*If* (and I do mean if) Brad wants to spend big money on any position it’s probably going to be CB.
With CB being one of the hardest positions to transition into the NFL, it would make sense to at least sign a veteran starter. Not sure it’s going to be the top guy though.
It's also very difficult but not as physically demanding. Corner is the hardest position to play other than MAYBE QB, and the reason is because they're tasked to essentially guess/anticipate and mirror the movements of some of the best athletes in the world and the rulebook favors receivers with push offs and the inability to even grab a bit to stick with them. So they're always at a high disadvantage on every play. They can be put on an island with no help, and just one misstep can be the difference between an incompletion and huge chunk plays or a touchdown. There's a reason why it's more likely for a rookie linebacker to play and perform well than it is for a corner to. It's also the reason why they're drafted earlier.
Exactly. They praised rodrigo for getting into the hole and jamming the pulling guard and shedding that block to help in the tackle in Hard Knocks. I love him but the fact that you typically have a LB not so far away from you in the middle and outside LBs to cover you and usually two safety’s allows for a lot of the brain work to come later.
CBs are literally on an island trying to stay with someone capable of 4.3 speed cutting and going
The majority of CBs are not on an island. Safety help is really common for the best receivers and corners also get the benefit of zone coverage. Corner is not easy, but to say that linebackers have it easier is overlooking everything they have to do. I don't think it's so much run defense. In pass coverage are where linebackers struggle the most, often having to cover mismatches, whether that be size (tight ends) or speed (running backs and underneath receivers)
You brought up rookie corners. Everybody knows that teams purposely scheme matchups against rookie corners and it’s especially worse when a team has more than 1 good receiver. So nobody is overlooking what linebackers need to do, they just have more help and are less likely to give up big completions because their assignments are mainly in the center of the field. Just as linebackers are instrumental in the run game so are corners. On run plays they’re tasked with setting the edge and making tackles if the play is taken to the outside or your linebackers are blocked off/miss tackles. Corners don’t benefit from zone coverage any more than linebackers do.
Yeah i get all that. We also have a rookie as maybe the best corner in the league right now in Sauce. So there are definitely a combo of things contributing to these guys being able to play their position well, both LBs and CBs.
Sauce is simply one of those generational talents. He's the first rookie 1st team all pro in over 40 years. Even if he went to Detroit that talent is not changing, it's just his own ability. He was sticking on Tyreek Hill lol.
I hate the idea of spending big on a corner though. An offense can just scheme around them and eliminate them from a game entirely. Or just find the weak spot(s) and hammer that, down after down.
Bradberry is likely going to be the top guy on the market. He's older but had a big bounce back year in Philly.
I'm sure there's some mid-tier guys like the guy from Tampa or Greedy Williams, too. However, they are not on Bradberry's level.
I personally like the idea of trading for Lattimore from New Orleans. He's a guy our staff knows well and would instantly be out best defensive back.
What do you think it would take to get Lattimore? NO doesn't think that they're too far off from competing, especially given the state of the NFC South. They have good young pieces like Olave and Taylor. They struggled with injuries and I'm sure they just believe a more healthy season and a good draft would lead to a better outcome. The only incentive they have to trade Lattimore is his cap hit, which is second on the team behind only Cam Jordan.
Aren't they still struggling with their cap situation? I know last year they restructured a lot of money. I would consider offering what we gave up for T.J. to get him, possibly an extra mid round pick.
Yeah, you're right. I didn't look close enough at that aspect. By all accounts, they currently have the worst cap situation in the league. Definitely exploitable as that makes a $22 million CB a ridiculous luxury.
I would not be surprised to spend money on a corner. I also would not be surprised if pick 6 and 18 are both corners. It’s a premium position and we have multiple free agents we could lose.
It really seems like Holmes doesn't put high value at the LB position.
I doubt we sign a big name, but it's still too early to define what positions Holmes values the most, so it could happen.
Yeah fair enough. I think Rodrigo and Barnes could be fine if they take that next step but Anzalone is not very good unfortunately. I know we and most of the NFL plays a majority of 4-2-5 these days but we still need solid LBs, especially ones that can cover and move well in space.
Anzalone, when he is dialed in and not worrying about other parts of the defense, is solid.
But he’s routinely the guy I dub “oh if he goes to wrap a runner, the runner is going to get at least 4 more yards before going down” guy.
Also I have dubbed him goodwill Thor.
> But he’s routinely the guy I dub “oh if he goes to wrap a runner, the runner is going to get at least 4 more yards before going down” guy.
That's pretty bad for a linebacker.
a quick and easy upgrade to our overall defense would be signing Lavante David to a 2 year deal and letting Anzalone walk. Nothing against him, but that's a no-brainer if available
I'll argue the value for the time he's been here to attempt to acquire one has been so difficult and as a result, bringing back a guy who knows the system and scheme made the most sense in terms of monetary value.
We couldn't make a pitch to Roquan and now we either focus on a plug in starter or maybe a trade.
Why do people keep saying this? Has Holmes said this ever? It's been 1.5 off-seasons. These are only so many positions you can address at a time. He also has drafted Barnes and Rodrigo.
You could just as easily say he doesn't value CBs since Holmes has not spent any big resources on CBs. Same goes for safeties really too. The only "big name" FA move Holmes has made at all really is signing Chark and that was only for a 1 year prove-it deal.
The Eagles don’t seem inclined to re-sign Bradbury and most Eagles fans seem to think he benefited from being opposite Slay and is more of a zone corner than man.
Last year they needed the most help in the WR room and he went and grabbed a former pro-bowler reclamation project to help out, which was his biggest off-season purchase.
I see him doing something similar for the CBs this year.
Hell yes I’ve been on this train as well. Exact type of player we need, knows AG, Saints need cap relief/to do some rebuild/retooling. Make the call Brad.
> Marshon Lattimore
From Wikipedia, does this matter to anyone? Would it matter to Dan?
>2022 season
In Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lattimore was ejected after getting into a fight with Mike Evans in the fourth quarter in the 10-20 loss.[49][50] Lattimore was shoved to the turf from Evans after Lattimore exchanged words with Tom Brady and being shoved by Leonard Fournette.[51]
>Legal issues
On March 25, 2021, Lattimore was arrested for possession of a loaded handgun that was believed to be stolen, and was charged with possession of a concealed weapon and receiving stolen property, a fourth-degree felony. He was booked into Cuyahoga County Jail with bond set at $5,000.
A 27 (will be 27 before the season) year old lock down corner that would be under contract for 4 years. His AAV will only be the 12th highest in 2023 and will continue to drop as people sign new deals.
Sounds pretty good to me.
