Going into the 2024 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions had one, major, pressing need.
That need happened to be in the secondary, and boy did the Lions address it. To kick things off, Detroit selected Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold in the first round before snagging Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second.
You couldn't have had a better haul, to start the weekend, if you were Detroit. As for the rest of their class, the Lions took a handful of prospects with intriguing traits and some high upside. All in all, it was a successful weekend for the Motor City.
Now that the draft is over with, though, the Lions should turn their attention back to veteran free agency and look at filling in their roster that way.
Who are some veteran free agents that make sense for Detroit at this stage in the offseason?
DJ Chark, WR
The Lions' current WR3 is Khalif Raymond, since Josh Reynolds left in free agency. Detroit could try and bring back veteran wide receiver DJ Chark, who spent the 2022 season with the team. It's been a minute since Chark has done anything truly of merit, as evidenced by his lone Pro Bowl season back in 2019. But, as a WR3, Chark would function well in this Lions offense behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.
Last year in Carolina, Chark caught 35 passes for 525 yards and five scores. It wasn't a bad season by any means, and the Lions would welcome a similar season out of their third man up on the depth chart. In fact, odds are, Chark could put up a bit better season than that.
Marcedes Lewis, TE
Although Detroit has Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright as their top two tight ends, they could still use a third man in that room, specifically one who specializes in blocking. And, even though he's set to turn 40 years old, Marcedes Lewis is still blocking at a high level and brings a ton of experience to the locker room. The veteran would be a great locker room presence, as well.
Odell Beckham Jr., WR
If the Lions wanted to try and make a risky move that might end up working out in a big way, signing veteran wideout Odell Beckham Jr. could be the route. He's still looking for the right opportunity after spending one season in Baltimore, and although he isn't the player he once was, Beckham showed flashes in 2023.
Lawrence Guy, DT
Speaking of guys who aren't what they once were, veteran defensive tackle Lawrence Guy fits that bill. But, he'd be a nice depth addition to this line and someone who comes with a whole lot of experience. The 34-year-old has still played roughly half of defensive snaps for his respective teams over the last couple of seasons.