5 free agents the Detroit Lions should pounce on in 2021

4. Lavonte David, LB

With Lions’ linebackers Jarrad Davis, Reggie Ragland, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin all scheduled to be free agents in 2021, Detroit will likely be looking to upgrade this positional group. And for as much effort the Patricia regime put into forcing a culture change in Motown, they often only looked to former Patriots to help install it.

Hopefully, that will not be a similar philosophy for the next regime in Detroit as landing the top available talent should always be in the forefront. And if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers actually allow Lavonte David to hit free agency in March, the Lions should absolutely pounce.

David is an absolute beast and a monster in the middle of the defense. The former All-Pro has registered triple-digit tackle totals for seven of his eight seasons in Tampa Bay prior to 2020. So far this year, David has posted 82 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks through 11 games.

In Detroit, David would not only solidify the front seven, but his presence should help mentor the careers of young linebackers like 2019 second rounder, Jahlani Tavai.