Detroit Lions: 3 free agents that can still help this team

The Detroit Lions have had a good free agency thus far but there are still some quality players available on the free agent market that could help the team.

The Detroit Lions have made quite a few splash free agent signings to date. Most notable among them are the signings of defensive end Trey Flowers, defensive back Justin Coleman, tight end Jesse James, and offensive guard Oday Aboushi. Even though most of the impact free agents have already been signed there are still a few players left that could provide the Lions with good production should the Lions sign them.

There are three free agents in particular that I think could provide the Lions with good production as situational role players. Even after signing defensive end Trey Flowers and resigning edge rusher Romeo Okwara, the Lions still need to add another person to the roster that can pressure the quarterback. They will most likely draft one on either the first or second day of the draft, but would also benefit from signing another veteran free agent.

Another position at which the Lions could use an upgrade is linebacker, as there are not many options that inspire confidence after Jarrad Davis and Devon Kennard (who is really more of a pass rusher anyway). If the Lions could manage to land another linebacker who can defend both the run and pass at a high level within head coach Matt Patricia’s system, then their defense could quickly become one of the top defenses in the league.

Aside from second year running back Kerryon Johnson, the Lions do not have anyone in the backfield that can be relied upon to carry the load for the team. Having a reliable second back is important so that Kerryon is not overused and so that the team has someone who can shoulder the load in case of an injury to Johnson during the season (which is likely as he has a long injury history).