How Detroit Lions Free Agency Shifted Draft Priorities

The Detroit Lions’ most immediate roster needs this offseason are improving the offensive line, securing the secondary, and acquiring an EDGE opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

While Brad Holmes steadfastly avoided taking big swings in free agency, he added depth in each of these areas, signing more than a dozen players to lower-cost one-year contracts. Looking ahead to the Draft, how do these free agency acquisitions shift the Lions’ priorities?

How Detroit Lions Free Agency Shifted Draft Priorities

Before free agency, the Lions’ number-one priority was stabilizing the offensive line by finding a starting center. 

Holmes Improved Offensive Line Depth

Losing Ragnow’s elite presence negatively impacted the Lions’ entire offensive scheme. Last season’s injury-ravaged line wasn’t up to the challenge. During free agency, the situation became even more concerning with the recent loss of  Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow.     

Of the 14 players acquired during free agency, four were offensive linemen.  Acknowledging afterwards that the Lions’ salary cap restrictions prevented the team from acquiring premier high-cost talents at any position, Holmes focused on adding players who could be signed to minimal one-year contracts. The only player signed to a multi-year agreement was center Cade Mays, who inked a three-year $25 million contract ($8.3 million per year).

Kudos to Holmes; the signing of the former Carolina Panthers center looks like a steal. Especially when compared to the high cost of acquiring former Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, whose bidding war led to a record-shattering three-year, $81 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.

After acquiring Juice Scruggs from the Houston Texans in the David Montgomery trade, Holmes further stabilized the offensive line with the signing of Larry Borom and Ben Bartch. 

Starting Offensive Left Tackle Draft Options

However, the Lions still need a left tackle to replace 10-year veteran Taylor Decker. Dan Campbell said that the option to shift All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell to cover that spot is a possibility, “If you’re asking me, I’d like to move him. I would. I’d like to move him to the left.”

While Campbell may be comfortable moving Sewell to a position that he played sporadically in college, is that the best option for establishing sustained offensive line strength? Furthermore, would a move like this enhance or disrupt Sewell’s All-Pro career?

Instead, the team could improve options at left tackle by drafting either Kadyn Proctor or Blake Miller with the Lions’ first-round pick at 17. Selecting either would help provide a sustainable long-term solution at the position. 

Even if the best short-term option is playing Sewell at the start of the season, drafting a strong left tackle provides the option of moving Sewell back to right tackle later in the season.

Lions Secondary Strengthened Through Free Agency

Holmes next move was to secure the secondary. The triple-threat loss of starters Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, and Terrion Arnold, for all or part of the season, makes improving the injury-depleted secondary an absolute priority.  

Holmes made a great find with Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ safety Christian Izien. He strengthened the secondary depth by acquiring cornerback Roger McCreary and 10-year NFL veteran safety Chuck Clark.

Although Clark is most closely associated with the Ravens, he spent last year with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His career record of 504 tackles (280 solo), 4.5 sacks, 37 PDFs, five interceptions, seven forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries provides veteran strength and stability. 

These veteran players elevate the level of competition at training camp. Campbell and Holmes have previously stated their desire for increased competition, wanting players to fight for a starting position. At the NFL owners meeting this week, Campbell reiterated, “We need competition in a lot of areas, man, cause that brings out the best in players, whether it’s with some of the guys that were here or the guys that we bring in. That’s how you elevate the roster.”

Lions Secondary Draft Priorities

However, Izien, McCreary, and Clark were signed to one-year contracts. Looking ahead, drafting an elite first-round talent such as Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman provides an immediate starter to cover for Branch or Joseph while securing the position in the future.