Detroit Jock City
Fansided

Detroit Lions first day of free agency recap

By Ash Thompson

ALLEN PARK, MI - FEBRUARY 07: General Manager Bob Quinn of the Detroit Lions speaks at a press conference after introducing Matt Patricia as the Lions new head coach at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ALLEN PARK, MI - FEBRUARY 07: General Manager Bob Quinn of the Detroit Lions speaks at a press conference after introducing Matt Patricia as the Lions new head coach at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 08: Austin Ekeler
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 08: Austin Ekeler /

The Detroit Lions additions in free agency

The Detroit Lions have not spent the off-season re-signing their own players and sitting on their hands. Prior to the opening of the legal tampering period, the Lions had a few running backs come to Allen Park. DeMarco Murray and Jonathan Stewart both left without deals in hand, but clearly, the Lions will add short-term veteran help to the running back room.

The team has come to terms with a pair of intriguing linebackers. Former New York Giant Devon Kennard is a type of player that the Lions were missing. He has a great deal of positional diversity. He can play as an off the ball strong side linebacker. That position evaporates when the team is in a nickel defense, and Lions new head coach did that almost 70% of the time for the New England Patriots. When that happens Kennard is capable of rushing the passer from the edge. He received good scores from the Bleacher Report NFL 1000 in run support, blitzing, and pass rush for the 2017 season. Kennard signed a three year $18.75 million dollar deal.

Christian Jones spent the first four years of his career in Chicago. He logged a fair amount of playing time, particularly last year. The Bears felt the effect of the injury bug at the linebacker spot. Jones’ value to the team is that he does not excel greatly in any area, but is also not incompetent in any area. His two-year contract came in at $7.75 million. These signings are indications that Paul Worrilow and Tahir Whitehead are likely not coming back to the Detroit Lions. Both Linebackers signed their contracts with the team Thursday morning.

DeShawn Shead spent the 2017 season on injured reserve after appearing in only two games. He played for the Seattle Seahawks for six seasons. Shead provides great depth to the Lions corner group. His contract is for one year at $3.5 million. With playing time incentives could rise to $6.5 million Shead’s best season was 2016, in which he had 14 passes defended and one interception in 16 games for the Seahawks.

Next: Should the Lions sign Gore or Murray?

The Lions are meeting today with Frank Gore in Allen Park, who is rumored to be very near signing a contract.

Home/Detroit Lions