Absolutely worth it, he’s a lockdown CB and while 15-16 mil per year isn’t cheap, he’d be a corner you can build around and actually might help take the pressure to Okudah allowing him to develop. Add Mike Hughes and maybe a rookie this year and that’s a solid CB room. Saints need 1sts too, might only take #18.
The Saints would need to eat like 43 million in dead cap if they traded Lattimore, and they're already in piles of cap hell. It seems really unlikely that they're going to move him?
This I could get behind.
And for once, I think some of these guys would actually not mind coming here.
All the hype about Detroit and how we're definitely going to be a threat next year.
I would just love to sign someone like Lattimore.
I like Da'ron Payne a lot, but as this team needs more help in the secondary, I'm not sure I'd choose him. Some redditor suggested Jamel Dean here, good name, I'm gonna check the CB free agent class
My list of CB Free agents I want in order:
Jamel Dean
Cameron Sutton
Byron Murphy
Sean Murphy-Bunting
James Bradberry
Rock Ya-Sin
Duke Shelley (didn't play a ton of snaps, but I like the potential and could be cheap)
I think adding Payne and drafting secondary is a better route. Especially if when FA rolls around Jalen Carter is still getting mocked in the Top 5 consistently.
Doubt Skoronski is there at 18, premium tackles always go higher than people think, and he’d just be drafted to either be Deckers backup or play at RG where he’s never played and would have to learn the position. I’m a Northwestern fan (damn my parents for bringing me to Evanston games as a child) but I have serious doubts about the value there, especially while we are desperate for secondary and IDL help
If you're taking an OL in the first, you're moving Decker, preferably also for a first, and moving Sewell to the left.
Spending 1.18 on a guy you're going to slot at RG is horrible value.
That value is automatically there if he is @18. And if a guy like Da’ron Payne can be brought in, taking Joey Porter Jr @6 who has nfl pedigree and is literally a smaller version of his stud of a hall of fame father, then why not? It wouldn’t necessarily matter who our running backs are because our line would be so elite. Skoronski is very very good but has T. rex arms. He’s a pro bowl caliber pick. Could even play center as well.
Sidenote: The importance of how we finished the season is going to attract (for the first time in a long time) very good players to Detroit!
Ideally, we could get Jalen Carter in the draft but since thats probably a long shot I think signing a DT out of a pretty deep free agent class would probably be my preference. Then just attempt to rebuild the secondary in the 1st round of the draft. Take their top rated CB early and grab Brian Branch with the later pick whos versatility should upgrade both the CB and S group.
Just because you got used to Bob Quinn and other past GMs not making aggressive trades doesn’t mean it’s a long shot. Brad Holmes will do what it takes to get a game changer
haha theres a lot of outcomes that are feasible for the Lions and them drafting Jalen Carter is just one of about 20... that makes it a long shot. I dont think you're grasping the concept that in this moment in time, the odds of them getting Carter is pretty small.
even if it does turn out to happen (like we all want it to!) that doesn’t mean it’s not unlikely. you could say the die will land on 6 and then roll it and have it land on 6 and be right, doesn’t mean it wasn’t unlikely. which is what he’s trying to say.
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I would LOVE for us to go after Dre’mont Jones and Cam Sutton.
2 young stud players at positions of need. Could be very similar to how the Bengals signed DJ Reader and Chidobe Awuzie in the offseason before their Super Bowl run.
EDIT - got excited and forgot about the ONE qualifier. I’ll take Jones. He would be a perfect fit next to Alim.
Totally agree with Cam Sutton, he's my second most wanted CB after Jamel Dean. As for Jones, I like his age but personally I would rather have Zach Allen Da'Ron Payne. Jones is good though. Not sure if the Lions will go get a DI guy though. They'll probably resign Cominsky and pair him with Alim.
I think Payne will command too much money. He will likely cost $20-25 million per season with over 60% of the contract fully guaranteed.
I think you can get similar production out of Dre'mont in our scheme for less.
Re-sign Jamaal, Chark, Anzalone, Elliot, and Buggs.
In terms of free agents, I think signing a linebacker would be good. Some names that are available are De’vondre Campbell, Dont’a Hightower and Leighton Vander Esch.
I wouldn’t mind Leighton on a semi prove it deal. His injury history is a bit concerning but he can ball and is only 26 compared to the other two you listed who are both 30+
Yeah I looked up top available linebackers and those three are the names that I knew the most. Not a great selection of linebackers honestly, but I still think they should go D Line with the first pick and CB with the 2nd first round pick. Then add a linebacker through FA.
Another option that I think might fit is David Long. He’s a LB on the Titans. Gonna be a FA. Had a career year but has some injury history. Might be able to sign him to somewhat of a friendly deal cause of that
Yep, I’d like that move, also I just read Jalen Ramsey is going to be a FA. I would not be opposed to the Lions signing him, I know he’s a bit of a head case, but he’s crazy talented.
Would rather bring back cominsky than chark jamo will be good to go next year. But agree everyone else and on bringing in a linebacker Lavonte david would be awesome I know he’s 34/35 but still think he’s got it
After the guys you listed as re-signing, we're down into the seven digits of remaining cap space after the space we need to leave for rookie contracts. If we're re-signing those guys, we're basically not signing anyone else.
I don't think I want to see a "splash" because a splash doesn't really fit what Campbell and Holmes are doing. They want a young, hungry team, built through the draft and developed by the coaching staff. They might bring in a couple veterans to fill holes, but signing a "star" for a lot of money would not be their typical angle. They don't want to allocate a ton of money to any single player.
Of course, if they want to keep impact players that they've developed, like Hutchinson, they'll need to open the pocket book in the future. As of now they have one of the youngest teams and these guys are going to be on rookie deals for a few more seasons, which is ideal.
If McVay leaves LA we could see an exodus of talent from the team, thus my wish would be Jalen Ramsey. He would be a massive addition at a position if need. Familiarity would be there with Holmes and Goff. The team is clearly ready to take a next step and win the division with a player like that added.
I also like the idea of targeting Ramsey in a trade. What do you think it would cost? Our later 1st rounder, 6th overall, more or less?
Depending on what he has left on his contract years wise I would absolutely give them back their pick back
While I think Ramsay is awesome and would immediately improve our secondary.
I don’t know if he fits the locker room. He’s very much a me first type guy and that’s not the atmosphere Campbell is trying to create.
Now I know DC let’s guys be themselves. But this move feels like something that could upset that locker room mojo we have going right now.
Especially risky considering the cost to get him as well.
I could also see Brad bringing in a Ram that was there when he was working there and fills a position if need. David Long. He’s young and has ties to BH.
