Detroit Lions: Sometimes free agency is tougher than the games
By Robert Jones
Bob Quin’s gameplan was to find athlete’s that fit what the Lions scheme will be under Matt Patricia. This doesn’t always mean the best player is the best fit. However, in a market that has dried up in many key areas, it means that there is plenty of competition for players.
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As an example, I’m sure that the Lions expected they would be able to get Haloti Ngata back since he is still a quality player and expressed a desire to return to Detroit. So why is he in Philadelphia then?
The answer is a combination of the Lions being cost effective with their offer, which they should considering Ngata’s age, and the opportunity he had to join the defending world champions. That all added up to an easy decision to change his mind about Detroit.
That’s what makes free agency such a tough game to play.
Now there are other positions of concern beyond defensive tackle, like running back and tight end which both also need upgrading, although the signing of former Eagle running back LeGarrette Blount does help the backfield. Yet Patricia rode into town with the reputation as a defensive whiz and the expectations were that defense would be a heavy focus in the offseason.
True, the Lions came out of the gates swinging at defense and have certainly improved the linebackers and secondary, but the truth of the matter is all that means nothing if the defensive line isn’t improved as well.