Detroit Lions: 15 best free agent acquisitions of all-time

Erik Kramer became a member of the Lions for the first time in 1991. During his three-year run with the team, he split time with both Rodney Peete and Andre Ware at quarterback. A gutsy signal-caller who carved out a nice career in the NFL, Kramer made a statement early on, and would go on to be one of the more beloved players in the early 1990s.

Kramer stepped in for an injured Peete, and on his first play,  he called an audible, a move that instantly gave him the nickname of “Brass.” Also known as “Cosmo” during his career, in a reference to Cosmo Kramer, Kramer led the team to an impressive playoff win in his first year in Motown.

In a 38-6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Divisional Round, Kramer threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns, numbers that are still team playoff records. While the Lions would end up losing in the NFC Championship Game against the Washington Redskins, it was a signature win in franchise history, and it lands Kramer on our list at No.  9.

While Kramer was never “the guy” in Detroit, he did lead them when the games counted the most, and was pretty consistent doing it. Kramer only spent a couple of seasons in Detroit, but is still the most prolific playoff quarterback in team history of the Super Bowl era.

He is the franchise playoff record holder in completions, passing yards, and passer rating, and is tied with Tobin Rote in touchdowns passes. Not bad for a guy who was never a full-time starter for the team.