The Detroit Lions have addressed some issues this offseason. Their secondary seems pretty secure now, although they could still maybe use a cornerback in the NFL Draft. They also signed Reggie Bush, so there's that. However, the loss of Gosder Cherilus to free agency and the retirement of Jeff Backus has really added another pressing need to this team. Riley Reiff, as far as I can tell, can't play both offensive tackle positions. They also probably can't handle all their remaining needs with just their draft picks. They also can't draft a tackle and a defensive end with their first round pick. That being said, there is a potential answer that could help Detroit deal with their situation, even if it is just a short-term answer.
Free agency has unfolded the way it usually does. Early on, a lot of guys got big deals, but now there are a lot of names left that are available, and they can usually be gotten at a discount. Quite a few of these players are offensive tackles. Now, the Lions can't afford to sign a tackle to a big contract given their cap situation. However, what they can do is sign a solid veteran to a one or two year contract. That doesn't solve the offensive line issue for good, but it allows them to kick the can down the road for a season or two. This way, they can protect Matthew Stafford (and Bush) this year, spend their picks on fixing other holes, such as defensive end and, perhaps, outside linebacker, and then in a couple seasons they can replace whomever they sign, and presumably also Dominic Raiola, who will likely join Backus in retirement soon.
Eric Winston is the offensive tackle that most interests me. He was cut by the Chiefs because they plan to draft an offensive tackle with the first overall pick, presumably, but he still has value. He's a good right tackle, and he's good at run blocking, which is something the Lions need. He can probably be had at a reasonable deal. They could roll the dice on Bryant McKinnie and hope he stays motivated. They could even sign Jason Smith, who went second overall behind Stafford, to a one-year deal and hope he stays healthy and shows some value.
Eventually, the Lions will need to add an offensive tackle opposite Reiff for the long term. Maybe they will do it this year. Or, they could add a veteran and wait to find that tackle of the future. For a team that has a fair amount of talent as is, that would be a pretty shrewd solution to a surprise problem.
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