Two moves the Detroit Lions should still make this offseason
Adding One More Edge to the Defensive Line
The Detroit Lions would benefit from adding one more experienced, impactful veteran edge rusher to the defensive line. Two linemen, in particular, stand out when surveying who Detroit could add to help their defense. Both are free agents, though with vastly different price tags.
Jadeveon Clowney
If the hope is to sign a defender that will be able to step in and provide a game-changing impact for the defense, then the Lions should shell out for former Houston Texan/Seattle Seahawk Clowney. Clowney is a former number one overall pick and would give the team an impact defender against not just the pass, but also the run.
Last year, Clowney was equally disruptive in both aspects of the game when on the field. In 13 games played, Clowney contributed just 31 tackles and three sacks but also created an impressive three turnovers (one interception and two fumble recoveries) while also forcing four fumbles as well. Detroit could use someone like him along the defensive line that can create opportunities for turnovers on a semi-regular basis.
Clowney finished the 2019 season with an overall grade of 87.3 from Pro Football Focus. He was better than his stats imply and the Lions only have one reliable edge rusher in Trey Flowers. If Detroit can talk him down to around $15 million per year on a one or two year deal it would be worth it to bring him onto the team.
Everson Griffen
If the Lions are looking to bring in a veteran on a one-year deal who offers attractive upside then former Minnesota Viking Everson Griffen fits that bill quite nicely. Griffen played in 15 games last year for the Vikings and contributed eight sacks and was a force when rushing the passer. He was solid against the run and racked up 41 tackles.
Griffen still has the ability to be an asset to a team, even though he is 32-years old. Despite bringing similar value to the field, Griffen would be considerably cheaper.
Although he wanted about $8 million at the beginning of free agency, ESPN’s John Clayton speculated that his price was now down around $3 million a year. For a player that brings almost as much to field as Clowney does, and is more reliably healthy, Griffen could be a very real option for the Lions if he could be had for $3-$5 million per year. It’s definitely an option that should be looked at and explored further.