Inside the Article:
The Detroit Lions may not be playing during Sunday’s NFC Championship Game, but that does not mean GM Brad Holmes and his staff will not be watching the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles very closely as they continue to evaluate potential free agents that could fit their roster. Specifically, the Lions will be watching closely on the defensive side of the ball, where there will be a few players that could catch their eye.
Why it Matters
As we know, when evaluating the 2022 Lions, it is obvious that they need to improve on the defensive side of the football if they truly want to become a Super Bowl contender in the not-too-distant future.
- No. 28 overall defense in the NFL according to DVOA
- No. 23 pass defense in the NFL according to DVOA
- No. 26 rush defense in the NFL according to DVOA
Lions should consider 3 FA defenders in NFC Championship Game
Here are three pending free-agent defenders Detroit should consider when the free-agency period begins.
- CB James Bradberry – Eagles (one of the best cover CBs in the NFL, would start opposite Jeff Okudah)
- DE Samson Ebukam – 49ers (projected market value of $7.7 million, would improve pass rush)
- DL Javon Hargrave – Eagles (beast on IDL who can pressure QB,  11 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 2022)
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that Detroit absolutely must improve on the defensive side of the ball during the upcoming offseason, and there will be plenty of free agents who could be an upgrade over what they currently have. Bradberry and Hargrave would be immediate starters in Detroit, while Ebukam would be a rotational player who is also capable of earning a starting spot. The question is, is Brad Holmes going to spend some cash in free agency, or will he focus on improving the defense via the NFL Draft?
