Detroit Lions: 3 remaining free agents to avoid signing this offseason
By Bob Heyrman
Here are three free agents the Detroit Lions should steer clear of signing this summer.
Usually, we are mentioning players who the Detroit Lions should entertain signing in hopes of bettering their current roster. Today, we take a look at three free agents the organization should refrain from signing.
Let’s jump right into things;
RB: Devonta Freeman
Prior to the Detroit Lions drafting running back D’Andre Swift; Devonta Freeman was a running back I wanted the Detroit Lions to entertain signing. I didn’t hate the thought of having a tandem of Kerryon Johnson and Freeman anchoring the Detroit backfield.
After drafting Swift out of Georgia, there isn’t a need for Freeman in Detroit anymore. Freeman is seeking significant money on a long-term deal, but at 28-years old, he’ll be hard-pressed to find similar pay as the contract Derrick Henry just signed in Tennessee.
Henry recently signed a four year deal worth $50 million, with about half of the total agreement accounting for guaranteed money. Over the last few months, Freeman mentioned he’d have no issue holding out the entire 2020 season, hoping to find a long-term deal that satisfies him next season.
The Atlanta Falcons decided to release the two-time Pro Bowler Freeman back in March after he played just two seasons of a five year $41-million contract. Cutting Freeman saved the Falcons $3.5 million, but the move carries a $6-million dead cap number.
The Detroit Lions had been mildly interested in acquiring Freeman last season leading up to the trade deadline after Johnson had been placed on the Injured Reserve list for the second straight season. After failing to agree upon a trade, Detroit looked elsewhere. Looking back, signing Bo Scarborough proved to be a much-cheaper move, and it also allowed the Lions to avoid giving up any draft capital.
Now that the Detroit Lions added Swift to a backfield with Johnson, Johnson, and Scarborough, the organization doesn’t require an additional runner, especially one that is 28-years old, which is considered ancient in running back years.
Freeman averaged a mere 3.6 yards per carry last season over 14 games with the Falcons. It appears his best years have already come and gone. IF something were to happen to Kerryon early on in the year, and Freeman becomes desperate and is willing to sign a one-year deal I’d be open to having him in Detroit to manage some of Swift’s workload.