3 Free Agents the Detroit Lions should strongly consider

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Though it seems like this is said every year for just about every team in the NFL, THIS is going to be a very important offseason for the Detroit Lions.

General manager Bob Quinn will have his work cut out for him as he tries to improve a Lions roster that, let’s face it, has quite a few holes.

Whether it’s improving an offensive line that nearly got Matthew Stafford killed on multiple occasions or solidifying a defensive line that failed to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, there are improvements to be made and it all starts with free agency.

Here is a look at three players the Lions should strongly consider signing for the 2018 season.

Sheldon Richardson (DT) Seahawks (27)

http://gty.im/889867804

As stated above, the Lions need help on the defensive line, especially if they decide to let DE Ziggy Ansah walk. Though Sheldon Richardson only has a couple of sacks over the last two seasons, he is a versatile player who has the ability to disrupt an opposing offense. With A’Shawn Robinson already holding down part of the Lions interior defensive line, Richardson is a player who would immediately improve the defensive line.

Andrew Norwell (OG) Panthers (26)

http://gty.im/881155508

It’s no secret that the Lions do not have a running game and they struggle to keep Matthew Stafford upright. That is much because of the fact that the offensive line was weak in 2017. Sure, there were plenty of injuries that did not help the situation but if Detroit truly wants to take a step forward, they will have to improve the O-Line. Norwell, who is set to become a free agent was named to the AP All-Pro team for his play this past season. Prior to the season, he hired high-profile agent Drew Rosenhaus, so you can bet he will get a nice contract. If the Lions can fit him in the budget, the offensive line improves immediately.

Rashaan Melvin (CB) Colts (28)

http://gty.im/880238826

Darius Slay is one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL and he proved that in 2017. Unfortunately, after Slay, the Lions do not have much else other than role-type players at the CB position. Melvin was the Colts best cornerback in 2017 before suffering a season-ending injury, but he should be back and ready to roll in 2018. He was so good before the injury that it would not have been a surprise if he would have been a Pro Bowl selection if he would have been able to complete the season. Putting Melvin on the field along with Slay would be an amazing thing for the Lions secondary.