Could a couple of big-name free agents help the Detroit Lions on the defensive line?
The biggest weakness remaining for the Detroit Lions roster has been labeled the front seven on defense. Does that mean the team will look to the free agent pool where a couple of big-name players are still available?
The answer comes down to dollar signs. While the Lions have plenty of cash left compared to the salary cap – $28 million according to Sportrac – they don’t seem interested in using it on the high price tags of players like defensive ends Jadeveon Clowney or Everson Griffen. While both of these players sound like they could add to the teeth of the defense, the return on investment could leave the team shorthanded when looking at some possible contracts for certain wide receivers.
There might be a few cheaper options, including a possible reunion with an old fan favorite, Ezekiel Ansah, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks. Ansah posted a low 2.5 sacks in 2019, not quite the bite the Lions are looking to add. Reunions might be rare but can’t be ruled out if the price for the team fits the opportunity for the player.
Another option could be Jabaal Sheard, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts. Sheard posted 4.5 sacks in 2019, a bit more bite to his game recently compared to Ansah. It also might be just enough in this Detroit Lions defense to make a difference in their defensive front for the possible asking price. Both players being 31 years old seems to make a fair comparison for their potential.
Who should the Detroit Lions add to their front seven?
A better option than those mentioned above would be to add Markus Golden, formerly of the New York Giants. Golden posted 10 sacks in 2019, more than Ansah and Sheard combined. Actually, Griffen and Clowney combined only posted 11 sacks last season. Golden fits the production for the price based on last year’s stats.
Will the Lions pull the trigger on Golden? We’ll have to wait throughout the rest of the offseason to find out. It might be a late addition due to the practice restrictions and in-person availability of the team. As the season gets closer, and if things start opening back up, the Lions could be in a much better position to bring people in for workouts before making their decision.
Who do you think the Detroit Lions should add to their front seven before the 2020 season kicks off? Let us know in the comments section.