With a lack of major moves to choose from, Pro Football Focus apparently felt they had to stretch to come up with their choice for the Detroit Lions’ best offseason move.
For the second time in as many offseasons as Detroit Lions general manager, Brad Holmes went conservative in free agency. For a young roster that needs better depth, it’s not necessarily a bad strategy. It’s just not all that exciting for any fans hoping to see a splasht move or two.
Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus gave the Lions what amounts to C+ grade for their run in the first wave of 2022 free agency. The grade did not include the signing PFF’s Brad Spielberger has now gone with as their best offseason move.
"Detroit LionsSIGNING CB MIKE HUGHESHughes shined in Kansas City after he was traded along with a 2022 seventh-round pick before the season by the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2022 sixth-round pick. The former first-round pick set career-highs across the board, with a 78.8 coverage grade and six pass breakups playing almost exclusively on the outside."
Spielberger did state the value Mike Hughes will have when/if Jeff Okudah and Jerry Jacobs are back from their major injuries, with the ability to play outside or in the slot. And that should not be discounted. But…
Signing Mike Hughes is a stretch as the Detroit Lions’ best offseason move
If nothing else, the Lions added some much-needed experienced and versatile depth at corner with Hughes, and they did so on a reasonable one-year deal (for a reported $3.5 million). But a savvy move at a position of need doesn’t necessarily have to equate to the best, even in an offseason without bank-breaking signings.
One, even though he has to prove himself as an NFL player, the Lions didn’t overthink it to take Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson second overall in April’s draft. A strong nod could also be given to the shrewd signing of wide receiver DJ Chark, with wide receiver being a significant need too.
Hughes is coming off the best season of his career, as he finally stayed healthy all the way through. There’s definitely an opportunity in front of him in Detroit, so maybe Spielberger will be proven right when the season is over.