Underrated remaining free agent easily named as a fit for the Detroit Lions

With their remaining top need in mind, a remaining top free agent has been easily named a good fit for the Detroit Lions.

The Detroit Lions needed to improve their defense this offseason, especially their secondary. They notably refurbished their secondary, signing Cameron Sutton, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Emmanuel Moseley.

As the draft approaches later this month, defensive tackle now stands as the Lions top need. More specifically, someone who can generate pass rush while primarily lining up on the inside. That has driven the idea the could embrace the risk and draft Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter if their complete evaluation of him deems him a fit.

But least for now, the idea the Lions could or even should add a veteran defensive tackle is not far-fetched. It could be done independent of a likely draft pick like Carter or Calijah Kancey.

Top remaining free agent defensive tackle easily named fit for the Detroit Lions

Matt Lombardo of Heavy.com has named the best team fits for who he sees as the top five remaining NFL free agents. For defensive tackle Poona Ford, the Lions are among the three best team fits deemed by Lombardo.

"Few things are more detrimental or disruptive to a quarterback than interior pressure, and Poona Ford excels at creating inside push from the defensive tackle spot.In 2022 with the Seattle Seahawks, Ford produced 22 quarterback pressures to go with his career-high 3.0 sacks, 14 hurries and 35 total tackles…. Ford is arguably a top-15 talent at the position and could provide similar value to a contending team aiming to beef up along the trenches."

Beyond his three sacks, Ford’s numbers with the Seahawks last season were down compared to what he did prior. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll did acknowledge not using Ford correctly (too many snaps, 3-technique instead of nose) as a likely reason for that.

At this point, Ford will almost certainly be settling for a very cheap one-year deal from a new team. The Lions should have interest in him.