TO CLOSE

Dave Birkett divides Monday, March 11, 2019 the Detroit Lions' first day of free competition.
Detroit Free Press

Day 1 of the free agency, the Detroit Lions have no doubt responded to their four greatest needs.

They signed a one-year contract with Danny Amendola as an interim solution to the slots receiving station, and entered into long-term contracts with Trey Flowers, Justin Coleman and Jesse James to fill the holes respectively at the defensive end, cornerback and end.

New Orleans Saints midfielder Mark Ingram reacts after a long race against the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter of an NFC playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2019. (Photo: Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports)

They have not finished their shopping yet. Lions are always looking for a backup copy, help on the offensive line and on the secondary line.

As Day 2 of the free agency begins, here are 12 players to watch: those who could help Lions in 2019 and beyond.

[[[[Levels of Free Agencies on Day One of Lions: Hard Not to Like These Movements]

Return

Mark Ingram, Saints of New Orleans: The trailer market has been slow so far. The Veon Bell, arguably the best free agent, regardless of his position, remains a free agent and, although his price is totally different from that of any other player on this list, he may need to find a house before some of them bend. Ingram went to high school in Flint and was part of a back-field tandem in New Orleans. Therefore, sharing his time with Kerryon Johnson in Detroit should not be a problem if money is up for grabs.

Zach Zenner, Detroit Lions: Zenner is the only Lion on this list and he still has a chance to return to Detroit. He played well when the opportunity arose at the end of last season and added value to the special teams. In addition, it will not cost as much as Ingram or Tevin Coleman.

The Packers defense clashed with running back Zach Zenner on December 30, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo: Stacy Revere, Getty Images)

Latavius ​​Murray, Minnesota Vikings: Murray just turned 29 and no one wants to spend for old backs. But he had only 899 deferrals in his NFL career and spent his free time in the last two years with Dalvin Cook in Minnesota. It will not cost a ton and provide good value as a veteran insurance behind Johnson.

Jeremy Hill, patriots of New England: Another ex-Patriot, so of course, it is appropriate. But more than that, Hill played for new Lions coach Kyle Caskey in Cincinnati. Hill missed most of last season with a torn ACL, but he's only 26 and he was 200 years old early in his career with the Bengals.

Offensive line

J.R. Sweezy, Seattle Seahawks: The Lions cut T.J. Lang last week, opening the starting post to the right guard. Kenny Wiggins and Joe Dahl have internal options, but Bob Quinn has never neglected his offensive line. Sweezy can play both places and knows the new attacking coordinator Darrell Bevell from Seattle.

J.R. Sweezy of Seattle will enter the free agent market this spring. (Photo: James Chance / Getty Images)

D.J. Fluker, Seahawks of Seattle: Fluker has triumphed over three different teams over the past three years, but he found a home last season as Seattle's starter. It's a mauler that would immediately improve the blockage of the Lions race, but it also has a hamstring injury that teams may want to contract physically before signing a contract.

Jeff Allen, Kansas City Chiefs: Wiggins played 10 games in the right guard last season. Lions are perhaps more comfortable than we realize with him as a starter. If that's the case, a player like Allen would make sense. He can play in all positions except at the center and it will not cost a ton.

Bryan Witzmann, Chicago Bears: Witzmann is a massive human being 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 320 pounds. Lions like line players. He would not have a beginner position in Detroit, but he played well late in the season for Chicago last year when he replaced the guard on the right.

Defensive back

Eric Rowe, Patriots of New England: The Lions have spent a lot on Coleman, but with little depth behind him and Darius Slay, the cornerback is probably their biggest need. Rowe is a risk because of his many years of injury, but he's the size that Lions covet and started part-time in New England when he was in good health.

Case Keenum (4), quarterback Denver Broncos, will attempt a touchdown while defenseman Marcus Gilchrist (31) of the Oakland Raiders will defend in the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday September 16, 2018 in Denver. (AP Photo / David Zalubowski) (Photo: The associated press)

Marcus Gilchrist, Oakland Raiders: Lions have security options. Tracy Walker is expected to replace Glover Quin in the starting lineup, but having another experienced hand at the post is never a bad thing. Gilchrist has forced at least two turnovers in six consecutive seasons and Bob Quinn has said he wants more playmakers in defense.

Andrew Adams, buccaneers of Tampa Bay: The Bucs apparently would not propose Adams as a restricted free agent, which will allow him to sign freely with any team at 4 pm. Wednesday. He played on the same defense of the Giants as the Lions attacked for Damon Harrison, Devon Kennard and Romeo Okwara, and he has been a strong team player throughout his career.

Bashaud Breeland, Green Bay Packers: Last year, Breeland was mostly a lost year, but it was one of the most coveted free agency half-wedges before a foot injury canceled his contract. If the Lions really want to have another outside corner with their size, Breeland deserves at least a glance.

Contact Dave Birkett at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.Learn more about the Detroit Lions and sign up for our Lions newsletter.