Should the Detroit Lions sign linebacker Mychal Kendricks?
With the Detroit Lions revamping their linebacker corps this offseason, should the Motor City add recent free agent Mychal Kendricks to the mix?
This offseason, the Detroit Lions went about the business of retooling their linebacker corps. After spending both a first round selection (Jarrad Davis) and a fourth rounder (Jalen Reeves-Maybin) in the 2017 NFL Draft on the position, linebacker was ignored completely in this year’s draft.
Instead, the Lions opted to look to free agency to restock their linebacker room. And the new presence of head coach Matt Patricia, plus his introduction of a more dynamic defensive scheme, meant this group needed to change and expand.
As the former New England Patroits’ defensive coordinator, Patricia will require this new Motor City defense to play both in the 4-3 and the 3-4. That means as many as four linebackers could be required on the field at one time. Suddenly, position flex is vital for this linebacker unit in Detroit.
So the front office went about the business of adding veteran linebackers like Devon Kennard, Christian Jones, Jonathan Freeny and Trevor Bates to the roster. They join Davis, Reeves-Maybin, Nick Bellore and Steve Longa who were already on the depth chat. Plus rookies Al-Rasheed Benton and Chad Meredith.
Outside of Davis, this group could really use some star power. Although Patricia has done wonders with no-name defenses in the past, adding talented players to the roster should always be an option. And the Lions have a chance to do just that by signing recent free agent Mychal Kendricks.
A second round selection out of California in 2012, Kendricks has played his entire six-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles. The undersized linebacker has struggled at times during his time as a pro, but stepped up his game last season after an injury to Jordan Hicks and helped to lead the Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory.
The 27-year old posted 77 total tackles, six pass defends and 2.0 sacks in 2017. Kendricks also started every game in the postseason including the Super Bowl itself. Underutilized in Philly, the veteran linebacker asked to be traded last year. The Eagles granted his wish this week, clearing a whopping $6 million in salary cap space in the process.
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In Detroit, Mychal Kendricks would add some much need talent and versatility to a linebacker corps in desperate need of both. If the team and the player can agree to a price tag that is beneficial for both side, Kendricks could easily play a vital role on the Lions’ defense in 2018.