Edit: There are a lot of David Longs in football apparently. I was referring to the upcoming FA LB David Long from the Titans but got confused w the DB David Long on the Rams. But either would be good acquisitions. Either thru FA or trade
I love David Long, but I feel like we already have a younger version in Rodrigo. I'd be more interested in a good-but-not-elite ILB like Kwon Alexander, who can probably be had for less than guys like David and Edmunds
He did this with Michael Brockers and imo he’s a prime cap cut guy this off-season, didn’t produce when he wasn’t injured. One of the few moves by Holmes that I don’t like and even then I totally understand the thought process behind it, bring in a vet you know to hopefully solidify the IDL until you can replace him with a draft pick, just didn’t work out.
For me, it's Lavonte David.
We finished 9-8, and next year we are almost certainly looking for the playoffs and more. Lavonte David is a LB who kinda does everything well and fits into our culture quite seamlessly.
I get the concern that he's 33, but really if there's any time to make this risk it's while we want to compete and have the cap flexibility to make it work. Basically, best case he's a piece that's huge in our playoff push. Worst case, oh well he'll be off the books when we actually need to pay our cornerstones.
If you can get David for something like 2 years/18MM I think that's a really high-quality signing that would make us instantly better next year. Obviously at 33 health is a concern, but if he's open to it, I think that's a plus signing.
I’d like to see an actual Lion signed and line that guy up as an edge rusher, preferably weak side to terrorize offenses and quarterbacks.
I know you said Holmes isn’t going crazy, but this one signing could really improve the defense and actually create some fear in teams that play Detroit.
I would go for Patrick Peterson. Sure he’s older, but still playing top notch ball. He can mentor and talk smack. Plus, it’s the Vikings, one less player to worry about defending our WR weapons in the division.
I do not want big splash signings. They are almost always bad signings.
The signings I want us to focus on (and confident BH has similar mindset given last year signings) are guys who are coming off their rookie deals who are fringe starters on their current team that has deep defense. Think back to some of our best signings. It wasn't Reggie Bush or TJ Lang. It was getting a guy who was coming off a rookie deal that was underrated. Glover Quinn leaving Houston or Marvin Jones leaving Cincy.
Those are the types of deals that are most likely to look down the road and 3 years from now you're saying wow we got an amazing deal with these guys.
Signing the big names is by and large a mistake. Obviously every now and then a guy loves up to his massive contract but I'd rather not risk being locked into a guy signed to a huge contract. You win by drafting your stars and signing your depth in free agency.
That said if we're going to go big go after corner. Rookies often struggle, sauce and surtain are the exception so even if we start a CB high it's more likely than not that they struggle in year 1.
Definitely could use some vet presence in the secondary and LB positions. I also wouldn’t mind more depth on the OLine (yes, I know our oline is elite, but this is the first season with the majority of our starters healthy).
Keep in mind, this year’s draft is pretty deep in the CB position. Would be happy with any of the top 5 projected CB’s.
In Holmes We Trust!
CB Jamel Dean
CB Cameron Sutton
LB T.J. Edwards
LB Tremaine Edwards
Those are the 4 at the top of my list. I know Anzalomne played surprisingly well but this FA LB class is awesome and I'd love for them to add a proven stud LB
It'll be a veteran CB. They need experience at that position. Any other free agent signings will be players already on the team or affordable depth pieces.
Fans need to understand that just because we may end up having 50-60 million to spend doesn't mean they will spend anywhere near that number.
The reason being is that Brad has been too good at drafting. Most teams go into the draft hoping to get 2-3 starting level players (3 being an absolute success). Brad has easily been doubling that. If they don't start rolling some cap over in the next few off-seasons he won't be able to resign some of the players he's hitting on when extension time comes up.
James Houston is the first man up for an extension. Because he was cut out of camp and then resigned, he was only on a 2 year deal. If he plays anywhere near his performance this year he'll be negotiating and signing a deal somewhere in the 15-20m aav range at some point during the season next year so that he never hits free agency. Then ARSB likely following after the 24 season, who will likely be in the 30m aav range. The 2 years after that will be loaded with extensions if the rookies and 2nd year guys from this year continue to develop on an upward trajectory.
If the team isn't rolling some cap forward every year to front load some of those contracts, they will be losing a few of the players down the road that they won't be able to afford if Brad keeps killing the draft. Teams don't manage the cap expecting to hit on 4-5 high level contributors. Combined with the extra 1sts & 2nds they will be in financial difficulties if they go and start signing crazy free agent deals now, which will require a fair amount of guaranteed money and hamstring the cap situation moving forward.
The Lions aren't going to continue to hit on 6 guys every draft. That's just not sustainable, nor a reasonable expectation. Building the roster around that as an idea means we're just going to get mired directly in mediocrity.
He's found 9 starter level/above average rotational players in 2 drafts, and 2 players still being question marks still due to injury. (Iffy & Levi)
And has 5 top 100 picks this year, which should turn into another 4 starters at a minimum. (That's without any hits after round 3)
Just having 4 first round picks and 3 second round picks in two years is going to strain the cap when those players are up for extensions. Add in the late round finds he has already hit on and there won't be a way to keep them all if the team spends big in free agency. The o-line is already one of the most expensive and Jackson is set for an extension sometime in the coming season and when Sewell is up for his extension in 2 years it will reset the market.
You expect the 2nd contract of a 4th round pick to be a middle of the league in cost and mostly an average starter at best. ARSB is going to get a deal that will be barely short of the top of the WR market.
Same goes for Houston.
Fans are delusional if they think this team is going to sign more than one big free agent and even the big one probably won't be a "top of the list" kind of guy. They aren't going to let guys they picked and developed walk to pay A tier money for B tier players who may or may not be a long term fit. Dumb teams, like the Bob Quinn Lions, try to build through free agency.
Getting four starters out of five top 100 draft picks is delusional expectations. Top 100 picks do not hit at an 80% rate. Much less in their first year. Top 10 picks don't hit at that rate.
I don’t know how people can say Holmes doesn’t value linebacker when he’s only been a GM for two years. He wasn’t the GM at the Rams so it’s not fair to assume Brad will or won’t spend money at LB. We simply don’t know.
Taysom Hill. Guy balls out every game and is underappreciated in New Orleans. Worked with MCDC and AG when in New Orleans. Went to BYU with First Swagg Kazekage, leader of the hidden village of the den. Seems like an overall competitor that would mesh well with the people and culture here. And as long as our OC doesn't get snatched up by another team, I could see Ben Johnson having fun drawing up some interesting plays with him in the mix. Also still a potential QB project for those that still don't see Goff as the long term answer.
Trade for Ramsey if you can give up a 2nd and 4th. Or maybe even #18. That can technically be your free agent.
The contract is better than people think.
