Detroit Lions: 3 free agent edge defenders to consider signing
Stephen Weatherly
2019 team / Salary: Minnesota Vikings / $720,000
2019 Stats: 16 games played, 1 start, 3.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 24 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss
Age: 25
Height/Weight: 6-5 / 265
A player very familiar to the Lions thanks to his time spent in the NFC North, Weatherly has quietly become a dependable member of the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive front since being a seventh-round draft selection in 2016. His production is certainly on par with that of a backup player, likely his continued role with whatever team he lands with this spring. His physical profile, however, is an ideal fit for the Lions.
Weatherly has started just seven career games, stuck behind Pro Bowlers Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter in Minnesota. This caused him to shift inside with more regularity in 2019, where he had some success rushing against interior offensive linemen. He finished this past year on a high note, notching a drive-stalling, third-down sack in each of the Vikings final two regular-season games.
Weatherly’s experience playing at different spots along the Vikings’ front could make him a more appealing option for teams looking to bolster their defensive line. This is particularly significant for the Lions, who frequently ask their edge players to move inside on passing downs to try and beat opposing linemen with speed.
Weatherly likely won’t break the bank, but he seems like a good bet to receive a nice pay bump as he enters free agency for the first time. Additionally, the Vikings may be hesitant to put forth a competitive offer for him, since they are currently projected to have the least salary cap space in the NFL in 2020, according to Sportrac.
Acquiring Weatherly would hardly be a franchise-altering move for the Lions, and they may set their sights on the more high profile edge defenders listed above. Even so, Weatherly would be a decent depth piece for a team that sorely lacked competent supporting players on defense last year. Hijacking a member of a divisional rival would be a nice bonus.
Next. Ranking the Detroit Lions’ first round picks since 2010. dark
Which of these players do you think would be a good fit for the Lions? Which edge defenders do you think they should pursue this offseason? Let us know in the comments section below.