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The Detroit Lions performed admirably in the 2022-23 NFL season. The Lions had a 9-8 record and nearly secured a playoff spot on the last day of the regular season. This was significantly better than their lottery projection heading into the year, and it showed the rest of the league that there's hope in Motor City.
However, if the Lions are to build on the foundations, they must add some players in free agency. They clearly have some holes that need plugging and it should be done as soon as feasible.
Here's a list of free agents the Lions should target:
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#1 Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lavonte David has spent his entire NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has quickly become a fan favorite. The Bucs just lost Tom Brady to retirement, and they look like they are heading into a full-scale rebuild. One of the players that they might offload is Lavonte David, and the Lions should be on high alert.
The Lions don't have a player quite like David on their roster. Adding a Super Bowl winner is always a good idea for an NFL franchise. David is a tackling machine and a menace to opposing players. Just look at his stat line for last season - 124 tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble in 17 games for the Buccaneers. Few players in the NFL can match this productivity.
#2 Jamel Dean, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Another player from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes this list and rightfully so. It could be argued that Jamel Dean has been underutilized by Tampa Bay.
Dean is one of the better players at his position, and he is deceptively quick for his sturdy frame. While he isn't the best ball hawk, he is an elite tackler and has topped 50 tackles in his past three seasons.
His addition will be a welcome one in the Lions' pass defense, which regularly gave up over 20 points last season. He will add depth and leadership to a Detroit Lions side that lacks both.
#3 Evan Engram, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Detroit Lions are painfully thin at the tight end position. Their lack of an elite tight end limits Jared Goff's throwing options and gives them one less elite blocker. Adding Jacksonville TE Evan Engram could solve that problem, as the one-time Pro Bowler ticks many boxes.
Moreover, he isn't likely to demand a huge payday like the Travis Kelces and George Kittles of the league. He is an underrated blocker and solid pass catcher if targeted properly.
How did the Detroit Lions perform in the 2022 NFL season?
The Detroit Lions had a great regular season, with the only negative being that they narrowly missed the playoffs. The Lions started the year by going 1-6 over their first seven games before turning the tide.
They then went on an 8-2 run to close out the season. They were so good that their quarterback Jared Goff made the Pro Bowl.
The Detroit Lions finally look like a team ready to put behind years of mediocrity, and this year's offseason will be pivotal.
Detroit Lions Fans! Check out the latest Lions Schedule and dive into the Detroit Lions Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.
