The most important gap on Detroit’s roster most likely is within the secondary, particularly with cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu set to hit free company. To construct a Tremendous Bowl-caliber protection, the Lions ought to let Davis and Melifonwu stroll and make a play on Ward.
Nearly each participant on the Cleveland Browns is on the market this offseason, and now could be the right time to strike on a participant like Ward. The star cornerback is barely 27 (he turns 28 on April 28) and under contract through 2027. Detroit is in win-now mode, so buying and selling its first- or second-round decide for Ward could be the neatest method to make use of these property.
2. Re-sign guard Kevin Zeitler
The Lions are so environment friendly on offense partly as a result of their offensive line works so effectively collectively. Zeitler was a key a part of Detroit’s trench dominance final season, rating fifth in Pro Football Focus’ grading of 125 certified guards. The veteran lineman will flip 35 Saturday, however the Lions ought to prioritize confirmed contributors over dearer free- agent choices.
Retaining this offensive line intact is essential due to how simply it could possibly management the road of scrimmage. The operating sport is sort of unstoppable behind this unit, and QB Jared Goff performs significantly better when there’s little or no strain on him. Re-signing Zeitler ought to be a precedence.
3. Signal EDGE Khalil Mack in free company
Sticking with the theme of constructing by means of confirmed skills, the Lions ought to take into account bringing in Mack, who had one other sturdy season with the Los Angeles Chargers. The three-time first-team All-Professional had six sacks, 49 pressures and 9 passes defended in 16 video games final season, and he’ll possible be out there at a reduction contemplating he is 34 and will likely be prioritizing a championship upside over {dollars}.
The Lions struggled to generate strain with their entrance 4 final season. Hutchinson’s return will assist that trigger, however Detroit wants one other feared edge-rusher on the alternative facet to spherical out this unit.
4. Lengthen WR Jameson Williams, DE Aidan Hutchinson
Lions basic supervisor Brad Holmes places an emphasis on locking up key contributors earlier than their market hits its peak, as he did with Goff, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive deal with Penei Sewell final summer season. He ought to observe the identical sport plan with Williams and Hutchinson, who’re eligible for extensions this offseason.
Williams is coming off a career-high 1,001 receiving yards and eight complete touchdowns, and he is the right Robin to St. Brown’s Batman. Detroit would not need to threat Williams having a good larger season in 2025 and elevating his price ticket. Hutchinson is in an analogous boat — he might command the largest contract for a defender in NFL historical past if he blows up in 2025. The Lions could be sensible to increase him now whereas his worth is decrease coming off a damaged left leg.
5. Draft Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
