While teams are getting ready for the new crop of talent to join the league by way of the draft, teams like the Detroit Lions will soon have a chance to add to their roster through NFL free agency.
Fresh off of a heartbreaking loss in the NFC Championship Game to the San Francisco 49ers, it’s clear that the Lions are close to reaching the mountaintop. Let’s take a look at three Lions free agency predictions ahead of a pivotal time for the franchise.
Detroit Lions Free Agency Predictions
Detroit heads into free agency knowing it has built a quality roster that is ready to win now. Not many teams can say something like that and have it be true like the Lions do, so the time to strike for them is now.
With that in mind, Detroit can take a bit of an aggressive approach in free agency to add some intriguing pieces that could put them over the top at important positions.
Sign Chase Young To Work Opposite of Aidan Hutchinson
Chase Young, to this point, has had a frustrating career. The former first-round pick out of Ohio State never really got his footing with the Washington Commanders and was traded at the deadline in 2023 to the 49ers. There, he helped beat this Lions team to advance to the Super Bowl.
Despite the lack of consistent production, the tools and ability remain there for Young, and if he is put into the right situation, he could thrive in the way many had hoped when he was first drafted. Young finished with 7.5 sacks in 2023. If he is paired with Hutchinson, he may see far more favorable matchups, allowing for him to be even more productive with Detroit.
There may be more productive, higher-priced pass rushers out there, but this is a chance for the Lions to get a guy with something to prove and a chip on his shoulder — the exact type of player Dan Campbell and Co. may be able to get the most out of.
Add Chidobe Awuzie To Give Them Another Quality CB
The former Cincinnati Bengal and Dallas Cowboys cornerback is only 28 years old and has been a respected CB during his time in the NFL, fresh off of playing 15 games this season.
Awuzie has never been a high-volume ball production guy — he’s only had six interceptions in his seven-year career — but he is a quality cover cornerback that teams will covet due to his experience and his pedigree.
For the Lions, he can line up opposite Cameron Sutton and provide the Lions with two veteran outside presences they can trust to get the job done.
They have youth in the secondary, but a lot of that resides in the safety room. They may be able to attack the draft and find another young CB to build around, but in the meantime, adding Awuzie to the mix gives them a formidable tandem for 2024 and possibly beyond.
Re-Sign Jonah Jackson To Solidify Offensive Line Interior
Jonah Jackson only appeared in 12 games in 2023, but he started all of them for Detroit. With the veteran guard having 57 career starts and familiarity under his belt, the Lions prioritize bringing him back and keeping him in the fold for the future.
In his 798 offensive snaps last season, Jackson only gave up two sacks and proved to be a reliable piece for the Lions offensive line while on the field.
KEEP READING: Top 100 NFL Free Agents
The former Ohio State Buckeye figures to garner attention from the league once free agency begins, as every team can use more help along the line, but the Lions value him enough to keep him in Detroit and sign him long-term.
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