One week into free agency, the Detroit Lions have added seven players and kept building depth. But the roster still has clear holes. With the NFL Draft approaching, which positions should Brad Holmes prioritize to keep Detroit’s championship window open?
It has been one week since the start of NFL free agency, and the Detroit Lions have been active but measured. Detroit has added seven new players, re-signed four of its own and watched eight players leave for other teams.
Most of the moves have not been splash signings, but they have addressed depth and filled smaller roster holes. Even with seven new players coming in, however, the Lions still have several areas that need attention.
My belief is that Brad Holmes may be finished making major free-agent additions until after the NFL Draft. At that point, Detroit will have a clearer picture of which prospects they land and what remaining roster needs must still be addressed.
The bigger question now is: Which position should be the Lions’ top priority before the draft?
1. Edge rusher
This one feels simple. The Lions need another pass rusher.
Right now, Detroit’s edge group is extremely thin outside of Aidan Hutchinson and Ahmed Hassanein. Hassanein did not play a single snap last season after suffering a partially torn pectoral muscle that kept him sidelined all year.
The former sixth-round pick should get a legitimate opportunity this season to earn a role, or possibly even compete for a starting job. But the Lions cannot rely solely on that projection.
As for Hutchinson, the numbers speak for themselves. He has already proven to be an elite pass rusher and one of the cornerstones of Detroit’s defense. Still, every Batman needs a Robin, and Hutchinson needs another reliable threat on the opposite side.
There are still a few veteran pass rushers available on the market, including Cam Jordan and Joey Bosa.
But as things stand today, I believe the Lions must address the position early in the draft.
Detroit also allowed Al-Quadin Muhammad to leave in free agency, and he eventually signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a relatively cheap one-year, $6 million deal. Replacing Muhammad’s production will not be easy after he recorded 11 sacks last season.
Holmes has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s best evaluators of draft talent. If he can land another elite pass rusher in the draft, he could once again win over the hearts of Lions fans.
2. Linebacker
With the departures of Alex Anzalone, the Lions now face some uncertainty at outside linebacker.
Currently, Malcolm Rodriguez and Trevor Nowaske appear to be the leading candidates to compete for that remaining linebacker spot, while Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes have firmly established themselves as starters.
Once again, I expect Holmes to address this position in the draft. One prospect who stands out is Jaishawn Barham, a former Michigan linebacker who also has experience playing on the edge.
Detroit brought Barham in for an in-person meeting and discussed the possibility of using him as an off-ball linebacker. His versatility could make him a strong fit in Detroit’s defensive scheme.
Most of the top linebackers in free agency have already been signed, but there are still a few veterans available who could provide depth if needed.
3. Safety
Safety is another position worth monitoring.
Last season, Kerby Joseph missed 11 games due to injury, while Brian Branch suffered a torn Achilles in Week 14. Because of those injuries, the Lions may look to add additional depth at the position.
One option that could make sense is bringing back veteran Avonte Maddox. Maddox stepped up for Detroit last season and remains available on the free-agent market.
Like the other positions, I do not necessarily expect Detroit to make a move before the draft. However, a post-draft reunion with Maddox would not be surprising if the Lions want additional experience in the secondary.
Joseph recently posted on Instagram that he is healthy and ready to return to the field, even mentioning his goal of competing for Comeback Player of the Year. That is an encouraging sign that he could be ready by Week 1.
Branch’s recovery timeline could take longer, but at just 24 years old, he has age on his side as he works his way back.
Final thoughts
There is no question the Lions still have holes to fill, and possibly even a starting spot or two up for grabs.
If Detroit wants to take the next step toward competing for a championship, addressing the edge rusher position must be the top priority. Ideally, the Lions add a starting-caliber edge defender in the draft, and possibly another through free agency to strengthen one of the most important units on the defense.