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4 other free agents Detroit Lions could sign from 2022 NFC North rosters

By Brad Berreman

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 08: Irv Smith Jr. #84 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 08, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 08: Irv Smith Jr. #84 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 08, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Credit: David Berding/Getty Images
Credit: David Berding/Getty Images /

2. DT Armon Watts

2022 Team: Chicago Bears

The Lions’ top need may be defensive tackle after they aggressively added pieces to their secondary in the first week of free agency. The draft may bring a big-time answer, if they are comfortable with Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter at No. 6 overall. Or Pitt defensive tackle Calijah Kancey could be an option at No. 18 overall.

Watts was a sixth-round pick by another NFC North team, the Minnesota Vikings, in 2019. Then he was waived late last summer, and picked up by the Bears.

Watts played in all 17 games for Chicago last season, starting a a career-best 12 games while registering 35 total tackles (four tackles for loss) and one sack. For the Vikings in 2021, he had a career-best five sacks along with 21 quarterback pressures. Pro Football Focus had him with a career-high 11.3 percent pass rush win rate last season with the Bears.

Watts would not be the only defensive tackle addition the Lions would make, however that looks ultimately. But he can definitely bring some pass rush prowess to the mix, and the Lions need that from their interior defensive line wherever they can find it.

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