The Detroit Lions have been reasonable and responsible in free agency, but they still missed on these three possible free agent targets.
Despite entering what general manager Brad Holmes called the “player acquisition phase”, the Detroit Lions were always unlikely to be huge spenders in free agency. Through the first week plus one day, that has played out. After mostly re-signing their own free agents the first week of free agency, they’ve started off the new week with two outside signings (cornerback Mike Hughes and linebacker Chris Board).
The second week of free agency can bring some opportunities to make additions, and the Lions certainly started off solidly with the aforementioned additions to the defense. Edge rusher Arden Key is also on their radar after a visit on Monday, but he’s set to make all his previously planned visits before signing anywhere.
The Lions willingly and rightly passed on some free agents when the price got too high during the first wave of signings. But every team can look back and find missed opportunities. Even sticking to a plan to spend responsibly and find value, Detroit can have some regrets.
Here are three under the radar free agents the Lions should have signed.