4 external options for the Lions to replace safety Tracy Walker

3. Tavon Wilson, Free Agent

Wilson ended last season on IR with the San Francisco 49ers after playing eight games, so overall it’s not surprising the 32-year old is still available. Prior to that he played at least 15 games in four of five seasons, including at least a 74 percent snaps share in three of four seasons over that stretch with the Lions. In 2019 for Detroit, he had 98 total tackles.

Even in smaller, rotational role, Wilson could have value as an experience infusion for the Lions at safety.

2. Verone McKinley, Miami Dolphins Practice Squad

McKinley is a rookie out of Oregon, so he wouldn’t replace Walker’s experience level. But he could replace the talent portion of the equation for the Lions’ back end, with 77 total tackles and six interceptions for the Ducks in 2021 and four picks in the previous normal season (2019).

McKinley is not a big safety (5-foot-10, 192 pounds), but if Detroit wants someone who can mix it up against the run and do well in pass coverage he’s a possible fit. The question of if he’s better than the in-house options is obvious, but McKinley is an easy flier for the Lions to consider off Miami’s practice squad.