Detroit Lions: 3 free agents that can still help this team
Zach Brown, Inside Linebacker
The Lions could use an established linebacker that has proven to be among the best in the NFL. By signing the recently cut Zach Brown (surprise cut for cap reasons), the Lions would immediately upgrade their linebacker corps. Having both Davis and Brown on the field all three downs, combined with the elite defensive line, would make running on the Lions a near impossibility.
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Brown would finally give the Lions a linebacker who can cover the middle of the field and not be a liability for them in that regard. Even though he had a bit of a down year last year, recording only 96 total tackles, 10 for a loss, two forced fumbles, a sack, and a pass defensed; the previous two years he had over 125 tackles each year, over 10 tackles for a loss each year, and with both years combined he had double digit quarterback hits, and proved himself to be an elite linebacker.
PFF graded him out at an impressive 89.2 grade, which was the third highest grade they gave to a linebacker. Adding him to Patricia’s defense would vault the Lions into top 10 defense range as long as they made solid picks in the draft at the positions outside cornerback and edge rusher.
The Lions could probably land him on a one year prove it deal for about $5-$7 million, as he made about that much last year. I could even see them trying to lock him up for three years at slightly more than the above amount per year.
Patricia would probably love to get his hands on a top ten linebacker in the NFL on a discounted price tag this late in free agency. If the Lions can add Brown, they would no doubt be in the top half of the league defensively, and would probably slide into the top 10. If they can land Brown they should do so without hesitation.
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Are there any free agents you would like to see the team sign? Drop your thoughts in the comment section below!
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