Detroit Lions: Is this free agent a perfect pairing for Motown?

This late into the offseason, could the Detroit Lions really find a perfect fit in a veteran free agent? One analytics-based website believes so.

At this point of the offseason, most NFL teams aren’t scouring the open free agent market for players. Following last month’s draft, organizations like the Detroit Lions are looking forward to carrying their bloated rosters into OTA’s, minicamp and eventually training camp.

So if there is a perfect pairing to be had between a veteran free agent and a team, it’s likely been done already. Especially in Detroit, who added a pricey but talented pool of free agents earlier this year. One that included veterans like defensive end Trey Flowers, wide receiver Danny Amendola, cornerback Justin Coleman and tight end Jesse James.

Plus, this deep into May, what kind of talent can be found in free agency anyway? Most names currently available are of those of aging veterans, some recovering from injury, looking for a second or possibly third chance to prove they still belong in the league. But there is one intriguing name Lions’ fans may want to watch. And that’s former longtime Tennessee Titans linebacker, Derrick Morgan.

According to Pro Football Focus writer Mike Johnson, Morgan would be the best fit for the Lions based on who is currently still available in free agency. Here’s what Johnson had to say …

"“The Lions’ defensive front has a chance to be special this season with Damon Harrison Sr., A’Shawn Robinson, and Da’Shawn Hand on the interior and Trey Flowers setting the edge. With unproven talent behind this group of starters, adding Morgan would be a key move to provide depth that will likely push this unit to among the best in the NFL in 2019.”"

Taking a closer look and Johnson could be right. Drafted 16th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech, Morgan had played defensive end out of a base 4-3 defense since high school. But he would be asked to switch to linebacker in a 3-4 four years into his tenure in Tennessee. So there is definitely position flexibility there, which is a must in the Lions’ multiple defensive scheme under second-year head coach Matt Patricia.

Prior to 2018, Morgan had posted the two best seasons of his nine-year career so far. He recorded 33 combined tackles and 9.0 sacks in 2016. Then 32 tackles and 7.5 sacks the following season.

Finally, the current depth chart at defensive end is a bit thin in Detroit right now. Beyond Flowers is 2018 team-sack leader Romeo Okwara, rookie fourth-rounder Austin Bryant, Eric Lee, Mitchell Loewen, and Jonathan Wynn. Last year’s rookie phenom, Da’Shawn Hand, can play outside as well. This is a very young positional group.

In Detroit, Derrick Morgan would certainly bring experience and flexibility to the defense. And coming off a down season in Tennessee where he recorded just 25 tackles for 0.5 sack in 13 games, the 30-year old veteran may be willing to sign an inexpensive prove-it deal to remain in the league. If that’s the case, the Lions could be the perfect landing spot.