The Detroit Lions have done a magnificent job turning things around in a short period of time. At this time last year, the team was preparing to select No. 2 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. They will be drafting sixth overall this year, but it is not their selection. That selection is via the Los Angeles Rams from the Matthew Stafford trade; theirs is No. 18.
Detroit finished the season with a 9-8 record, going 8-2 in their final 10 games after a 1-6 start. It was quite a drastic turnaround, as the offense clicked and the defense began showing signs of life. Looking to build on that momentum, the team got busy in free agency.
Defense was the name of the game for the Lions. They made significant upgrades to their secondary, which was regularly torched during the 2022 season. The Lions ranked 30th in passing yards surrendered as they couldn’t slow down anyone.
Cornerbacks Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley were both signed in free agency, along with safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. What was a weakness last year could become a strength for Detroit, especially if they add another defensive back with one of their first-round picks.
Offensively, the team is in good shape. David Montgomery replaced Jamaal Williams in the backfield and Graham Glasgow is returning for offensive line depth. The one position that the team could look for some more outside help at is wide receiver.
Detroit has a star in the making in Amon-Ra St. Brown and has high hopes for 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams. But, with DJ Chark still a free agent, the team could be in the market for another veteran pass catcher. Someone such as Courtland Sutton of the Denver Broncos would fill that need.
Sutton, like most of his Denver Broncos teammates on offense, struggled in 2022. But, this year’s crop of free agents and draft prospects don’t have many players capable of filling the X-receiver spot in the offense, which Sutton is capable of doing.
That was the role Chark filled for the Lions last season and remains open unless they plan on deploying Williams there. Regardless, upgrading the unit with a third capable receiver of Sutton’s caliber would be a good idea.
What would it cost to land Sutton? With Denver’s interest in moving them not very high, you will have to blow them away with an offer. Given how much draft capital the Lions have stocked up on, they can get aggressive. Offering a second-round pick, No. 55 overall, could pique the Broncos’ interest.
Denver would get a premium draft pick to continue rebuilding their roster with as they are light on picks from previous trades. Detroit gets another weapon that has one 1,000-yard season under his belt and could reach those heights again in a new environment.
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