It’s finally March which means it’s almost time for the NFL free agency period to kick-off for the Detroit Lions.
As we speak, the Lions are around the middle of the pack when it comes to available cap space, which would suggest they do have the means to make a big splash if they so choose to.
http://gty.im/1208648195
The question is, which position should Lions GM Bob Quinn target if he is willing to spend big?
To me, that answer is pretty easy and it is directly related to what I believe is the most important position on Matt Patricia’s defense.
That position is nose tackle.
With Damon ‘Snacks’ Harrison officially out of the picture, it is extremely crucial that Quinn brings in a solid NT to replace him in the middle of the Lions defense. When Harrison was added to the roster midway through the 2018 season, the defense looked completely different as he was able to shut down the run. On the other hand, Harrison fell off the map in 2019 and so did the defense, which shows exactly how important the nose tackle position is for the Lions.
Because of that, it is important that the Lions bring in a proven nose tackle who can step in and dominate from the opening kick off of the 2020 season.
http://gty.im/1180848839
If Quinn does want to make a big splash at the NT position, the obvious target will be Marcel Dareus, who will be a free agent.
It has been reported that the Jacksonville Jaguars will not pick up the contract option for Dareus, which means he will be able to sign with any team in the league.
Marcel Dareus, who is 30, is a beast in the middle and he would automatically make the Lions defense look more like it did in the second half of the 2018 season then what it looked like in 2019 when they had one of the worst units in the NFL.
If Quinn is not willing to make a big splash at the NT position, or if he feels Dareus is too pricey, I have already said I think D.J. Reader would be a no-brainer signing for the Lions.
Nation, how do you think the Lions should replace Snacks?
