4 Players the Detroit Lions should target in free agency

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Obviously, there are plenty of areas the Lions need to improve in to compete for a playoff spot next season. Finishing 9-7 last year and falling short of the postseason left a bad taste in our mouths, and there will be plenty of options out there for ways to improve. Of course, the draft is on the horizon as well, and will likely change the team’s strategy for free agency. But, since we haven’t gotten to the draft yet, let’s take a look at free agency.

While we don’t know which of their own free agents the team plans to sign or let go, here are four “out of town” options that the team should at least consider.

Luke Joeckel – Guard

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Collectively, the Lions allowed their franchise quarterback to be sacked 47 times this season, which was the seventh highest total in the league. It goes without saying that they cannot allow that to happen if they want Stafford to have a chance to live up to his big contract. Sure, injuries on the offensive line may have played a part in that sack total, but it is still an area that needs to be improved upon. One way to do so would be by signing Luke Joeckel. Coming off a one year contract that he signed with the Seattle Seahawks, Joeckel started in 11 games this year while missing five games after a knee injury. Going into an offseason that might very well see the Lions move Graham Glasgow to center full time, there will be a hole at left guard, which is Joeckel’s natural position.

Dontari Poe – Defensive Tackle

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After the team lost defensive tackle Haloti Ngata to injury this season, their ability to stop the run became an ever-apparent struggle. For the season, the team allowed 1,800 yards (15th most) and 18 touchdowns (second most). Although Ngata has indicated his desire to continue playing, it’s probably likely that the team will look for a younger, less injury-prone player to fill that hole. While they could also look to the draft to find another option, a more proven choice is out there in Dontari Poe. Coming off a one year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, Poe has only missed two games over his six-year career, while racking up 15.5 sacks and 179 tackles. While he will probably come with a high price tag, Poe has the ability to be a piece that the team can build around on the defensive line for the foreseeable future.

Paul Posluszny – Outside Linebacker

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Another area the Lions can improve on the defensive side of the ball is at linebacker, particularly the outside linebacker position. Paul Worrilow and Steve Longa are currently listed as the top outside linebackers on the team’s depth chart opposite of Tahir Whitehead (who is also a free agent). Worrilow played in 13 games this year, compiling a total of 20 tackles. Longa, who primarily contributed on special teams this season, played in 15 games, but only tallied one single tackle. Clearly, this is an area that the team can improve upon. Free agent Paul Posluszny, who is 33 years old, hasn’t missed a regular season game in the last two seasons. For his career, he has recorded 881 tackles and 16 sacks. Although he is probably considered by most to be “past his prime”, there is always room on a roster for leadership, as we saw at the tail end of this season when Detroit brought in Dwight Freeney.

Le’Veon Bell – Running Back

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Surprise, surprise: the Lions need help running the ball. Le’Veon Bell, who played his college ball at Michigan State University, could be just the guy to help turn that aspect around for Detroit. Five years into his professional career, Bell has amassed 5,336 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground, and 2,660 yards and seven touchdowns through the air in 62 games. Ameer AbdullahTheo Riddick, and Tion Green all will likely continue to have certain roles with the team, but if they were to pull the trigger on a deal that would bring Bell to the Motor City, those roles would likely end up being much reduced.