4 free agents to watch in Sunday 2021 divisional playoff games



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The Detroit Lions have hired Brad Holmes as their next general manager, and depending on how games unfold today, their head coach situation – Dan Campbell is the favorite – could be decided in the coming days.

As the Lions strive to establish a new culture and staff, the NFL continues to move forward and the Detroit scouting department needs to work today, taking notes on the NFL playoffs.

Sunday’s divisional playoff games will feature the Cleveland Browns at the Kansas City Chiefs (3:05 p.m. EST on CBS), followed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the New Orleans Saints (6:40 a.m. EST on FOX).

Here are four potential free agents for 2021 – one from each team – that the Lions should watch out for during today’s games.

Browns: Rashard Higgins, WR (6-1, 198)

Higgins has just won his best year as a professional, often taking over for the Browns when given the chance. With Odell Beckham on the injured reserve, Higgins found himself in the starting lineup, but with Beckham, Jarvis Landry and rookie Donovan Peoples-Jones under contract next year, Higgins could look for opportunities elsewhere this offseason.

A deep threat who often finds ways to open up, Higgins (26) is an intriguing option for the Lions. If they get Kenny Golladay under contract and plan to rely on a rookie or Quintez Cephus – or both – for hefty contributions in 2021, Higgins would offer the Lions a veteran option at an affordable price.

Previous Browns Profile: Larry Ogunjobi, DT

Chiefs: Bashaud Breeland, CB (5-11, 195)

As discussed in yesterday’s free agent preview, the Lions could be looking for a veteran third corner that can spot the away start behind Amani Oruwariye and Jeff Okudah, as the status of Demond Trufant and Justin Coleman is potentially at risk because of their high cost. contracts.

While Breeland is a less expensive option, there is a more inconsistent level of play and off-field concerns that come with it – he has been suspended for four games this year after a drug-related arrest.

Bucs: Ndamukong Suh, DT (6-4, 313)

Ok, listen to me.

At 34, Suh isn’t the domineering he once was, but he still has a lot of impact in a position that the Lions need help to develop. The price has come down since his last stint in Detroit, and with ties to the city – he still owns businesses and property in Michigan – it could be entertaining to return to the team that drafted him.

Previously profiled for Bucs: Shaquil Barrett, EDGE

Saints: Sheldon Rankins, DT (6-2, 305)

A former 12th pick in the 2016 draft, Rankins’ career was on the rise when an Achillies injury in 2019 robbed him of his momentum. While he still exhibits lingering effects from the injury, he has shown he still has enough potential to pay attention to it – especially in last week’s playoff game against Chicago.

Due to Achilles’ injury, Rankins carries some risk, but it will likely lower his price. Even with the reduced rate, the Saints won’t be able to afford him this offseason as they’re very up to the ceiling.

Previously profiled for Saints: Marcus Williams, S

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