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This is the eighth in an eight-part series presenting the Detroit Lions’ positioning needs for free agency. The negotiation window officially opens on March 15 and deals can be signed from March 17. Today: Defensive line Previously: Wide receivers | Running backs | Quarterback | Tight ends | Offensive line | Defensive line | Secondary
Under contract: Jamie Collins, Jahlani Tavai, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Anthony Pittman (futures)
Expiring contracts: Reggie Ragland, Jarrad Davis, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Christian Jones (released)
Best available: Shaquil Barrett (Bucs), KJ Wright (Seahawks), Jayon Brown (Titans), Eric Wilson (Vikings), Kyle Van Noy (Dolphins)
Other names to watch out for: Samson Ebukam (Rams), Alex Anzalone (Saints), Denzel Perryman (Chargers), Leonard Floyd (Rams), Bud Dupree (Steelers), Haason Reddick (Cardinals), Matthew Judon (Ravens), Nick Vigil (Chargers), Neville Hewitt (Jets), Kwon Alexander (Saints), De’Vondre Campbell (Cardinals), Avery Williamson (Steelers), BJ Goodson (Browns)
Breakdown: The Detroit Lions need linebackers, whether we’re talking on the inside, off the ball, on the ball, or creating edge pressure, you name it, and they need it. We’ve kept our overview of the defensive line more focused on those who got their hands in the dirt more times than not, so more edge rushers making an appearance on this recap. It should be noted that the top of the free agent linebacker pool took some big shots with Matt Milano re-signing at Buffalo and Lavonte David doing the same at Tampa Bay.
Jarrad Davis saw his fifth-grade option declined around the same time last year. Christian Jones was released as part of a recent cost-cutting move, Reggie Ragland and special teams mainstay Jalen Reeves-Maybin sitting without deals. Jamie Collins, last year’s most important free agent in defense, has seen his contract restructured as the Lions strive to get below the salary cap of $ 182.5 million. On top of that, Josina Anderson reports the team remains interested in re-signing Reeves-Maybin.
Davis, for what it’s worth, remained loved in the locker room by his teammates and coaches throughout his four-year tenure, though he never lived up to the expectations on the pitch that come with being a first round pick. The NFL Network reports Davis could have more than two teams calling for his services this week, with the top of the free agent pool taking an early hit.
Detroit acquired Shaun Dion Hamilton via post-season waivers, adding another linebacker with some professional experience. As for internal names, Jahlani Tavai is entering a critical 3 year. The second round of 2019 hasn’t shown much despite 31 games and 16 starts in two seasons. He had just 58 tackles last year despite appearing in 16 games, failing to register a sack or an interception. Pro Football Focus ranked Tavai 96th out of 99 linebackers with enough shots to qualify, putting Detroit’s new coaching staff in dire need of finding capable bodies.
The Buccaneers have been busy nabbing the top talent in the linebacker market, signing David and working on a long-term deal for Shaquil Barrett. If Barrett hits the market, it’s hard to imagine not ordering a serious piece with 27.5 sacks in his last 31 games. His sack count dropped last year, but his pressures remained through the roof, his 77 trailing just Aaron Donald’s 98 among all defenders. Having said that, don’t expect Barrett. He’s probably not looking to leave the defending champions for a hat-strapped team for a long rebuild.
With Milano and David off the board ahead of the bargaining period, attention turns to KJ Wright. It’s hard to imagine the linebacker playing anywhere other than Seattle, even after his comments he’s not looking to take an internal cut. Wright is as consistent as linebackers come and would be very much the case even at this point in his career. The 31-year-old had 86 tackles, two sacks and one interception in 16 starts last season. He played his entire 10-year career with the Seahawks.
Kyle Van Noy regained his name in the market a year after signing a four-year, $ 51 million contract with the Dolphins. He posted six sacks and 69 tackles in 13 starts in Miami last year. Attacking the quarterback is what Van Noy does best, and the former second-round pick in Detroit is still a talented passer despite Miami’s saving decision.
That brings us to Samson Ebukam, Alex Anzalone, and Denzel Perryman, among others, in the more realistic market, each with a level of familiarity with staff or the front office. Ebukam was a fourth-round pick for the Rams in 2017, while new Lions general manager Brad Holmes headed the Los Angeles college screening department. He started 14 games as a rotating edge defender last season, racking up 4.5 sacks and 31 tackles on 364 shots. Ebukam’s production isn’t going to wow anyone, but there is enough to suggest he might have more to offer than advertised with an increased role.
Perryman is an old-school linebacker who bills himself as one of the most feared, if not the most feared stopper around. He’s struggled to stay on the pitch consistently since joining the league in 2015. Still, the Lions need linebackers, and while Perryman isn’t going to substantiate his concerns by stopping the pass, he’ll improve the defense against. the race. Anthony Lynn, the first-year Lions offensive coordinator, has been their head coach for the past four seasons. If Davis lands elsewhere this offseason, Perryman is one to watch.
Anzalone is another name with connections to new staff, playing under Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn in New Orleans for four seasons. The linebacker had a tough performance in his last outing against the Buccaneers in the playoffs, but a change of scenery and a clearer path to playing time could boost the often-injured linebacker.
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