has sThe Detroit Lions are looking like one of the best teams in the NFL, but there’s always room for improvement. The team arguably lacks depth at certain points on the roster, and there are still several veterans on the market with plenty of gas in the tank to help with that.
It’s hard to say whether general manager Brad Holmes will make another notable addition to the roster before the season begins, but given the amount of free agent talent remaining, it’s not difficult to envision. It makes sense for Detroit to use some of their impressive $40 million in salary cap room to pick up someone who can put them over the top.
Here are a few potential options.
Safety Quandre Diggs
Could a reunion be afoot? After being traded to Seattle from Detroit in 2019, Diggs made three straight Pro Bowls from 2020 to 2022. Since then, though, the experienced defensive back has seen some expected fall-off in his play (he’ll be 32 in January 2025) and was released by Seattle earlier this year. And to be frank, that was justified — at this point in his career, Diggs probably isn’t going to be a reliable full-time player in the NFL.
Nevertheless, Diggs does still bring a lot to the table. The former Lion would be a consistent veteran presence for a young and inexperienced Detroit secondary. He is a player the team could depend upon to provide value on limited snaps. There’s a lot to be said for the stabilizing guidance and depth he would supply to a Lions defensive backfield that may experience some growing pains early in the season.
This wouldn’t be an exhilarating signing, but it could pay surprising dividends. Even at this point in his career, Diggs can bring multifaceted value to whichever team chooses to sign him.
Quandre Diggs has two INTs in the first quarter! #Seahawks pic.twitter.com/W6yDM9tkJR
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) November 27, 2022
Defensive End Carl Lawson
There are some interesting options in the Lions’ edge rusher group, but nobody outside of Aidan Hutchinson feels like a sure thing. There’s plenty of youth (and competition), but it’s not clear who the dependable guys will be for Detroit. That’s where Lawson comes in. The 28-year-old has 27 sacks across 74 career games and would be another interesting player to throw into the competition.
Lawson is also a veteran; the former Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets defensive lineman is entering the seventh year of his professional career. He’d bring a lot of poise and experience to an otherwise young defensive end group. It wouldn’t be wise to expect big things from him, but a reliable option with some know-how is always a good addition. Lawson could help hold down the fort until guys like James Houston and Josh Paschal find their footing.
Prime Carl Lawson was such a beast. Had one of the best stab-chop-rips you’ll see pic.twitter.com/8PGusXLPTi
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) May 30, 2024
Wide Receiver Russell Gage
Gage is an interesting boom-or-bust option for the Lions. The former sixth-round pick missed the entire 2023 season after posting a lackluster 2022, but before that, he recorded an impressive 1,556 total yards between the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He has a good frame at 6-foot and would fit seamlessly into the X receiver spot in Detroit recently vacated by Josh Reynolds.
Gage’s name doesn’t carry much weight at the moment, but he has still shown an ability to produce. It’s just a question of health and consistency. If luck is on the 28-year-old’s side, he could be a helpful addition for a Lions team that currently depends on either Donovan Peoples-Jones or Antoine Green to play the role of No. 3 receiver.
Given the elite offensive system that would surround him, Detroit could be just the place for Gage to revive his career.
day 7 of posting random falcons highlights till football is back
russell gage mosses ambry thomas for the touchdown pic.twitter.com/31HIXftjIN
— 🦄 (@arkeshrayyyy) March 11, 2024
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