5 free agent options for Detroit Lions to inevitably replace Halapoulivaati Vaitai

3. Trai Turner

Since making five straight Pro Bowls with the Carolina Panthers (2015-2019), Turner has has played for the Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders the last three seasons. His play really fell last season, with a dismal 53.0 grade from Pro Football Focus, and it’s broadly clear he’s no longer firmly in his prime approaching his 30th birthday.

But the Lions should have their eye out for cheap, yet credible options to replace Vaitai. Turner belongs on that list.

2. Will Hernandez

After four seasons with the New York Giants,  Hernandez landed with the Arizona Cardinals. He started 13 games, and according to Pro Football Focus he allowed pressure on just three percent of his pass blocking snaps last season (13th-best, hat-tip to Kyle Meinke of MLive).

Hernandez ended the season on IR due to chest injury, which stands to drive his price down some. Ideally his run blocking would be better for a man of his size (335 pounds), but he would be an affordable option and he has been durable (three missed games before last season) and reliable.