3 veteran free agents the Detroit Lions could still sign

2. DT Jalyn Holmes

The Lions’ defensive line is in a better place than it was, with additions in the draft particularly. But a reasonable veteran addition could still be out there for the interior line, with some recognizable names available (Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman).

With Holmes, the Lions lean into a little bit of potential familiarity. He was a fourth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018, with then-general manager Rick Spielman making the pick. Spielman is of course the brother of Chris Spielman, the former Lions’ linebacker who now has a prominent role in the organization. Holmes is also an Ohio State alum, like Chris Spielman.

Holmes saw by far the most extensive action of his career in 2020 with the Vikings, starting nine of the 14 games he played with 36 total tackles and 12 quarterback pressures despite not registering a sack over 617 snaps. He spent last season with the New Orleans Saints, playing eight games with one start.

Holmes could fit nicely as a rotational defensive line piece in Detroit as they shift how they deploy defensive fronts, with latent pass rush potential he flashed when he played the most a couple years ago.