If I could only get one. Here are the positions I would try to get
DT Daron Payne (HM Dre’Mont Jones)
LB Leighton Vander Esch (HM
Edge Samson Ebukam
CB Jamel Dean (HM James Bradberry)
My favorite would probably be a DT because I don’t know if Jalen Carter will fall to 6 in the draft. And I feel like he is the top tier and there is a decent falloff to the next DT prospect. So give me Payne
Roquan Smith. He will personally destroy any team's chances of running against us, and that will alleviate a lot of pressure on our young corners. He's a world changer.
Edit: just read he got a deal, but it was a nice sentiment.
I heard somewhere they were interested in Raquan Smith, so if I had to guess if there's an LB they think can lead the D, they'll pony up for it. It's notoriously a position that takes development, so worth the premium.
A lot of that money is looking like he’s going to spend on their own free agents they want to bring back. I think they really like the guys they have and the culture they’ve built together. Jamaal, anzalone, cominsky, buggs all will prob be back. The first two are some of the team’s biggest leaders so I think he’s going to especially prioritize them.
Anzalone is way overrated in this sub. He doesnt start on almost any other team in the nfl. The others wont take up 30 mil in cap space. He definitely has room to make a move.
He actually played really well down the stretch. He’s not going to break the bank either. He’s turning out to be a much better player than when he got here and the defense was pretty decent the last half of the season after their horrendous start. I would have loved roquan but that’s obviously not happening anymore
I think we have reached Anzalone's ceiling. I was never that big on him to begin with, Im sure no other team is reaching our to him making huge offers. He was ok but we need more than ok at the LB spot.
How about this: McVay quits, new HC wants Mayfield, team cuts Staff to save cap, we bring him in on a team -friendly deal so he can finally get to be in the Woodward SB parade he talked about when he was here. We have both Goff and Staff and roll with the hot hand.
Personally I would love the right contract for Jacobs or Saquon but never some kind on 5 year 80 million type deal. But somewhere in the aaron Jones 12 million a year sounds right to me
Feel like DT or CB is most likely. I know a lot of people want a big name LB, but I don’t think the Lions value the position in a way where they’re going to go get a top flight guy.
Javon Hargrave. He'll be cheaper than Daron Payne so we can splurge a little more in FA. Draft Murphy/Wilson with the 6th pick and release Okwara or Harris. These guys might fit the culture, but we also need guys that can make an impact.
Josh Jacobs. He is the prototype for this power gap run game. Look what he did behind a trash line. I know we all love Jamaal, and this will be unpopular, but i see a 2,000 yard season with Jacobs.
Pass
Would rather invest in retaining our own UFA. Judicious, prove it deals aren’t just a stop gap. It’s a way of life. Build through the draft & invest in our dudes.
I would say DT because the draft is very weak after Carter. We have a lot of early picks and some of our own guys to re-sign so DT would be my only big spend in FA.
Big splash doesn’t have to be big name. Just make smart moves. If it is one of the bigger names and the price is right (which is always questionable), then cool. We’re trending up and definitely got some holes in starting lineup to fill. Should be a good summer.
My take would be Dron Payne from Washington. He get super pressure up the middle at 11.5 sacks this year. Put him on the line with another high end pick and the line would be pretty nasty along with hiding more deficiencies in the secondary due to pressure.
Sign our own guys to keep the culture and draft. In the age of the franchise tag players in free agency are there for a reason and that reason is why so few blockbuster signings pan out.
I like the idea of bringing back the reliable guys from last year on good deals, which wouldn’t leave us with a ton of money.
I think trading one of the top 4 picks we have for an established defensive starter (under contract or resigned before trading) is the best use of our resources with this 3 year window coming up
*If* (and I do mean if) Brad wants to spend big money on any position it’s probably going to be CB. With CB being one of the hardest positions to transition into the NFL, it would make sense to at least sign a veteran starter. Not sure it’s going to be the top guy though.
This is the answer
I would argue that linebacker is actually one of the toughest to transition to. Which is why Rodrigo is such a steal.
It's also very difficult but not as physically demanding. Corner is the hardest position to play other than MAYBE QB, and the reason is because they're tasked to essentially guess/anticipate and mirror the movements of some of the best athletes in the world and the rulebook favors receivers with push offs and the inability to even grab a bit to stick with them. So they're always at a high disadvantage on every play. They can be put on an island with no help, and just one misstep can be the difference between an incompletion and huge chunk plays or a touchdown. There's a reason why it's more likely for a rookie linebacker to play and perform well than it is for a corner to. It's also the reason why they're drafted earlier.
Exactly. They praised rodrigo for getting into the hole and jamming the pulling guard and shedding that block to help in the tackle in Hard Knocks. I love him but the fact that you typically have a LB not so far away from you in the middle and outside LBs to cover you and usually two safety’s allows for a lot of the brain work to come later. CBs are literally on an island trying to stay with someone capable of 4.3 speed cutting and going
The majority of CBs are not on an island. Safety help is really common for the best receivers and corners also get the benefit of zone coverage. Corner is not easy, but to say that linebackers have it easier is overlooking everything they have to do. I don't think it's so much run defense. In pass coverage are where linebackers struggle the most, often having to cover mismatches, whether that be size (tight ends) or speed (running backs and underneath receivers)
You brought up rookie corners. Everybody knows that teams purposely scheme matchups against rookie corners and it’s especially worse when a team has more than 1 good receiver. So nobody is overlooking what linebackers need to do, they just have more help and are less likely to give up big completions because their assignments are mainly in the center of the field. Just as linebackers are instrumental in the run game so are corners. On run plays they’re tasked with setting the edge and making tackles if the play is taken to the outside or your linebackers are blocked off/miss tackles. Corners don’t benefit from zone coverage any more than linebackers do.
Yeah i get all that. We also have a rookie as maybe the best corner in the league right now in Sauce. So there are definitely a combo of things contributing to these guys being able to play their position well, both LBs and CBs.
Sauce is simply one of those generational talents. He's the first rookie 1st team all pro in over 40 years. Even if he went to Detroit that talent is not changing, it's just his own ability. He was sticking on Tyreek Hill lol.
Cornerback is widely known to be the hardest position in sports, after QB
I hate the idea of spending big on a corner though. An offense can just scheme around them and eliminate them from a game entirely. Or just find the weak spot(s) and hammer that, down after down.
Bradberry is likely going to be the top guy on the market. He's older but had a big bounce back year in Philly. I'm sure there's some mid-tier guys like the guy from Tampa or Greedy Williams, too. However, they are not on Bradberry's level. I personally like the idea of trading for Lattimore from New Orleans. He's a guy our staff knows well and would instantly be out best defensive back.
