The Detroit Lions are a team on the rise with promise. A couple more shrewd moves, and they could be a Super Bowl contender. When that is the case, it is easier, to entice notable free agents, particularly veterans who are looking for a shot at a ring. Right now, the Lions don't have many major needs, and I think it is more likely they address their issues in the NFL Draft, which will be cheaper and more practical. However, the Lions may make some moves in free agency, and since that comes before the Draft, here are some players on offense the Lions may consider taking a run at.
I should say that I didn't consider any of the top level free agents for Detroit, because I don't think they will be able to afford any of them. So, while it would be great if the Lions could sign Carl Nicks, one of the best guards in the NFL, I don't see that happening.
The Lions only have one notable free agent to re-sign on offense, and that is Jeff Backus. While Backus has many detractors, he is a serviceable offensive tackle, and he will probably be back with the team. Given where the Lions are selecting in the first round, unless they wanted to sign a different left tackle, I don't see them replacing Backus right now, and I don't think it would be a good move, provided they can get Backus for a reasonable price. Replacing Gosder Cherilus on the other hand...
The Lions are set at quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, and center. I figure they'll go with Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure at running back, and they could easily draft one in a late round in the Draft. They may re-sign Kevin Smith, and I wouldn't mind seeing that. Both he and Morris are free agents, so they'll have to sign or draft somebody.
The one improvement the Lions need to make is on the offensive line. As I have suggested before, they could move Cherilus over to guard and get a new right tackle, or they could sign a guard to replace Stephen Peterman. The name that sticks out to me is Ben Grubbs. He's a solid guard and, while he isn't one of the best guards in the league, he would be an improvement over Peterman. There are a couple of tackle names that stick out to me, namely Vernon Carey and Kareem McKenzie. Either would be an improvement over Cherilus, or perhaps they could sign one of them and make them into a guard. Regardless, the one area the Lions needs to address on offense is the right side of the line. Again, I think they will probably do this through the Draft, but this is another possibility.
The Lions have less holes than in the past, but no team is perfect. Detroit has a few possible options to consider during the free agency period, particularly on the offensive line. Whether they take that path remains to be seen.
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