Did the Detroit Lions overspend in free agency? Only time will tell
The Detroit Lions did some unusual splash signings in free agency this offseason. But did they overspend while also still lacking offensive firepower?
The Detroit Lions posted a disappointing 6-10 record last season, the first year under new head coach Matt Patricia. Clearly, the Lions needed to improve their roster. And they did so in free agency, making several impactful signings that figure to have the Motor City back on track in 2019.
But Detroit spent significant monies in order to do so. Here’s a list of their key free agent signings and their contracts.
Trey Flowers, DE – Five-year, $90 million contract; $40 million guaranteed
Justin Coleman, CB – Four-year, $36 million contract; $16 million guaranteed
Jesse James, TE – Four-year, $25 million contract; $11 million guaranteed
Danny Amendola, WR – One-year, $4.5 million contract
Rashaan Melvin, CB – One-year, $3.5 million contract
Recently, the Sporting News gave the Lions a grade of B- for their key moves in free agency so far. Here’s Vinnie Iyer’s explanation for the relatively low grade.
"“There was plenty of splash from Bob Quinn for the second year of Matt Patricia, including two former Patriots defenders in Flowers and Coleman that should thrive under the coach. But the Lions probably overspent in both cases and gave their offense limited help.”"
The Lions’ offense ranked 24th in total yards last season. And Detroit owned the 25th worst scoring offense averaging just 20.3 points per game in 2018. The additions of James and Amendola fill some immediate needs. The team also signed tight end Logan Thomas, wide receiver Tommylee Lewis, and offensive lineman Oday Aboushi as quality depth additions on that side of the ball.
Detroit is surely banking on the return of running back Kerryon Johnson in his second season to boost their rushing attack. Of course, the Lions have 10-year quarterback Matthew Stafford under center. Wide receivers Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. should be among the best duos in the league. And the addition of James helps secure the troubled tight end position.
The focus now shifts to the offensive line. Detroit has invested two recent first-round selections along their O-Line in left tackle Taylor Decker and left guard Frank Ragnow. Versatile center Graham Glasgow and veteran right tackle Rick Wagner complete the starting four.
But with the recent release and subsequent retirement of starting right guard T.J. Lang, the Lions have a major void to fill. Fortunately, Detroit has several options in order to do so. Veteran lineman Kenny Wiggins replaced Lang for 10 games last season. 2018 fifth-rounder Tyrell Crosby can switch positions from tackle to guard and play the position as well. Finally, Detroit could opt to once again use the draft to fill that starting need.
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Whether the Detroit Lions overspent this offseason will be determined by how well these free agents perform over the next few seasons. As for the Lions’ offense, they have made just enough signings to allow them flexibility in the draft to land the best players available. But Motown has the key pieces in place and a new offensive coordinator in Darrell Bevell to help improve their offense in 2019.