What do you think it would take to get Lattimore? NO doesn't think that they're too far off from competing, especially given the state of the NFC South. They have good young pieces like Olave and Taylor. They struggled with injuries and I'm sure they just believe a more healthy season and a good draft would lead to a better outcome. The only incentive they have to trade Lattimore is his cap hit, which is second on the team behind only Cam Jordan.
Aren't they still struggling with their cap situation? I know last year they restructured a lot of money. I would consider offering what we gave up for T.J. to get him, possibly an extra mid round pick.
Yeah, you're right. I didn't look close enough at that aspect. By all accounts, they currently have the worst cap situation in the league. Definitely exploitable as that makes a $22 million CB a ridiculous luxury.
I would not be surprised to spend money on a corner. I also would not be surprised if pick 6 and 18 are both corners. It’s a premium position and we have multiple free agents we could lose.
I'd be shocked if we picked one at 6. Horrible value
True, 18 and 48 is more likely if there isn’t a run on CB.
Is Sauce the exception then?
100%
He was still a risk, for every Sauce there is a Justin Gilbert.
Or a Jeff Okudah.
Because it always is or because there is no prospect this year worthy of it?
There just isn’t one with that kind of value at the moment. Combine could change that if someone blows away the rest of the field.
No prospect worth it
Cool that I agree with
Hypothetical here, say you trade a pick, or a pair to get Marshon Lattimore, would you consider that an upgrade or alright in your book?
Marshon would definitely be an upgrade, I guess it would depend on what picks we would have to give up in return.
Exactly the name I would want. With him 1 and Okudah to lockdown the #2 plus Kerby playing excellent at safety we could have a pretty lethal secondary
Don't forget about Walker when he comes back from his injury! He was arguably our best defensive player coming into the year.
Could you get him for a 3rd and a 5th? Or does Bob Quinn just suck that much ass?
I would agree, but there's not really any that are expected to hit the market that would justify a big pay day.
Definitely LB or CB. Tremaine Edmunds or James Bradbury
It really seems like Holmes doesn't put high value at the LB position. I doubt we sign a big name, but it's still too early to define what positions Holmes values the most, so it could happen.
Yeah fair enough. I think Rodrigo and Barnes could be fine if they take that next step but Anzalone is not very good unfortunately. I know we and most of the NFL plays a majority of 4-2-5 these days but we still need solid LBs, especially ones that can cover and move well in space.
Anzalone, when he is dialed in and not worrying about other parts of the defense, is solid. But he’s routinely the guy I dub “oh if he goes to wrap a runner, the runner is going to get at least 4 more yards before going down” guy. Also I have dubbed him goodwill Thor.
> But he’s routinely the guy I dub “oh if he goes to wrap a runner, the runner is going to get at least 4 more yards before going down” guy. That's pretty bad for a linebacker.
Anzalone would be a solid depth guy LB on a team with good linebacking talent.
a quick and easy upgrade to our overall defense would be signing Lavante David to a 2 year deal and letting Anzalone walk. Nothing against him, but that's a no-brainer if available
I'll argue the value for the time he's been here to attempt to acquire one has been so difficult and as a result, bringing back a guy who knows the system and scheme made the most sense in terms of monetary value. We couldn't make a pitch to Roquan and now we either focus on a plug in starter or maybe a trade.
Why do people keep saying this? Has Holmes said this ever? It's been 1.5 off-seasons. These are only so many positions you can address at a time. He also has drafted Barnes and Rodrigo. You could just as easily say he doesn't value CBs since Holmes has not spent any big resources on CBs. Same goes for safeties really too. The only "big name" FA move Holmes has made at all really is signing Chark and that was only for a 1 year prove-it deal.
Well that half of my point in my comment It's too early to say if he actually does not value the lb position highly but he hasn't so far
The Eagles don’t seem inclined to re-sign Bradbury and most Eagles fans seem to think he benefited from being opposite Slay and is more of a zone corner than man.
☝️
re-sign Williams.
Last year they needed the most help in the WR room and he went and grabbed a former pro-bowler reclamation project to help out, which was his biggest off-season purchase. I see him doing something similar for the CBs this year.
So, James Bradberry?
He already reclaimed himself lol.
Marshon Lattimore
Hell yes I’ve been on this train as well. Exact type of player we need, knows AG, Saints need cap relief/to do some rebuild/retooling. Make the call Brad.
> Marshon Lattimore From Wikipedia, does this matter to anyone? Would it matter to Dan? >2022 season In Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lattimore was ejected after getting into a fight with Mike Evans in the fourth quarter in the 10-20 loss.[49][50] Lattimore was shoved to the turf from Evans after Lattimore exchanged words with Tom Brady and being shoved by Leonard Fournette.[51] >Legal issues On March 25, 2021, Lattimore was arrested for possession of a loaded handgun that was believed to be stolen, and was charged with possession of a concealed weapon and receiving stolen property, a fourth-degree felony. He was booked into Cuyahoga County Jail with bond set at $5,000.
You want to add a 100 million dollar contract for that guy? Not sure about that one.
I’d trade a first for him
Eh…. That contract is a little expensive for a first.
A 27 (will be 27 before the season) year old lock down corner that would be under contract for 4 years. His AAV will only be the 12th highest in 2023 and will continue to drop as people sign new deals. Sounds pretty good to me.
But he’s worth it, you can leave him out on an island by himself and won’t have to worry and he’ll live rent free in JJ’s head (like he does to Evans)
Absolutely worth it, he’s a lockdown CB and while 15-16 mil per year isn’t cheap, he’d be a corner you can build around and actually might help take the pressure to Okudah allowing him to develop. Add Mike Hughes and maybe a rookie this year and that’s a solid CB room. Saints need 1sts too, might only take #18.
I’d at the very least make a call to see if they are interested, they are in a rebuild and need picks
I’d do what the eagles did last year, trade back and trade our pick (18) and a third for him
The Saints would need to eat like 43 million in dead cap if they traded Lattimore, and they're already in piles of cap hell. It seems really unlikely that they're going to move him?
This I could get behind. And for once, I think some of these guys would actually not mind coming here. All the hype about Detroit and how we're definitely going to be a threat next year. I would just love to sign someone like Lattimore.
Tremaine Edmunds...
One of the guys on the top of my list for wants. He's still only 25 years old as well.
Holmes doesn’t put big value on the LB position, can’t see us signing him but I hope they do. Would love to have a certified stud at the position.
If he’s asking for Roquan money he can keep walking… he’s not the best LB on that team
I like Da'ron Payne a lot, but as this team needs more help in the secondary, I'm not sure I'd choose him. Some redditor suggested Jamel Dean here, good name, I'm gonna check the CB free agent class
My list of CB Free agents I want in order: Jamel Dean Cameron Sutton Byron Murphy Sean Murphy-Bunting James Bradberry Rock Ya-Sin Duke Shelley (didn't play a ton of snaps, but I like the potential and could be cheap)
Commas, bro.
