Circumstances outside the position have the Detroit Lions looking thin at linebacker. A late free agent signing seems logically.
Nick Bellore was listed as a linebacker but also saw work as a fullback to kickoff the 2018 offseason. He made the permanent move to offense once an injury to rookie fullback Nick Bawden occurred. This means the Detroit Lions are in need of help at linebacker.
Jarrad Davis took on a huge role as a rookie and looks to make a major leap in this new defense year two. He improved towards the backend of the year, but his coverage responsibilities were erased. It’s foolish to put all the chips in for Davis as the number one linebacker without a solid backup plan.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin was another rookie that shined at times in 2017. His strength was in coverage. Reeves-Maybin has to prove he can handle more on running downs, get stronger and stay healthy before the Lions put more faith in him.
Christian Jones is the classic run-stuffing linebacker but is below-average as a pass defender. His experience in a 3-4 defense and versatility at other spots will serve him well. Jones hasn’t consistently showed he can hold up as a starter.
Devon Kennard is another special player that’ll play multiple positions. His skill-sets are better as a pass rusher but he can cover out in space pretty well. Kennard can’t be counted on as an off-ball inside linebacker because he’s more of an outside linebacker on the edge.
Beyond those four, more like three depending how you look at it, the Lions are hurting for another body in the middle. The remaining options are lackluster, and that’s putting it lightly.
Bellore could still play on both sides of the ball with how little usage a fullback gets. Still wouldn’t make sense to keep just four linebackers.
Quality free agents are aplenty. Detroit can’t afford to fall short at a position that’s struggled the past few seasons. They have the means ($9 million) to improve the unit.
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Notable free agents: NaVorro Bowman, Bruce Carter, Brian Cushing, Karlos Dansby, Jerrell Freeman, Cory James, Kelvin Sheppard, Sean Spence, Lawrence Timmons, Sean Weatherspoon, Michael Wilhoite