Why the Detroit Lions defensive additions make them one of the winners of free agency
Heading into next season Detroit Lions fans have a lot to be excited about as they are putting together a strong roster.
The Detroit Lions are in a good spot to potentially contend in a weak NFC next year. Not only did they close out the season with an 8-2 record in the last ten games, but they have the assets to improve next season.
Offensively, they were top five in the league in both yards and points. Plus, the unit should only get better with last year’s first round pick Jameson Williams coming back healthy after missing most of last season with a knee injury.
It’s no secret that defensively they need to get a lot better to fulfill their potential next season and beyond. The unit was dead last in the league in yards last season, but with some good additions in free agency they project to improve next.
Oftentimes the winner of free agency in March doesn’t win long-term because they overpay free agents, however the Lions have managed to add good players to their defense on solid, low risk contracts.
Detroit Lions Defensive Additions
CB Cameron Sutton
Age: 28 Previous Team: Steelers Contract: 3 year $33 million $22.5 million guaranteed
One of the biggest issues for the Lions last season was a lack of depth in the secondary, specifically at corner. Adding Sutton is a good start to fixing that problem as he has been a dependable corner for a while now.
Not only is he a good player at a valuable position, but the Lions were able to add him at a very reasonable price.
S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Age: 25 Previous Team: Eagles Contract: 1 year $8 million
The latest addition the Lions made to their secondary was bringing in Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. CGJ is a versatile defensive back, who likely projects best primarily as a slot corner to this defense.
Like Sutton, he won’t necessarily be a home run addition who transforms the whole defense, however he is certainly a big upgrade and a good step to building a more adequate secondary.
CB Emmanuel Moseley
Age: 26 Previous Team: 49ers Contract: 1 year $6 million
The other notable defensive addition also came in the secondary and it was for Emmanuel Moseley. After going undrafted out of Tennessee in 2018, Moseley has been a starter at outside corner for the 49ers in just about every game he’s been healthy to play in over the past four years.
In three of his four seasons, Moseley had a PFF grade of over 69 which is very solid. His role on the Lions defense may be tougher as he won’t be surrounded by as much talent as he was in San Francisco. However, bringing in someone who has been a dependable corner for years to a defense that needs secondary help is a good addition.
On top of that they’re bringing him in on just a 1 year $6 million deal, so it’s a very low risk contract.
Whole Picture
Ultimately, the Lions still have more work to do to improve their defense, but these three signings are an excellent start to turning around this unit. Plus, through trades they have five picks in the first three rounds, including two first rounders in this year’s draft that they can use to build this defense for next year and beyond.