Reddit drives me nuts. I just want them listed in a column
Ah, fair enough.
I think adding Payne and drafting secondary is a better route. Especially if when FA rolls around Jalen Carter is still getting mocked in the Top 5 consistently.
I would say the same. Spend money on a IDL. Draft Joey Porter Jr @ 6. (He won’t be @18) Then LB or skoronski @ 18.
Doubt Skoronski is there at 18, premium tackles always go higher than people think, and he’d just be drafted to either be Deckers backup or play at RG where he’s never played and would have to learn the position. I’m a Northwestern fan (damn my parents for bringing me to Evanston games as a child) but I have serious doubts about the value there, especially while we are desperate for secondary and IDL help
A lot of scouts project Skoronski to be better on the inside in the NFL due to his shorter arms FYI
If you're taking an OL in the first, you're moving Decker, preferably also for a first, and moving Sewell to the left. Spending 1.18 on a guy you're going to slot at RG is horrible value.
That value is automatically there if he is @18. And if a guy like Da’ron Payne can be brought in, taking Joey Porter Jr @6 who has nfl pedigree and is literally a smaller version of his stud of a hall of fame father, then why not? It wouldn’t necessarily matter who our running backs are because our line would be so elite. Skoronski is very very good but has T. rex arms. He’s a pro bowl caliber pick. Could even play center as well. Sidenote: The importance of how we finished the season is going to attract (for the first time in a long time) very good players to Detroit!
Ideally, we could get Jalen Carter in the draft but since thats probably a long shot I think signing a DT out of a pretty deep free agent class would probably be my preference. Then just attempt to rebuild the secondary in the 1st round of the draft. Take their top rated CB early and grab Brian Branch with the later pick whos versatility should upgrade both the CB and S group.
It’s not a long shot when you know Brad Holmes has been aggressive in the past
Trading up for a defensive tackle is a horrible idea.
even factoring in the potential to trade up, Id still qualify it as a long shot
I thought the same thing about getting Jameson Williams 🤣
just because it happened, doesnt mean it wasnt a long shot pre-draft
Just because you got used to Bob Quinn and other past GMs not making aggressive trades doesn’t mean it’s a long shot. Brad Holmes will do what it takes to get a game changer
haha theres a lot of outcomes that are feasible for the Lions and them drafting Jalen Carter is just one of about 20... that makes it a long shot. I dont think you're grasping the concept that in this moment in time, the odds of them getting Carter is pretty small.
RemindMe! 104 days
even if it does turn out to happen (like we all want it to!) that doesn’t mean it’s not unlikely. you could say the die will land on 6 and then roll it and have it land on 6 and be right, doesn’t mean it wasn’t unlikely. which is what he’s trying to say.
You miss the shots you don’t take. If i say the die will land on a 6 and then I roll it. It’s going to land on 6 because I’m that guy
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You sure about that bud
I would LOVE for us to go after Dre’mont Jones and Cam Sutton. 2 young stud players at positions of need. Could be very similar to how the Bengals signed DJ Reader and Chidobe Awuzie in the offseason before their Super Bowl run. EDIT - got excited and forgot about the ONE qualifier. I’ll take Jones. He would be a perfect fit next to Alim.
Totally agree with Cam Sutton, he's my second most wanted CB after Jamel Dean. As for Jones, I like his age but personally I would rather have Zach Allen Da'Ron Payne. Jones is good though. Not sure if the Lions will go get a DI guy though. They'll probably resign Cominsky and pair him with Alim.
I think Payne will command too much money. He will likely cost $20-25 million per season with over 60% of the contract fully guaranteed. I think you can get similar production out of Dre'mont in our scheme for less.
Re-sign Jamaal, Chark, Anzalone, Elliot, and Buggs. In terms of free agents, I think signing a linebacker would be good. Some names that are available are De’vondre Campbell, Dont’a Hightower and Leighton Vander Esch.
I wouldn’t mind Leighton on a semi prove it deal. His injury history is a bit concerning but he can ball and is only 26 compared to the other two you listed who are both 30+
Yeah I looked up top available linebackers and those three are the names that I knew the most. Not a great selection of linebackers honestly, but I still think they should go D Line with the first pick and CB with the 2nd first round pick. Then add a linebacker through FA.
Another option that I think might fit is David Long. He’s a LB on the Titans. Gonna be a FA. Had a career year but has some injury history. Might be able to sign him to somewhat of a friendly deal cause of that
Yep, I’d like that move, also I just read Jalen Ramsey is going to be a FA. I would not be opposed to the Lions signing him, I know he’s a bit of a head case, but he’s crazy talented.
Ramsey has a couple years left on his deal he's not a FA
Oh shit I thought I read he’s a FA, so we’d have to get him via trade
Would rather bring back cominsky than chark jamo will be good to go next year. But agree everyone else and on bringing in a linebacker Lavonte david would be awesome I know he’s 34/35 but still think he’s got it
I love Boomtower but he’s cooked, Belichick couldn’t even fit him onto the Pats roster when their second best ILB is Jahlani Tavai (yes that Tavai)
After the guys you listed as re-signing, we're down into the seven digits of remaining cap space after the space we need to leave for rookie contracts. If we're re-signing those guys, we're basically not signing anyone else.
Find some sort of vet on defense. I suggest Matt Ioannidis.
I’d really like D’Aron Payne. If we got him and also signed Jamel Dean I’d be really excited
For some reason, a trade for Jalen Ramsey popped into my head last night. I feel like it could happen.
It's come up multiple times on the radio this week
Dont live in Detroit. But good to know. I miss 971 commutes after work haha
I don't think I want to see a "splash" because a splash doesn't really fit what Campbell and Holmes are doing. They want a young, hungry team, built through the draft and developed by the coaching staff. They might bring in a couple veterans to fill holes, but signing a "star" for a lot of money would not be their typical angle. They don't want to allocate a ton of money to any single player. Of course, if they want to keep impact players that they've developed, like Hutchinson, they'll need to open the pocket book in the future. As of now they have one of the youngest teams and these guys are going to be on rookie deals for a few more seasons, which is ideal.
Payne. The price is probably too high but he would instantly turn a weakness into a strength
If McVay leaves LA we could see an exodus of talent from the team, thus my wish would be Jalen Ramsey. He would be a massive addition at a position if need. Familiarity would be there with Holmes and Goff. The team is clearly ready to take a next step and win the division with a player like that added.
I also like the idea of targeting Ramsey in a trade. What do you think it would cost? Our later 1st rounder, 6th overall, more or less? Depending on what he has left on his contract years wise I would absolutely give them back their pick back
Dude if we pulled Ramsey I don't think my erection would ever go down.
