NFL Analyst Considers Detroit Lions Among Early Losers of Free Agency
As the NFL free agency period opens every year, teams across the league scramble to bolster their rosters, solidify their weak spots, and gain a competitive edge heading into the new season. For fans, free agency offers hope and excitement, as it provides the opportunity to sign players who could make an immediate impact. However, the excitement can quickly fade when a team is perceived to have missed out on critical opportunities or failed to address key needs during this critical period.
In the 2023 free agency cycle, the Detroit Lions found themselves in the crosshairs of analysts who questioned their strategy. Despite showing promise in the previous season and earning a reputation as one of the up-and-coming teams in the NFC, many experts, including some prominent NFL analysts, labeled the Lions among the “early losers” of free agency. While it may seem premature to pass judgment on a team so early in the process, there are several factors that led to this perception.
The Lions, led by head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, entered the 2023 offseason with high hopes. They had shown significant improvement in the previous year, finishing 9-8 and narrowly missing the playoffs. Detroit’s offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff, had exceeded expectations, and the defense, while still a work in progress, showed promise under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. However, with a promising roster, many fans and analysts believed the Lions were poised to take a leap in 2023.
But as free agency unfolded, questions arose about the Lions’ approach, and why they appeared to fall short of making the moves that could have cemented their position as playoff contenders. The franchise’s failures to land certain key players, its focus on questionable acquisitions, and its inability to make the big splashes fans and analysts were expecting, left many questioning whether Detroit’s front office truly understood the opportunity they had before them.
The Missing Pieces: Detroit’s Needs in Free Agency
Before the start of free agency, it was clear that the Detroit Lions had several key needs. The team’s defense, while improving, still lacked the high-level talent needed to compete with the league’s elite offenses. The secondary was a particular weak spot, with the cornerback position in dire need of upgrades. Additionally, the Lions’ pass rush remained inconsistent, and the linebacker corps was a liability at times. On offense, the Lions had built a solid foundation, but there was still a need for more depth at wide receiver, and the offensive line could have used an upgrade at guard or tackle.
The Lions’ defense was perhaps the most urgent area that needed addressing, especially after giving up the sixth-most points per game in 2022. The defensive line and secondary were a focal point for improvement, and this was an area where many believed the Lions needed to make significant moves in free agency to push the team into playoff contention.
However, as the dust settled on the opening waves of free agency, it became clear that the Lions had not addressed these needs in the most effective manner. They were outbid for key targets, and the signings they did make left many analysts underwhelmed.
Missed Opportunities: Key Targets the Lions Didn’t Land
One of the most glaring criticisms of the Lions’ free agency period was their failure to land top-tier players at positions of need. Despite having significant cap space and the opportunity to make bold moves, Detroit was unable to bring in several high-profile free agents who could have had an immediate impact on the team’s fortunes.
Cornerback Problems
Perhaps the most significant missed opportunity came at cornerback, where the Lions were linked to several top players. Despite clear needs at the position, Detroit failed to sign any marquee free-agent cornerbacks during the opening days of free agency. Players like Jamel Dean, James Bradberry, and even veteran cornerbacks like Patrick Peterson were all available on the market, yet the Lions failed to secure a deal with any of them.
This failure left the Lions secondary still in need of a high-quality, shutdown corner to pair with promising young cornerback Jeff Okudah. While the Lions did draft cornerback Emmanuel Forbes in the first round of the 2023 draft, the lack of a proven veteran presence in the secondary was seen as a major oversight, especially considering the quality of quarterback talent within the NFC North.
Without that elite cornerback presence, the Lions risked getting torched by high-caliber quarterbacks and wide receivers, which would only hinder their playoff aspirations.
Pass Rush: A Missing Key to Defensive Dominance
Another key area where the Lions fell short was on the pass rush. While Detroit did make a solid move in signing defensive end Isaiah Buggs to a one-year extension, the team failed to make any significant splashes in free agency when it came to adding high-level pass rushers.
Top-tier pass rushers like Javon Hargrave and Yannick Ngakoue were on the market, and many analysts believed the Lions had the financial flexibility to make an aggressive push for one of them. However, Detroit failed to land either, leaving their pass rush largely unchanged. While Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions’ promising young edge rusher, showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, Detroit’s lack of a consistent threat opposite him has the potential to keep the defense from reaching its full potential.
The absence of a strong pass rush is especially concerning given that teams with elite quarterbacks and high-powered offenses, like the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers, will be potential postseason opponents. These teams would be able to exploit a Lions’ defense that can’t get to the quarterback quickly and effectively.
Wide Receiver Depth: A Missed Opportunity for Goff
While the Lions’ offense had exceeded expectations in 2022, there were still questions about their depth at wide receiver. With rookie Jameson Williams expected to miss time due to suspension and Amon-Ra St. Brown playing at an elite level, the Lions had an opportunity to add another playmaker to the receiving corps in free agency.
Wide receivers like JuJu Smith-Schuster, Allen Lazard, and even veterans like DeAndre Hopkins were available, yet the Lions did not make significant moves to add to their receiving core. With Goff having a solid season under center and showing he can perform with the right weapons, adding another reliable target could have pushed the offense to the next level. The lack of depth at wide receiver meant that opposing defenses could key in on St. Brown and limit the offense’s ability to put up big numbers week in and week out.
Questionable Signings and Moves
While the Lions did make a few signings, many of these deals were seen as underwhelming by analysts. The Lions were perceived to have spent money on players who were unlikely to move the needle in terms of making a Super Bowl push or even a strong playoff run.
One such signing was that of former Chicago Bears linebacker Alex Anzalone, who re-signed with the Lions on a three-year contract. While Anzalone provided some stability to the linebacker corps, his signing didn’t do much to upgrade the unit, especially when compared to other linebackers available in free agency. His re-signing was seen as more of a retention move rather than a genuine attempt to improve the position.
Another questionable move was the Lions’ decision to re-sign several of their own players to modest contracts. While retaining players like offensive tackle Taylor Decker and running back Jamaal Williams helped maintain continuity, it didn’t offer any immediate upgrade to a roster that desperately needed additional talent in key areas. Fans and analysts were looking for more aggressive moves, not just retaining familiar faces.
The Detroit Lions’ Future: Hope or Concern?
As the early days of free agency unfolded, it was clear that the Detroit Lions’ approach to roster building left much to be desired. Missing out on key players and failing to make bold moves raised concerns about the team’s long-term strategy under Campbell and Holmes.
However, it is important to note that free agency is just one part of the offseason puzzle. The Lions could still address their needs in the draft, where they have several early picks. Additionally, the lack of major moves could be part of a long-term strategy to build the team through sustainable means rather than quick fixes. If the Lions can land impact players in the draft and develop their existing roster, they could still make significant strides in 2023.