5 potential free agent options for Detroit Lions to replace DeShon Elliott

2. Nick Scott

2022 Team: Los Angeles Rams

After three seasons seeing a good share of his playing time on special teams, Scott became a starter for the Rams last year and played well (86 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, five pass breakups) while playing all 17 games and a 97 percent snap share.

Scott was a seventh-round pick by the Rams in 2019, so like Rapp he’s got the tie to Lions general Brad Holmes from his previous role as their director of college scouting. The price should be right to bring him to Detroit, if Holmes wants to (or hasn’t already) pursued the idea.

1. Julian Love

2022 Team: New York Giants

After being mostly a backup in his first three seasons with the New York Giants, Love had a breakout campaign in 2022. Starting 16 games, he posted 124 tackles (six tackles for loss), two interceptions and five pass breakups while playing 1,006 snaps.

Last season Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale put Love’s versatility on full display, as he played 52 snaps at outside linebacker, 296 snaps in the box, 170 snaps in the slot, 37 snaps at as an outside corner and 578 snaps at free safety.

Love is slated to visit the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday as of this writing, as his market appears to be starting to move. He should have plenty of suitors, easy to tab as a player on the rise as he nears his 25th birthday on March 19.

The Lions will have to pony up a bit to get Love, especially as other teams pursue him. But he feels like a great fit to replace Elliott.