Detroit Lions offensive line woes and future fixes

Detroit Lions – Right Now Options

Matt Kalil, free agent

Free-agent Matt Kalil was cut from the Houston Texans when they traded for Laremy Tunsil as part of a deal that also netted them receiver, Kenny Stills. The former twenty-twelve, number four overall pick was set to be the starter at left tackle until Tunsil was shipped over. Although he is not the cheapest option, he may be the best option available to the Lions.

Kalil is six foot, seven inches, and weighs just over three hundred pounds (306). A good athlete for his size, Kalil was hurt for all of twenty eighteen. He has eighty-two starts under his belt, though, according to Spotrac. He had signed a one-year deal worth $7.5 million dollars prior to his release.

Left Tackle Taylor Decker almost amassed more penalties, pressures, and sacks as all of 2018 in just his first game of 2019. Whatever his injury is, the Lions have few options. They can move another player outside to face Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, III or use second-year tackle, Tyrell Crosby.

This offseason and preseason have convinced many Detroit Lions fans that we have only four linemen who can really play and then a few bad options.

The big question here is what would it cost to sign Kalil, assuming he would have interest?

The other question is can Kalil’s knee hold up for an entire season again at thirty years old?

Others

A couple of other names that could help provide depth or possibly challenge for playing time

Corey Robinson, free agent: Was with the Lions prior, has been a decent backup player.

Ryan Schraeder, free agent: Started almost every game since 2015 for the Atlanta Falcons but was a cap cut; would cost approximately $2 million to sign.