Free Agency Option Two: Jordan Phillips, DT
This is another option the Lions could consider as there have been no reports that the Buffalo Bills will be signing Phillips to a long-term extension. There has been some speculation of him getting hit with the franchise tag, but much of that is media and fan-driven.
Phillips never really took off prior to 2019, as his best individual season before that came in 2017. In 2017, Phillips totaled 16 tackles, three passes defended, and two sacks in 13 games. However, in 2019 Phillips seemingly put it all together as he picked up 31 tackles and 9.5 sacks in a full season.
Since he has only had one good year, the Lions could likely get him at a discount when considered against other 10-sack season defensive tackles. A similar signing to look at is the $5 million per year that defensive tackle Malcom Brown got from the New Orleans Saints in free agency just a year ago. However, Brown never had the 9.5-sack year Phillips just had so he would likely cost a little bit more.
If the Lions sign Phillips it would give them a guy who has shown he has the ability to provide consistent interior pressure. Pair him with defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson (whom the Lions should retain) and you have a solid interior duo who, combined, can defend both the run and pass fairly well.