4 free agent safeties the Detroit Lions can sign after missing on Marcus Williams

Sep 12, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Williams (43) poses fora photo after a second half interception of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Williams (43) poses fora photo after a second half interception of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

4. Tyrann Mathieu

After the Chiefs signed Reid, and another possible landing spot for him was spoken for after the Ravens signed Williams, Mathieu stands as the top safety available entering the day the new league year officially starts. At a glance his fit with the Lions seem less than ideal, as he’d surely like to win another ring sooner rather than later. But Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports matched the veteran safety to Detroit in the weeks before free agency started, and there’s some logic to it.

"Mathieu brings the kind of toughness, leadership and experience that Dan Campbell wants in this subpar secondary. This seems like the kind of player Campbell would tell the front office to throw money at. Detroit should at least throw its hat in the ring because of the leader he is."

There is plenty of remaining competition to sign Mathieu, and it’s amazing to realize he’s only going to turn 30 in May comig off back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons. It’s fair to think the Lions have already shown interest, if they were going to, but as the price possibly drops they could circle back.

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