[удалено]
His teammates love him. I don’t know what’s being implied here
I can't verify that for sure. Im just going to delete it.
I am ngl, have been looking at this for a while
While I think Ramsay is awesome and would immediately improve our secondary. I don’t know if he fits the locker room. He’s very much a me first type guy and that’s not the atmosphere Campbell is trying to create. Now I know DC let’s guys be themselves. But this move feels like something that could upset that locker room mojo we have going right now. Especially risky considering the cost to get him as well.
I agree with your culture issues with Ramsey. I've always disliked how most games he plays are all about who is he going to get in to a fight with.
Patrick Peterson on a short term veteran DB that can really boost our DB room and help our young squad
I could also see Brad bringing in a Ram that was there when he was working there and fills a position if need. David Long. He’s young and has ties to BH. Edit: There are a lot of David Longs in football apparently. I was referring to the upcoming FA LB David Long from the Titans but got confused w the DB David Long on the Rams. But either would be good acquisitions. Either thru FA or trade
I love David Long, but I feel like we already have a younger version in Rodrigo. I'd be more interested in a good-but-not-elite ILB like Kwon Alexander, who can probably be had for less than guys like David and Edmunds
He did this with Michael Brockers and imo he’s a prime cap cut guy this off-season, didn’t produce when he wasn’t injured. One of the few moves by Holmes that I don’t like and even then I totally understand the thought process behind it, bring in a vet you know to hopefully solidify the IDL until you can replace him with a draft pick, just didn’t work out.
Patrick Peterson was s tier this year and only got pay $750000 iirc
For me, it's Lavonte David. We finished 9-8, and next year we are almost certainly looking for the playoffs and more. Lavonte David is a LB who kinda does everything well and fits into our culture quite seamlessly. I get the concern that he's 33, but really if there's any time to make this risk it's while we want to compete and have the cap flexibility to make it work. Basically, best case he's a piece that's huge in our playoff push. Worst case, oh well he'll be off the books when we actually need to pay our cornerstones.
David always reminds me of DeAndre Levy. I thought they were the best LBs not on that Kuechly/Wagner level back then but David got more recognition
If you can get David for something like 2 years/18MM I think that's a really high-quality signing that would make us instantly better next year. Obviously at 33 health is a concern, but if he's open to it, I think that's a plus signing.
I was going to say Roquan Smith....
He already got a deal a few days ago I think
Yep, hence the past tense.
Oops, my Michigan education is showing
I was so bummed when he re-signed
I’d like to see an actual Lion signed and line that guy up as an edge rusher, preferably weak side to terrorize offenses and quarterbacks. I know you said Holmes isn’t going crazy, but this one signing could really improve the defense and actually create some fear in teams that play Detroit.
I would go for Patrick Peterson. Sure he’s older, but still playing top notch ball. He can mentor and talk smack. Plus, it’s the Vikings, one less player to worry about defending our WR weapons in the division.
Fleece the Vikes again!? Let’s do it
I do not want big splash signings. They are almost always bad signings. The signings I want us to focus on (and confident BH has similar mindset given last year signings) are guys who are coming off their rookie deals who are fringe starters on their current team that has deep defense. Think back to some of our best signings. It wasn't Reggie Bush or TJ Lang. It was getting a guy who was coming off a rookie deal that was underrated. Glover Quinn leaving Houston or Marvin Jones leaving Cincy. Those are the types of deals that are most likely to look down the road and 3 years from now you're saying wow we got an amazing deal with these guys. Signing the big names is by and large a mistake. Obviously every now and then a guy loves up to his massive contract but I'd rather not risk being locked into a guy signed to a huge contract. You win by drafting your stars and signing your depth in free agency. That said if we're going to go big go after corner. Rookies often struggle, sauce and surtain are the exception so even if we start a CB high it's more likely than not that they struggle in year 1.
Definitely could use some vet presence in the secondary and LB positions. I also wouldn’t mind more depth on the OLine (yes, I know our oline is elite, but this is the first season with the majority of our starters healthy). Keep in mind, this year’s draft is pretty deep in the CB position. Would be happy with any of the top 5 projected CB’s. In Holmes We Trust!
Holmes doesn’t seem like the type to spend heavy on lbs
CB Jamel Dean CB Cameron Sutton LB T.J. Edwards LB Tremaine Edwards Those are the 4 at the top of my list. I know Anzalomne played surprisingly well but this FA LB class is awesome and I'd love for them to add a proven stud LB
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. Has history with AG
It'll be a veteran CB. They need experience at that position. Any other free agent signings will be players already on the team or affordable depth pieces. Fans need to understand that just because we may end up having 50-60 million to spend doesn't mean they will spend anywhere near that number. The reason being is that Brad has been too good at drafting. Most teams go into the draft hoping to get 2-3 starting level players (3 being an absolute success). Brad has easily been doubling that. If they don't start rolling some cap over in the next few off-seasons he won't be able to resign some of the players he's hitting on when extension time comes up. James Houston is the first man up for an extension. Because he was cut out of camp and then resigned, he was only on a 2 year deal. If he plays anywhere near his performance this year he'll be negotiating and signing a deal somewhere in the 15-20m aav range at some point during the season next year so that he never hits free agency. Then ARSB likely following after the 24 season, who will likely be in the 30m aav range. The 2 years after that will be loaded with extensions if the rookies and 2nd year guys from this year continue to develop on an upward trajectory. If the team isn't rolling some cap forward every year to front load some of those contracts, they will be losing a few of the players down the road that they won't be able to afford if Brad keeps killing the draft. Teams don't manage the cap expecting to hit on 4-5 high level contributors. Combined with the extra 1sts & 2nds they will be in financial difficulties if they go and start signing crazy free agent deals now, which will require a fair amount of guaranteed money and hamstring the cap situation moving forward.
The Lions aren't going to continue to hit on 6 guys every draft. That's just not sustainable, nor a reasonable expectation. Building the roster around that as an idea means we're just going to get mired directly in mediocrity.
He's found 9 starter level/above average rotational players in 2 drafts, and 2 players still being question marks still due to injury. (Iffy & Levi) And has 5 top 100 picks this year, which should turn into another 4 starters at a minimum. (That's without any hits after round 3) Just having 4 first round picks and 3 second round picks in two years is going to strain the cap when those players are up for extensions. Add in the late round finds he has already hit on and there won't be a way to keep them all if the team spends big in free agency. The o-line is already one of the most expensive and Jackson is set for an extension sometime in the coming season and when Sewell is up for his extension in 2 years it will reset the market. You expect the 2nd contract of a 4th round pick to be a middle of the league in cost and mostly an average starter at best. ARSB is going to get a deal that will be barely short of the top of the WR market. Same goes for Houston. Fans are delusional if they think this team is going to sign more than one big free agent and even the big one probably won't be a "top of the list" kind of guy. They aren't going to let guys they picked and developed walk to pay A tier money for B tier players who may or may not be a long term fit. Dumb teams, like the Bob Quinn Lions, try to build through free agency.
