The Detroit Lions are assessing their near future as the NFL free agency period approaches in a few days.
Managing general manager Brad Holmes must make a number of difficult choices as the Lions attempt to build on the momentum they created by making it to the NFC championship game. With lots of cap money at its disposal, Detroit can keep strengthening its team in an effort to win the Super Bowl.
When free agency officially opens on March 13, the Lions should think about signing these ten offensive talents.
In 2023, Onwenu played guard and tackle for the Patriots, exhibiting a highly sought-after degree of versatility. Linemen must be able to play numerous areas and shift about because of the physicality they deal with on a weekly basis.
The Michigan product will be among the most sought-after lineman available, but if Detroit decides not to hold onto one or both of its starting guards who are scheduled to become free agents, it might have an impact.
Davis can go past a defender because of his long speed. With 2,730 yards over his first four NFL seasons, Davis has established himself as a reliable member of the Bills’ passing attack, despite his occasional inconsistency.
Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are two important guys for the Lions at wide receiver, but Davis would give the team a powerful wide receiver to provide Jared Goff another option downfield.
Adam Trautman, TE
Sam LaPorta, an All-Pro selection for the Lions’ second team, is a lock, but the group will need to have depth behind him. Although Brock Wright was given a restricted free agency tender, Detroit is a team that values competition in all areas.
Let’s introduce Trautman, a versatile run-blocker who can be useful in the passing game. Trautman has made a little but valuable contribution as a pass-catcher, but his real contribution has been creating space for players like David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Evan Brown, OG/C
Brown may be a solid fit if Detroit wants to do what it did last year and get back together with an offensive lineman from the past. Although Brown inked a contract with the Seahawks to play center, Olu Oluwatimi, a 2023 draft pick, may pass him in the depth chart.
The Lions value Brown’s interior versatility since he can play center or either guard position. He would be a well-known figure for the team and might make a similar influence as Graham Glasgow did for Detroit in the previous season.
Mike Gesicki, tight end
As an offensive piece, Gesicki may be shifted anywhere, while Trautman has more pop as a blocker. Because of his ability to play both in-line and in the slot, opposing defenses would have difficult matchups.
After posting back-to-back 700-yard seasons with the Dolphins in 2020–21, Gesicki’s output has declined in the last several years. He had a PFF grade of only 35.1 in 2023, indicating that he had trouble blocking runs. He would therefore probably have more of an impact on the passing game next to LaPorta.
