. The projections are around $6 million per year.
But, if there is a bidding war, it could reach $8 or $10 million per year. Still, if Detroit can find a way, they absolutely should sign him.