1 free agent the Detroit Lions might miss, and 4 they won’t miss at all

Free Agent Lions Won’t Miss: WR DJ Chark

Chark seemed likely to leave the Lions in free agency from the get-go. Apparently his market wasn’t all that hot though, which opened the door to him possibly coming back before he agreed to a deal with the Carolina Panthers.

The Lions obviously have a bigger role in mind for Jameson Williams in 2023. Chark was simply not likely going to be a high priority to re-sign then, and that proved true. The move to bring back Marvin Jones filled the “void” left by Chark just fine, and in a broader sense the veteran receiver is a better fit anyway.

Chark’s healthy presence in the Lions’ offense was notable late last season, and that shouldn’t be discounted. But he’s highly replaceable, and the Lions won’t miss him.

Free Agent Lions Won’t Miss: RB Jamaal Williams

If you’re going to replace the guy who just set the franchise record for rushing touchdowns in a season, not to mention is a team leader like Williams, you better do it right. And the Lions did, signing former Bears running back David Montgomery when contract talks with Williams were going nowhere.

Montgomery is a better and more complete back than Williams, plainly, simply and undeniably. Williams perhaps also showed some of his true colors when he openly called the Lions offer to him disrespectful. This is despite other accounts (most notably general manager Brad Holmes) pointing to it being the same deal Montgomery was offered and took. Oh, and Williams got less money from the Saints than Montgomery got from the Lions.

Montgomery is a clear talent upgrade over Williams, and he’s a similar fit into the Lions’ culture getting right down to it. So Williams won’t be missed as much as it was easy to think he would be, if the idea he might depart in free agency was even considered by some Lions’ fans. But truly, he won’t be missed at all if Montgomery delivers anywhere close to the top of his potential in the Lions’ offense.