As expected, the Detroit Lions didn't do much to address their roster needs this offseason. Despite coming off a disappointing campaign, they still had a stacked roster on both sides of the field, with only minor tweaks to make.
General manager Brian Holmes added some bodies to the secondary, and the Lions had to get some extensions done. That should be their next priority before training camp, even though it might drag into the preseason.
The lack of additions to the pass-rush unit has been somewhat disappointing, and they have been radio silent on some of the big-name free agents still up for grabs. However, they may still surprise the fan base and make a run at Jadeveon Clowney.
Lions could sign Jadeveon Clowney before training camp
Clowney has already been tied to a move to Detroit, and for great reasons. The Lions have a true superstar pass rusher in Aidan Hutchinson, but he doesn't have much help, and other teams can simply focus on stopping him with double teams and chip blocks.
That has taken a toll on Kelvin Sheppard's defense and its ability to put pressure at the line of scrimmage. More importantly, that's a total disservice to their best defensive player and one of the prime headhunters in the league.
Clowney might not have lived up to his status as a former No. 1 pick, but he's a proven and reliable defender. As a true journeyman, he's been a plug-and-play addition to multiple teams, systems, and schemes, and he's been more or less productive in all of his previous stops.
Just last season, he was arguably the lone bright spot in the Dallas Cowboys' historically poor defense, logging 8.5 sacks despite not being a starter or even playing the whole season. That's the type of addition this team should make.
The Lions are being cautious with the books, given that they still need to extend Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch. Fortunately for them, Spotrac projects Clowney's value at just $5.7 million a year. That's a bargain for a guy who can flirt with double-digit sacks and free Hutchinson.
This team is coming off arguably the most disappointing season in the Dan Campbell era, all things considered. And with some prime quarterbacks in the NFC North, plus the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams looking like Super Bowl contenders again, they have to step up their game. They can't roll into next season with the same mediocre pass-rushing unit, and their best reinforcement is still hiding in plain sight.
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