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Detroit Lions: 5 Under the Radar Free Agent Targets

By Zac Snyder

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers tackle Joe Barksdale (72) and tackle Tyreek Burwell (78) pass block in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers tackle Joe Barksdale (72) and tackle Tyreek Burwell (78) pass block in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Barksdale

The Lions’ strategy to fill their right tackle spot with a carousel of undrafted free agents failed and help lead to the firing of Martin Mayhew. Michael Ola, a street free agent, helped bring stability to the position last season but banking on him in 2016 could be as big of a mistake as banking on LaAdrian Waddle turned out to be.

It doesn’t have to be a big investment but it is time to invest in a right tackle. Joe Barksdale, a Detroit native, brings starting experience logging over 1,000 snaps in each of the last three seasons. Those weren’t easy snaps last season going up against the bevy of premier pass rushers the AFC West features, often coming at right tackles.

The NFL Draft has shown in recent years that first round offensive linemen aren’t always the safe bets they were once thought to be. There will be more coveted free agents available but Barksdale could be a value play as the Lions look to maximize the impact they can have with their salary cap space available.

Next: Detroit Lions 7-Round Mock Draft

Love the list, hate the list? Have some lesser-talked about names you think the Lions should consider? Leave a comment below or let us know on twitter.

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