Lions Free Agency Tracker: Depth Will Be a Priority for a Team Devastated by Injuries Last Season
The Detroit Lions are entering a pivotal offseason, one that could be the difference between a mediocre year and a playoff run. After showing flashes of potential in the 2022 season, the Lions were ultimately hindered by injuries that decimated their roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell are well aware that depth will be a critical factor in the team’s success moving forward. As they prepare for the 2023 season, the Lions have made strategic moves in free agency to not only strengthen their starting lineup but also reinforce the depth across the roster to ensure they’re better equipped to handle the inevitable injury woes that seem to strike every year.
Building depth is an often-overlooked part of team-building in the NFL, but for the Lions, it has become one of the top priorities this offseason. Let’s take a closer look at the Lions’ free agency tracker, analyzing the moves they’ve made so far and how they will help the team recover from last season’s injury struggles.
1. David Montgomery (Running Back)
Position: Running Back
Contract: 3 years, $18 million
One of the most significant moves the Lions made in free agency was signing former Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery to a three-year deal. The Lions’ running game in 2022 was a tale of two halves. Early in the season, Jamaal Williams emerged as a touchdown machine, but D’Andre Swift’s injuries and lack of consistency limited the team’s overall rushing attack. While Williams delivered, the Lions lacked an elite, all-around back to carry the load.
Montgomery, however, is the type of versatile back that can fill that void. Known for his ability to run between the tackles and churn out tough yards, Montgomery gives the Lions an experienced and reliable option in the backfield. He’s also a solid receiving option out of the backfield, which adds a dimension that the Lions were missing last year.
But perhaps more importantly, Montgomery provides depth to a position that was devastated by injuries in 2022. Swift’s inability to stay healthy for a full season, combined with Williams’ lack of involvement in the passing game, meant the Lions’ running game was far less potent than it could have been. With Montgomery, the Lions now have a dependable option who can take over in case of injury, and the addition of Montgomery allows Swift to be used more sparingly, taking the pressure off of him to be the bell cow.
2. Cameron Sutton (Cornerback)
Position: Cornerback
Contract: 3 years, $33 million
Perhaps the most impactful signing in free agency for the Lions was that of Cameron Sutton, the former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback. The Lions’ secondary in 2022 was one of the worst in the NFL. They struggled to cover deep routes, failed to generate consistent turnovers, and had difficulty staying healthy. Jeff Okudah, the team’s former No. 3 overall pick, showed flashes of promise but couldn’t consistently stay on the field, and the cornerback position remained a major question mark.
Sutton, however, brings a level of reliability and high-level play that the Lions sorely need. He has been an anchor in Pittsburgh’s secondary for the last several seasons, showcasing excellent coverage skills and the ability to defend both the inside and outside of the field. Sutton’s arrival not only provides immediate stability but also allows Okudah to continue developing without the pressure of being the team’s top cornerback. Sutton will likely start opposite Okudah, with Amani Oruwariye also competing for snaps, providing much-needed depth in the secondary.
While Sutton won’t completely solve all of the Lions’ defensive woes, his consistency and ability to cover top receivers will improve the unit dramatically. Furthermore, his leadership and experience should help younger players develop in the long term.
3. Mo Alie-Cox (Tight End)
Position: Tight End
Contract: 1 year, $2.5 million
One of the more under-the-radar signings for the Lions was bringing in tight end Mo Alie-Cox, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts. While Alie-Cox is not known for his receiving abilities, his value lies in his versatility and ability to block effectively in both the running and passing games. In fact, the Lions’ tight end room was a big area of need last season. TJ Hockenson was traded away during the season, and the remaining tight ends were not able to consistently make plays in the passing game or provide strong blocking support.
Alie-Cox’s blocking prowess will help the Lions improve their running game and protect Jared Goff in the pocket. He can also serve as a reliable red-zone option, as his size (6-foot-5, 267 pounds) and physicality make him a tough matchup for defenders. His signing also gives the Lions a solid backup tight end, which was a position of weakness last season. Alie-Cox will likely serve as the team’s No. 1 tight end, with James Mitchell and Brock Wright providing depth behind him. This gives the Lions much-needed stability at the tight end position.
4. John Cominsky (Defensive Lineman)
Position: Defensive Line
Contract: 2 years, $8 million
The Lions were decimated by injuries on the defensive line last season. Aidan Hutchinson, the team’s 2022 first-round pick, performed admirably as a rookie, but the defensive line lacked depth, especially when it came to pass-rushing. John Cominsky, who was brought in last season, was one of the few bright spots on the defensive front, and the Lions made sure to bring him back with a two-year deal.
Cominsky played in 13 games last season, recording 3 sacks, and he provided excellent run defense. While he may not be an elite pass rusher, he’s versatile enough to move around the line, contributing both inside and on the edge. He’ll provide depth at multiple spots, giving the Lions a reliable rotational player who can step in and contribute in various packages.
Cominsky’s return is significant because it offers the Lions a more stable defensive line, and his ability to step in and perform when injuries inevitably strike is vital for the team’s success in 2023. The Lions can now count on him as a rotational piece, ensuring that they won’t fall apart as they did last season when injuries took their toll on the line.
5. Graham Glasgow (Offensive Guard)
Position: Offensive Line
Contract: 1 year, $3 million
Graham Glasgow’s return to Detroit was one of the quieter but significant moves the Lions made in free agency. Glasgow, who spent the first four years of his career with the Lions before heading to Denver, offers the team a reliable veteran presence on the interior of the offensive line. The Lions’ offensive line was one of the best in the NFL last season, but they did suffer injuries at key points, particularly with Jonah Jackson.
Glasgow will provide much-needed depth on the offensive line, both as a backup and as a potential starter. His ability to step in at guard and provide solid blocking in both the running and passing game gives the Lions great flexibility. Should an injury occur to one of the starters, Glasgow’s experience and skill set will ensure that the offensive line doesn’t miss a beat.
6. Emmanuel Moseley (Cornerback)
Position: Cornerback
Contract: 1 year, $5 million
The Lions also added Emmanuel Moseley, a former 49ers cornerback, to further bolster their secondary. Moseley has experience starting for a top-tier defense and brings a level of physicality and playmaking ability that the Lions need in their secondary. While Sutton will likely take the No. 1 cornerback spot, Moseley will add depth at cornerback, providing flexibility in case of injury or matchup-specific needs.
Moseley will likely see the field in nickel and dime packages, but his overall ability to defend both the run and pass will be a valuable asset for Detroit. With the NFL’s increasing emphasis on passing, having depth at cornerback is crucial for the Lions, and Moseley’s signing gives them that.