Detroit Lions: 3 remaining free agents to avoid signing this offseason
By Bob Heyrman
Edge Rusher: Cameron Wake
Last season as a member of the Tennessee Titans defense, the veteran defensive end Cameron Wake played exclusively in pass-rushing situations. Wake earned himself an overall rating of 83.5, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), which seems like a very generous grade despite recording just one solo tackle and three sacks.
With the Titans, Wake played just 195 defensive snaps, 181 of which were in pass-rushing situations. At this point in his career, Wake is utterly just a situational edge rusher. It’s something the Detroit Lions seek, but there are plenty of better options available that have the potential to make a more significant impact on the Lions team defense.
According to PFF, Wake earned a pass-rush grade of 77.8, mostly due to his ability to create defensive quarterback hurries. Of those 181 rush snaps last season, Wake created 31 total pressures.
It had been rumored Wake had been contemplating retirement, recently his agent let the record show he’s committed to an NFL return in 2020.
Wake started his pro football career in the Candian Football League (CFL) after sustaining tremendous success he finally caught on with the Miami Dolphins in 2009 at the age of 27. He’s amassed 100.5 sacks over his eleven-year career to date.
Wake needs to catch on with a contender looking for a pass rusher. A reunion with the Titans seems like a no-brainer. Other options that come to mind are the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, or Kansas City Cheifs.
The Lions should look elsewhere for a more impactful player like Everson Griffen. If the team is looking for a situational rusher, perhaps former Patriot Jabaal Sheard is a better fit.