Lions offseason checklist: Win-now mode activated

The biggest hole on Detroit's roster probably is in the secondary, especially with cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu set to hit free agency. To build a Super Bowl-caliber defense, the Lions should let Davis and Melifonwu walk and make a play on Ward.

Almost every player on the Cleveland Browns is for sale this offseason, and now would be the perfect time to strike on a player like Ward. The star cornerback is only 27 (he turns 28 on April 28) and under contract through 2027. Detroit is in win-now mode, so trading its first- or second-round pick for Ward would be the smartest way to use those assets. 

2. Re-sign guard Kevin Zeitler

The Lions are so efficient on offense partly because their offensive line works so well together. Zeitler was a key part of Detroit's trench dominance last season, ranking fifth in Pro Football Focus' grading of 125 qualified guards. The veteran lineman will turn 35 Saturday, but the Lions should prioritize proven contributors over more expensive free- agent options.

Keeping this offensive line intact is crucial because of how easily it can control the line of scrimmage. The running game is nearly unstoppable behind this unit, and QB Jared Goff performs much better when there's little or no pressure on him. Re-signing Zeitler should be a priority. 

3. Sign EDGE Khalil Mack in free agency

Sticking with the theme of building through proven talents, the Lions should consider bringing in Mack, who had another strong season with the Los Angeles Chargers. The three-time first-team All-Pro had six sacks, 49 pressures and nine passes defended in 16 games last season, and he'll likely be available at a discount considering he's 34 and will be prioritizing a championship upside over dollars. 

The Lions struggled to generate pressure with their front four last season. Hutchinson's return will help that cause, but Detroit needs another feared edge-rusher on the opposite side to round out this unit.

4. Extend WR Jameson Williams, DE Aidan Hutchinson

Lions general manager Brad Holmes puts an emphasis on locking up key contributors before their market hits its peak, as he did with Goff, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell last summer. He should follow the same game plan with Williams and Hutchinson, who are eligible for extensions this offseason.

Williams is coming off a career-high 1,001 receiving yards and eight total touchdowns, and he's the perfect Robin to St. Brown's Batman. Detroit doesn't want to risk Williams having an even bigger season in 2025 and raising his price tag. Hutchinson is in a similar boat — he could command the biggest contract for a defender in NFL history if he blows up in 2025. The Lions would be wise to extend him now while his value is lower coming off a broken left leg. 

5. Draft Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton

If the Lions go older on the defensive line with Mack, Scourton would be the perfect draft target in the first round. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound pass- rusher will be just 20 on draft night, and his combination of speed and power is exactly what Detroit needs off the edge.