The trip to the NFC Championship Game by the Detroit Lions, who led 24-7 at halftime, lived up to the preseason anticipation for 2023. Naturally, they gave up that lead and fell to the San Francisco 49ers 34–31.
Although general manager Brad Holmes has stated unequivocally that he opposes the concept of sending “one player away,” he did not completely rule out the possibility of bringing in a “bigger fish” this offseason. A significant move is involved in a limited list of critical offseason needs, so it shouldn’t be completely disregarded or ruled out.
Head coach Dan Campbell said immediately following the San Francisco game that it might have been their only opportunity to participate in or win a conference title game, make it to the Super Bowl, etc. He wasn’t entirely incorrect, but because the Lions are here to stay, making the necessary preparations to get to and win a Super Bowl ought to be a top priority. Super Bowl windows close after the game, and the Lions are currently in theirs.
That’s not to argue that any dubious or careless actions should be taken; Holmes won’t act in that manner anyway. However, Holmes would be well suited for focused movements for players that meet a need and blend in with the Lions’ ethos.
There aren’t many moves on the list that would be significant enough to win the Lions the Super Bowl the following year. But these two movements suit that description, if viewed individually, one or the other, since both will undoubtedly not be made.
There are two actions that might win the Detroit Lions the Super Bowl the following season.
If Graham Glasgow left the Detroit Lions in free agency, here are five possible pivots for the team.
With legendary “tent pole” players at both tackle spots (Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow) and center (Frank Ragnow), the Detroit Lions boast one of the strongest offensive lines in the NFL.
The questions are raised as the time for free agency draws near. Graham Glasgow, Jonah Jackson, and Halapoulivaati Vaitai are unrestricted free agents. Given that Vaitai is recovering from yet another back injury, retirement seems to be the most likely outcome. It would be surprising if Jackson returned at this point.
That leaves Glasgow, the free agent the Lions need to re-sign who is on almost every list. Following his greatest season to date, Glasgow did not hold back when it came to what he will be looking for in free agency following the 49ers’ victory in the NFC Championship Game. As he turns 32 in July, he likely has one more chance to get a substantial piece of the financial pie.
