The Detroit Lions have made some moves in free agency, but nothing major. Fans are as patient as possible, but frustrations are rising as top names sign elsewhere.
The new league year only just began this past Wednesday, but it already feels like forever ago for Detroit Lions fans.
The unexpected release of starting tight end Eric Ebron and as of yet, no major moves subsequent to his release have only heightened the levels of anticipation and frustration.
General manager, Bob Quinn has spoiled the local fanbase for the past two seasons by spending big early in free agency. In 2016, Detroit sprang for Marvin Jones, the best receiver on the market that year.
The next season, Detroit set the market at right tackle by making Rick Wagner the highest paid player at the position in the NFL. The Lions also managed to poach T.J. Lang from Green Bay during that same free agency period in 2017.
After becoming accustomed to those types of high end signings in free agency, you can’t really blame the eagerness from Detroit fans in wanting to see a marquee name.
Many (myself included) are anxious to see a splashy, signature addition for Matt Patricia in his first year as Lions head coach.
But in my eagerness as a fan, I have to keep an open mind and I would recommend for other Lions fans to do the same as well.
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Championship rings and trophies aren’t handed out for “winning” in free agency and the same thing can be said for the draft.
Every new year brings with it a new set of challenges and priorities and I would much rather see Detroit bide their time and show some patience in this process instead of jumping the gun and signing a player that has name recognition solely for that reason.
I really like Detroit’s early external signings. Devon Kennard and Christian Jones will help to bolster Jarrad Davis’ flanking linebacking corps, and DeShawn Shead will also be a good addition to the Motor City secondary.
For in house free agents, the Lions kept Kerry Hyder, Nevin Lawson, Tavon Wilson, Nick Bellore, and (surprisingly) Zach Zenner. They should all play key roles for the organization.
Detroit also used the franchise tag to bring back Ezekiel Ansah for at least another year, but he has yet to sign it.
There is plenty of time left to make moves in free agency and Detroit has scheduled visits throughout this week and on into the weekend.
Signing a veteran running back, defensive lineman, and tight end are high on my priority list and I would like to see if the organization pulls the trigger on any of those moves as we get deeper into free agency.
Green Bay, Minnesota, and Chicago have all made significant signings and I would really like to see Detroit keep pace with them.
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Ultimately, I believe that patience will be the virtue that rewards us all as Detroit Lions fans. Keep the faith and let me know what you think!