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Detroit Lions: 4 free agent linebackers to consider signing

By Jeremy Friedrichs

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 24: Kamalei Correa #44 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates a tackle against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter of the game at Nissan Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 24: Kamalei Correa #44 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates a tackle against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter of the game at Nissan Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /
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Cory Littleton #58 of the Los Angeles Rams
Cory Littleton #58 of the Los Angeles Rams (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Cory Littleton

2019 team/salary: Los Angeles Rams / $3.095 million

2019 stats: 16 games played, 16 starts, 3.5 sacks, 134 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries

Age: 26

Height/Weight: 6-3 / 228

Arguably the best player at the position on this year’s free-agent market, Littleton’s rise from an unheralded and undrafted free agent in 2016 to starting every game in the middle of the Los Angeles Rams’ defense over the last two years has been impressive. Naturally, he will command a hefty deal from whichever team is able to land him.

That could be the Rams again, but they have a lot of money already tied up in defensive stars Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, and may not want to fork over another stiff sum to a middle linebacker, regardless of Littleton’s upward trajectory. If the Lions feel like loosening the purse strings for the second straight year, what would he bring to the table?

First and foremost, Littleton is excellent in coverage, a glaring weakness in the Lions’ linebacking unit for several years running. Detroit has been susceptible to intermediate passing games in recent seasons, and Littleton’s ability to track pass catchers of all sizes, as well as his sure tackling would make him an excellent addition to the group.

He also made an impact in the takeaway department, forcing two fumbles, as well as recovering four fumbles. For a Lions team that had the eighth-worst turnover differential in 2019 (-5), Littleton’s presence would give them an element that has been sorely missed over the last several seasons. Simply put, he makes plays.

The Lions’ current top three inside linebackers – Davis, Tavai, and Jones – are all under contract for next season. Tavai showed some promise in his rookie season, Jones was the recipient of a two-year contract extension in November, and Davis could have his fifth-year option picked up by May’s deadline. Should Littleton be brought in, who’s the odd man out?

Davis would seem to be the likeliest candidate after three years of erratic play. He has flashed some playmaking ability at times, but he hasn’t been able to put it all together and could be running out of time in Detroit. Littleton’s aforementioned strengths are essentially Davis’ primary weaknesses.

Inside linebacker isn’t necessarily the most highly-valued position in today’s NFL, but Littleton was one of the league’s best last year. Now, he’s in a position to get paid like it. The Lions have plenty of cap space this offseason and would be wise to at least make inquiries regarding the 26-year-old, regardless of the potential roster ramifications it could have.

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