The 14 Best Remaining NFL Free Agents Available For The

The 14 Best Remaining NFL Free Agents Available For The Detroit Lions

It was the craziest free agency, right? The AFC West is loaded with all available players, the Jacksonville Jaguars are overpaying the rest, and the Detroit Lions are just chilling to see it all. Leos are waiting in the wings, but there are still many vacancies that Leos can fill. Looking at who’s left, it looks like the Lions can still fill the tight end, linebacker, and safety position. Let’s see who is left in each position and who works best for the Lions.

tight ends

Gerald Everett

The Lions already have a pretty decent tight end in T.J. Hockenson. Although he took a small step back in 2021 after his first Pro Bowl in 2020, he is still a pretty good player and the Lions offense should open up a lot more for him in 2022, now that it’s more streamlined. However, the Lions may use another option even if they reportedly sign Garrett Griffin.

Enter Gerald Everett. The former Ram has ties to the Lions front office since Brad Holmes was part of the group that sought him out when the Rams took him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Everett has been a good weapon ever since he got into the league. He’s not the kind of guy who can take over the game, but he can give you 400-500 yards in a season and at least 3-4 touchdowns. What Everett does best is blocking. In 2021, Everett was the seventh-best tight end when it came to blocking. This is what the Lions on the other side of Hockenson need. The fact that he can catch passes is a huge bonus.

Other names to look out for:

  • Austin Hooper: The newly released Hooper provided Goff with another pass-catching option, but blocking it takes some work.
  • Kyle Rudolph: The former Viking might have brought a little of everything, but his veteran lead in the tight and room could mean a lot more.
  • Blake Jarvin: A tight end that specializes in blocking if the Lions just want a ruffian to move the guys. However, he has a rather poor injury history.
  • Durham Smythe: This guy just reminds me of Dan Campbell. He is a big guy who can block but rarely catches the ball.

Midfielder

Leighton Vander Ash

I know I know. I had Vander Ash in the second part of this year’s Just Say No series. The reason is that Vander Ash had many health issues during his four-year career. But when he’s good, he’s good. So it’s going to be one of those high risk, high reward things.

The Lions will no doubt be able to get him at a cheaper price with a contract to back it up and still be able to explore options in the April draft. If it works, that’s a bonus. If he does not, the Lions should leave without much damage to their profits.

Other names to look out for:

  • Bobby Wagner: It’s kind of a pipe dream, right? Wagner is most likely looking for a spot to win another ring and there are rumors that Russell Wilson is trying to recruit him in Denver.
  • Nick Kwiatkowski: Former Bear did a good job in Chicago before cooling off with the Raiders and being released. Maybe returning to NFC North could help him get back there?
  • Danny Trevathan: Speaking of Bears, they just released Trevathan a few years after he became one of their signatures. Trevatan is no longer the player he once was, but experience and leadership are invaluable.

Security

Tyranne Mathieu

It would be remiss if I didn’t go to the plate and take a big swing. Detroit still needs security to connect with Tracey Walker in 2022. How about a honey badger?

Mathieu has achieved a lot in his career since being drafted by the Cardinals in 2013. He made the Pro Bowl, was an All Pro and won the Super Bowl ring. Now he is at the end of his career. He’s not old enough to miss payday, but old enough to miss a big one. He also has that veteran leadership that I was talking about. Imagine him pairing him with the Lions’ biggest defensive leader in Tracey Walker. Some damage may be done.

I understand that a lot goes against it. The lions don’t have much money left and they are spending it right now. Mathieu, like Wagner, probably also wants to win another ring. If Mathieu wants it, the Lions have to make a move.

Other names to look out for:

  • Landon Collins: Another veteran who could bail out the young secondary lions. However, in recent years he has taken a step back.
  • Jabrill Peppers: Not only can the Peppers help out on safety, he’s also a great player on special teams. Michigan fans would be happy with this one.
  • Keanu Neil: A young midfielder-defender hybrid, Neil has talent but has yet to fully realize it after several injuries. Neal made the Pro Bowl in 2017 but hasn’t played a full season since. The Cowboys tried him first at linebacker last year, but it didn’t work. A return to safety under the guidance of Aaron Glenn and Aubrey Pleasant could be the career boost Neal needs.
  • Terrell Edmunds: Edmunds, a former first-round pick, is still a young player who could use development help. Again, Glenn and Pleasant would be the perfect group here.