The Detroit Lions should sign free agent Connor Barwin
By Zack Moran
Connor Barwin would fit perfectly in the Detroit Lions new defensive scheme and help the Detroit Lions young linebackers.
It’s now at the point in the offseason, where OTA’s and minicamp are over. We are anxiously waiting for the Detroit Lions to open up training camp. At this time, we may see teams rounding out their roster’s with the signing of available free agents.
General Manager Bob Quinn loves tweaking the bottom of the roster, so I can see the Lions possibly making a move. A free agent that makes sense for the Lions is Michigan native defensive end/outside linebacker Connor Barwin.
Position Versatility
Barwin has the versatility to be equally effective as a defensive end and outside linebacker. Quinn and Coach Patricia have shown they absolutely love player versatility. In his 2014 Pro Bowl season, Barwin had 64 tackles and 14.5 sacks, and ranked 6th out of 43 3-4 outside linebackers in pass rush productivity, according to Pro Football Focus.
Last year, Barwin recorded 34 tackles and ranked second on the team with 5 sacks with the Los Angeles Rams. With his 55.5 career sacks, Barwin has a knack of getting to the quarterback. With pass rushing still being a question mark for the Lions defense, he can be a solid addition.
Position Need
Linebacker is an underrated need for the Lions. Barwin could provide much-needed depth along the linebacker corps especially the Jack linebacker position. Erik Schlitt from USA Today’s Lionswire goes into description about the Jack linebacker and how it fits into the Lions defense. He describes this position as a “key cog” in Patricia’s defense.
Also, he goes on to say there is some mystery with the Lions roster who will play the Jack linebacker outside of Kennard. Barwin will be a great depth addition to have in the rotation at that position.
Veteran Presence
At 31 years old, no one expects him to tear up the field the way he used to, but with age comes wisdom. The veteran presence is an invaluable attribute he can offer, especially for how young the Lions linebacker corps is with; Jarrad Davis 24, Devon Kennard 26, Christian Jones 27, Jalen Reeves-Maybin 23, Jonathan Freeny 28, Trevor Bates 24. He will able to bestow his knowledge onto this young corps and help them elevate their game.
Reasonable Contract
Being this late in the offseason, a one-year deal is probably what he is going to get. To get an idea, Barwin signed a 1-year $3.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams last year after he was cut by the Philadelphia Eagles due to a $7.5 million cap hit, according to Sportrac.com. Due to his age and play decline the last couple of years, he will come at lower than his last contract.
The Lions currently have a little more than $9 million in cap space, so money is not a problem. I’m sure Quinn can work some magic with one of his signature one-year incentive laden deals to land Barwin.
Reliability
Barwin has shown to be reliably healthy throughout his career. Last year, he did suffer a foreman injury that limited his playing time to 14 games. Up to that point though, he played in all 16 games from 2011-2016.
Jeff Risdon also from USA Today’s Lionswire names Barwin as a potential free agent that could help the Lions.
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Barwin fits a need for the Lions, he will come at a reasonable price, and he will bring his experience and leadership to the Lions young linebackers, and I think he still has a lot to offer.