The Detroit Lions haven’t made major waves in free agency, but one ESPN writer believes they’ve been strategic with their spending.
The Detroit Lions haven’t been featured much on free agency “winners” lists this offseason due to their modest approach. They’ve only signed seven external free agents, with just one of those deals extending beyond a year or averaging more than $4 million per season. Typically, “winners” are those who make big financial splashes during free agency.
However, Benjamin Solak of ESPN ranked each team’s offseason in a way that stood out from typical analyses. Here’s how he evaluated the best and worst free agency periods:
“I didn’t want to just rank the teams based on how much money they spent,” Solak wrote. “Instead, I considered all factors: free agent signings and departures, trades, extensions, and restructures. I docked teams that signed great players but may have overspent or focused on the wrong areas; I rewarded teams that spent wisely, even if modestly, and targeted the right positions. What could have been also played a role: For example, the Browns don’t earn extra credit for re-signing Myles Garrett when everyone else could have done the same thing.”
By this approach, Solak ranked the Lions with the fourth-best offseason so far, following only the Bills, Rams, and Vikings.
Solak particularly liked Detroit’s strategy of largely maintaining last year’s team through numerous re-signings.
“They kept Barnes on a relatively cheap deal compared to other linebackers; Onwuzurike, an improving pass-rushing defensive tackle who had to play defensive end last season; and Davenport, a solid scheme fit who missed most of the previous season with injury. Offensive tackle Dan Skipper and wide receiver Tim Patrick are back too! Sometimes, Super Bowl contenders unnecessarily mix things up. The Lions made the smart move to keep their core intact and continue trusting their process.”
Solak did offer a minor critique of the Lions’ offseason. He believes the signing of quarterback Kyle Allen suggests Detroit’s backup QB situation with Hendon Hooker may not be progressing as planned. While I personally disagree due to the small contract Allen received, I admit the optics surrounding Hooker don’t look ideal.
“There’s nothing wrong with the signing — everyone likes a veteran backup QB,” Solak wrote. “But the Lions are signaling they don’t trust Hendon Hooker. They replaced him with Teddy Bridgewater last season once Bridgewater had finished coaching high school football, and now Hooker will compete with Allen for the backup role. At this point, I’d be surprised if the 2023 third-round pick becomes a reliable backup anywhere.”
You can view all of Solak’s rankings here.