4. Eddie Jackson
Jackson's play has definitely fallen off in recent years. But he did pop up with 80 total tackles and four interceptions in 2022, with a PFF coverage grade (74.3) that was top-30 among safeties that season. Last year's drop-off from that, as he moved toward 30 years old and missed five games, shouldn't be forgotten.
But Jackson has the experience, range, nose for the ball and ball skills that can make him a very valuable reserve. If he's willing to embrace a role that will naturally include special teams, the noted past Lions' killer would be a nice fit.
3. Tracy Walker
Another former Lion, Walker struggled at times last season and was eventually benched in favor of Melifonwu. Despite his fast recovery from an Achilles tear early in the 2022 season, being pressed into starting duty after Gardner-Johnson suffered a torn pectoral probably wasn't ideal coming off his own major injury.
The the aforementioned release of Walker early this offseason was firmly rooted in a cap hit that was not lined up to what his role was going to be. It also felt like a favor to him, so he could hit the free agent market early as he looked for another team. To this point, there have been no reports of Walker even taking a free agent visit anywhere.
In mid-April, Walker posted on Instagram saying he was back in Detroit.
Tracy Walker posted this on his instagram story today 👀
— Crunch Time with Jeff Iafrate & Booner (@officialctpod) April 18, 2024
Could we see Tracy Walker back on the Detroit Lions next season? #OnePride pic.twitter.com/7foT7JY4z5
The path seems to be paved for Walker to come back to the Lions at a much lower salary, it may just be a matter of time. Maybe he should be higher on this list.