Next Moves For Lions Should Include Signing Defensive Tackle, Cornerback
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - The Detroit Lions made re-signing All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh their number one priority this offseason. With Suh reportedly signing with the Miami Dolphins instead, however, the Lions can now turn their focus to other players.
The Lions could add at least two defensive tackles, either through free agency or the draft, because four of their defensive tackles - Suh, Nick Fairley, C.J. Mosley and Andre Fluellen - are set to hit free agency in a matter of hours.
Aside from Fairley, who would certainly be an option, Dan Williams of the Arizona Cardinals could be a fit. Another high-profile player available at the position is Terrance Knighton of the Denver Broncos. A source told CBS Detroit this week that the Lions are not interested in Knighton, who is being pursued by a number of other teams, because the Lions do not believe he is a fit for what they do.
Haloti Ngata of the Baltimore Ravens could be released if the sides cannot agree to a long-term extension that would lower his cap hit. Ngata's familiarity with Lions head coach Jim Caldwell and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, who both spent time with the Ravens, might help Detroit bring in Ngata if he becomes available and both sides are interested.
Though free agency does not officially begin until 4 p.m. Tuesday, many players reportedly came to agreements with teams during the preceding three-day negotiating period. Accordingly, several players who might have worked for Detroit have already committed elsewhere.
Stephen Paea of the Chicago Bears had a breakout season in 2014, playing all 16 games and recording six sacks and two forced fumbles, but he is evidently nearing a deal with the Washington Redskins. Another potential option for Detroit, Jared Odrick, has reportedly come to terms with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Henry Melton, whom Pro Football Focus rated 14th among defensive tackles behind Paea and Knighton, would be another possibility for the Lions. He played all 16 games in 2014 and turned in five sacks.
In addition to snagging at least one defensive tackle, the Lions will also need to add a starting cornerback because Rashean Mathis is set to hit free agency.
The Lions could bring back the 34-year-old Mathis, who played well enough last season to garner interest from a number of organizations. If Detroit wants to splurge at cornerback, it could chase Darrelle Revis, who will hit free agency if he cannot come to an agreement with the New England Patriots, who reportedly elected not to pick up his $20 million option.
Buster Skrine, Chris Culliver and Antonio Cromartie are other cornerback options remaining. Skrine has never missed a game in his four-year NFL career and turned in 67 tackles and four interceptions last season. Culliver had 45 tackles, four interceptions and a forced fumble in 2014. Cromartie, who is 30, is a four-time Pro Bowl selection who had 48 tackles and three picks last season.
Several other potential cornerback options for the Lions have already been snapped up, including Byron Maxwell, Brandon Flowers and Kareem Jackson. Maxwell will reportedly sign with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Jackson has agreed to return to the Houston Texans, while Flowers will stay with the San Diego Chargers.
The Lions could also be in the market for a running back since they cut Reggie Bush with two years remaining on his contract. They reportedly have had interest in C.J. Spiller, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports. Spiller recorded 300 rushing yards in 2014 but ran for 933 yards the previous season.
