Did the Detroit Lions find themselves a steal in free agency?

The Detroit Lions defense experienced several changes this offseason. But could this free agency find be the catalyst for more success in the secondary?

One of the top positional units for the Detroit Lions this past season was their defensive secondary. The Motor City defense was responsible for a whopping 32 takeaways (19 interceptions, 13 fumbles) in 2017, the third most in the NFL.

Residing in the secondary are two Pro Bowlers in cornerback Darius Slay and free safety Glover Quin. Slay earned his first Pro Bowl nomination last season after leading the NFL in interceptions with eight, tied with Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard.

Quin was voted into the Pro Bowl back in 2014 after leading the league himself with seven picks. But many believed the 32-year old veteran deserved the nod last season after posting 84 total tackles, six pass defends, three interceptions, four forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown.

As the anchors of the secondary, Slay and Quin should only improve in play (or at least get more recognition) with the presence of new head coach Matt Patricia. Formerly the defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, Patricia’s defenses took the Pats to six-straight conference championship games and three Super Bowl appearances since 2012.

Patricia’s multiple defensive scheme has been giving opposing NFL offenses fits for years. And doing so without many star players on that side of the ball. In Detroit, Patricia already possesses the most talented defense he’s likely ever coached. And if a couple of the Lions’ offseason acquisitions can exceed expectations, this secondary could suddenly make the jump from good to elite.

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions may have found themselves a hidden gem in DeShawn Shead via free agency this offseason.

"“Turnovers have been few and far between this camp, but Shead punched a ball loose from Blount during the same period Friday. Maybe it’s that upbringing in the Seahawks defense, but Shead always seems to be trying to strip the ball. He might end up being a free-agent steal.”"

Shead is currently battling it out at training camp for the No. 2 cornerback spot opposite Slay. The 6-foot-2, 212-pound corner signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with Detroit back in March.  Shead was a starter for the Seattle Seahawks’ Legion of Boom back in 2016, recording 81 total tackles, 14 pass defends and one interception. But an ACL injury limited him to just two games last season.

The six-year veteran defender faces stiff competition in Detroit with 2017 second rounder Teez Tabor and last year’s starter Nevin Lawson both vying for that starting cornerback role opposite Darius Slay. But having a new head coach, coaching staff and defensive scheme change in Detroit this offseason opens up the door wider than ever for free agents like DeShawn Shead to walk in and play a significant role from day one.