Injuries and a chaotic offseason have left the Detroit Lions scrambling to find adequate replacements for all of the talent lost to free agency and the injured list.
The roster desperation stretches back to last season, when Frank Ragnow decided to come out of retirement to line up at center for Detroit, only to fail his physical and fade back into retirement as quickly as he broke out of it. Then Taylor Decker asked for a release, which shook things up, and the Lions also let Graham Glasgow walk.
On top of that, Terrion Arnold got into some legal trouble, and Detroit cut him loose. That meant that the Lions would have to replace the former first-round cornerback pick in a hurry.
That hasn’t gone as planned so far, as Ennis Rakestraw has had a tough time staying healthy during the preseason, and his roster spot is hanging on by a thread.
The Lions have some clear needs on the offensive line, at cornerback, on the edge, and at receiver that could still be addressed in free agency. Yes, there are still some big names out there that could help Dan Campbell and the Lions immediately and refocus those Super Bowl aspirations.
Let’s start with these three free agents.
1. Kenny Moore, CB
Kenny Moore was let go by the Indianapolis Colts after they couldn’t find a trade partner for the NFL veteran cornerback, and he’s still a free agent as of late August. The Lions need some cornerback help, so why not go after a rather affordable vet with proven experience who wants to play for a team that can win? The fit would make sense.
Moore was a Pro Bowler as recently as 2021, and he’s been pretty productive every year of his career. The Valdosta State product did have his fewest tackles (55) and tackles for loss (3) since his rookie year, while the rest of his numbers also dipped a bit, but the Lions can’t trust a guy like Rakestraw to be healthy all season. There’s also just way too much uncertainty at cornerback right now.
The Lions should at least inquire about a former Pro Bowler who should have an affordable price tag.
2. Joey Bosa, DE
This would make waves across the NFL. If the Lions were able to land Bosa for a reasonable price and still have a little left over to sign a cheap cornerback, center, or receiver, it would have experts singing their praises. Brad Holmes would have to pull off quite the heist if he’s able to swing that.
This signing might just be a pipe dream considering Bosa has been rumored to want around $12 to $14 million per year. At 31, there’s no way he gets anything but a one-year deal to prove he’s worthy of a short extension. He also hasn’t had double-digit sacks since 2021, but he’s a five-time Pro Bowler, with his most recent coming in 2024.
Detroit needs a better pass rush, and while Aidan Hutchinson is one of the best in the league, he needs help. He can’t do it all. Adding Bosa on the other end would make the Lions’ pass rush scary.
Plus, a vet like Bosa continuing to teach a young star like Hutchinson could work out well — even if they are Buckeye/Wolverine rivals.
3. Tre’Davious White, CB
There’s a cheap, intriguing cornerback option that the Lions should take a serious look at, and instead of making this third spot a receiver like Hunter Renfrow or Curtis Samuel, Tre’Davious White made a lot more sense.
White’s last contract with the Buffalo Bills a season ago was just $3 million, so he wouldn’t be a huge hit for the Lions. He would bring veteran leadership to Detroit, and he did just play his first full season since 2020 last year, so he has recent proof that he can stay healthy. When he has been fully healthy in his career, he’s been really good.
White made two Pro Bowls in his first four years and was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year back in 2019. His asking price won’t be crazy, and that would make for a very low-risk, high-reward play.
Can you tell which position is the more dire?
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