NFL Free Agency isn't over yet for the Detroit Lions, but we're in April now and the NFL Draft is a few weeks away. The front office didn't have much cap space to work with, but they found a way to make a few moves. A big question mark around the Lions this offseason is who will lead Detroit's backfield in 2018. With the addition of running back LeGarrette Blount, it will only make this situation more cloudy.
This grade includes trades, retirements, signings, re-signings, and releases. With that in mind, here's our offseason grade for the Lions.
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Key Additions/Re-Signings:
RB LeGarrette Blount, TE Luke Wilson, LB Christian Jones, DT Sylvester Williams, LB Devon Kennard
The Blount addition will help add some depth to the Lions backfield since Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick have failed to prove to be reliable running backs between the tackles. Adding a tight end like Luke Wilson will give them more balance on offense since he can block and is a reliable red-zone option, which couldn't be said for Eric Ebron.
Key Losses/Cuts:
DE Brandon Copeland, TE Eric Ebron, DT Haloti Ngata, LB Tahir Whitehead, CB DJ Hayden
The loss of Whitehead is a big one since he had back-to-back 100 plus tackle seasons and was the centerpiece of that defense. Ngata was a disappointment in Detroit, so the loss of him and the addition of Sylvester Williams will patch up the hole at defensive tackle.
Grade: C
The Lions didn't make any big-time free agent moves and can't say that they improved this offseason. In a division with an improving Vikings and Bears team, the Lions took a step back. Oh and the Packers still have Aaron Rodgers the last time I checked, so Detroit needs to hit in the draft since they have only $10.8 million in cap space.
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