Yesterday, the Detroit Lions were dealt a blow by the retirement of Jeff Backus. It gave them another major need to deal with this offseason. However, they made a signing today that at least solves one of their problems. The Lions have re-signed safety Louis Delmas.
The deal is for two years, and it is a boon for Detroit's secondary. There were only two players of much consequence in their secondary last season; Chris Houston and Delmas. Now, both are back. Plus, now Delmas is added to Glover Quin, giving the Lions an impressive combo of safeties. Of course, the knock on Delmas has always been that he can't stay healthy. However, if that is the case this season, the Lions have Amari Spievey to fall back on. They needed depth at safety. Now they have it, and more than just having depth, they have two really good safeties. If Delmas can stay healthy, I think he has Pro Bowl caliber abilities.
So now, the Lions have solved one issue. They are set at safety. Now, they don't have to spend a draft pick on a safety. That being said, they still have needs. They need a defensive end, a backup defensive tackle, at least another cornerback, a wide receiver, and an offensive tackle. Wide receiver and defensive tackle can be handled with a cheap free agent or a late draft pick. The other three can be dealt with through their top three draft picks. Honestly, I'm starting to think they should go offensive tackle in the first round. If Eric Fisher falls to them, that is definitely the case. This is a draft deep on defensive linemen. They can get a better defensive end prospect than an offensive tackle prospect in the second round. Then, they can get a cornerback in the third round. That should suffice, considering they have Houston and Bill Bentley and a couple of late round picks in Jonte Green and Chris Greenwood from last season. Detroit can't be done improving their lineup, and of course they aren't, but re-signing Delmas at least allows the Lions to cross safety off the list.
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