4 free agents the Detroit Lions could sign after the 2023 NFL Draft
With the 2023 NFL Draft in the books, here are four free agents the Detroit Lions could look to add.
The 2023 NFL Draft is over, and after a first round that drew plenty of criticism the Detroit Lions redeemed themselves with some nice picks on Day 2. Day 3 was highlighted by the trade of running back D’Andre Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles
The Lions also of course added some undrafted rookie free agents to pretty much fill out their full 90-man offseason roster. But that doesn’t mean an eye won’t be on what’s left on the veteran free agent market to bolster depth and add competition.
The Lions don’t have any really glaring holes on the roster at this point, but there are also no laurels to rest on as they try to take the reigns of the NFC North in 2023.
After the draft now, here are four veteran free agents the Lions could look to add.
4 free agents the Detroit Lions could sign after the 2023 NFL Draft
4. OG/OT Justin Pugh
A torn ACL ended Pugh’s 2022 season after five games. He mulled retirement last offseason, and is in the same boat now as he ponders his future. In early February though, before he Cardinals had hired head coach Jonathan Gannon, told Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports he’s looking “for the right situation” and wants to play for a winning team.
The Lions certainly qualify as a team who can win its division next season. Pugh, if his knee is healthy, brings a boatload of experience (119 career starts) across multiple line positions. He’s not really in a position to ask for a lot of money or to be a starter, and the Lions are well-positioned across the offensive line in terms of starters anyway. There could be appeal for both sides here, as Pugh’s options perhaps now take better shape.