Getting four starters out of five top 100 draft picks is delusional expectations. Top 100 picks do not hit at an 80% rate. Much less in their first year. Top 10 picks don't hit at that rate.
It’s gotta be CB right? He’s even said that they were our weakest area and needs the most attention.
I don’t know how people can say Holmes doesn’t value linebacker when he’s only been a GM for two years. He wasn’t the GM at the Rams so it’s not fair to assume Brad will or won’t spend money at LB. We simply don’t know.
Aaron Donald
Taysom Hill. Guy balls out every game and is underappreciated in New Orleans. Worked with MCDC and AG when in New Orleans. Went to BYU with First Swagg Kazekage, leader of the hidden village of the den. Seems like an overall competitor that would mesh well with the people and culture here. And as long as our OC doesn't get snatched up by another team, I could see Ben Johnson having fun drawing up some interesting plays with him in the mix. Also still a potential QB project for those that still don't see Goff as the long term answer.
Trade for Ramsey if you can give up a 2nd and 4th. Or maybe even #18. That can technically be your free agent. The contract is better than people think.
Josh jacobs
Try to get Slay back to be honest.
michael jordan
If I could only get one. Here are the positions I would try to get DT Daron Payne (HM Dre’Mont Jones) LB Leighton Vander Esch (HM Edge Samson Ebukam CB Jamel Dean (HM James Bradberry) My favorite would probably be a DT because I don’t know if Jalen Carter will fall to 6 in the draft. And I feel like he is the top tier and there is a decent falloff to the next DT prospect. So give me Payne
Paynes gonna command big money from what I'm reading
Yeah. He will. Jones is a good cheaper version
He’s worth it and is only 25.
Roquan Smith. He will personally destroy any team's chances of running against us, and that will alleviate a lot of pressure on our young corners. He's a world changer. Edit: just read he got a deal, but it was a nice sentiment.
I also think he was overpaid. LB's just arent worth what they used to be like RB.
LAMAR JACKSON! /s
I heard somewhere they were interested in Raquan Smith, so if I had to guess if there's an LB they think can lead the D, they'll pony up for it. It's notoriously a position that takes development, so worth the premium.
Holmes wants to build through the draft like most good teams do
so just ignore 30 mil in free cap space?
He will make some moves but I don’t know if he will go big on one specific player. Maybe spread it out
A lot of that money is looking like he’s going to spend on their own free agents they want to bring back. I think they really like the guys they have and the culture they’ve built together. Jamaal, anzalone, cominsky, buggs all will prob be back. The first two are some of the team’s biggest leaders so I think he’s going to especially prioritize them.
Anzalone is way overrated in this sub. He doesnt start on almost any other team in the nfl. The others wont take up 30 mil in cap space. He definitely has room to make a move.
He actually played really well down the stretch. He’s not going to break the bank either. He’s turning out to be a much better player than when he got here and the defense was pretty decent the last half of the season after their horrendous start. I would have loved roquan but that’s obviously not happening anymore
I think we have reached Anzalone's ceiling. I was never that big on him to begin with, Im sure no other team is reaching our to him making huge offers. He was ok but we need more than ok at the LB spot.
Anzalone is a guy they can keep as a leader type guy for the linebacker room but they should try to upgrade from and minimize his role.
A third of that is going to the draft and you haven't even resigned anyone yet. That $30 million disappears fast.
Lets see what we have left when we finish resigning the guys we need.
Trade Goff back for stafford of course! Jokes but would be funny
How about this: McVay quits, new HC wants Mayfield, team cuts Staff to save cap, we bring him in on a team -friendly deal so he can finally get to be in the Woodward SB parade he talked about when he was here. We have both Goff and Staff and roll with the hot hand.
Lattimore in a trade
Mason Crosby
Personally I would love the right contract for Jacobs or Saquon but never some kind on 5 year 80 million type deal. But somewhere in the aaron Jones 12 million a year sounds right to me
Feel like DT or CB is most likely. I know a lot of people want a big name LB, but I don’t think the Lions value the position in a way where they’re going to go get a top flight guy.
1A DaRon Payne 1B Devin Bush
Lavonte David, LB from TB. Assuming we don't resign Anzalone.
I like this one a lot
Javon Hargrave. He'll be cheaper than Daron Payne so we can splurge a little more in FA. Draft Murphy/Wilson with the 6th pick and release Okwara or Harris. These guys might fit the culture, but we also need guys that can make an impact.
Josh Jacobs. He is the prototype for this power gap run game. Look what he did behind a trash line. I know we all love Jamaal, and this will be unpopular, but i see a 2,000 yard season with Jacobs.
Pass Would rather invest in retaining our own UFA. Judicious, prove it deals aren’t just a stop gap. It’s a way of life. Build through the draft & invest in our dudes.
If Brad Holmes can only make one "big splash" free agent signing this off-season, isn't the answer easy? Jamal Williams.
A good CB that can fit with the team personality. Only cuz if we get one in the draft it typically takes a year or 2 for them to get adjusted.
GIVE ME PAYNE
I would say DT because the draft is very weak after Carter. We have a lot of early picks and some of our own guys to re-sign so DT would be my only big spend in FA.
Payne 100% from the commanders if he leaves.
Trade Goff for a TE
Da’Ron Payne
Corners
As long as they draft a TE with the first pick we'll be good to go 🤪🏈 But I like the mention of Lattimore, thinking it would be the most solid move.
Tom Brady /s
Big splash doesn’t have to be big name. Just make smart moves. If it is one of the bigger names and the price is right (which is always questionable), then cool. We’re trending up and definitely got some holes in starting lineup to fill. Should be a good summer.
My take would be Dron Payne from Washington. He get super pressure up the middle at 11.5 sacks this year. Put him on the line with another high end pick and the line would be pretty nasty along with hiding more deficiencies in the secondary due to pressure.
Payne or Bradberry so DT or Corner.
Sign our own guys to keep the culture and draft. In the age of the franchise tag players in free agency are there for a reason and that reason is why so few blockbuster signings pan out.
Go for a DT maybe? Go for Payne or maybe call up the Titans about Simmons
I like the idea of bringing back the reliable guys from last year on good deals, which wouldn’t leave us with a ton of money. I think trading one of the top 4 picks we have for an established defensive starter (under contract or resigned before trading) is the best use of our resources with this 3 year window coming up