The Detroit Lions are preparing for a pivotal offseason as they try to bounce back from a tough loss at home against the Washington Commanders. According to OverTheCap.com, the Lions are projected to have $51 million in cap space to go out and add another playmaker on defense or to re-sign several of their free agents.
Detroit is scheduled to have 31 free agents; however, 22 of whom are unrestricted. Therefore, it’s not guaranteed that everyone will return to the Motor City.’
According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, former Lions defensive coordinator and current New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has been the topic of discussion at the Shrine Bowl this week.
Many predict that the former coordinator will try to recruit some of his former players, including linebacker Derrick Barnes, to join him in the Big Apple.
"As Aaron Glenn has been officially introduced as head coach of the New York Jets, many here in Frisco (at the Shrine Bowl) are predicting he will bring several of his former defensive players from the Detroit Lions to join him in New York once free agency begins; or at the very least he will pound the table to get them in a Jets uniform, Pauline reported.Sportskeeda's Tony Pauline
One player I'm told Glenn will target in free agency is linebacker Derrick Barnes, the Lions' fourth-round pick out of Purdue in 2021 who will be on the free-agent market after completing his rookie contract."
It’s not shocking that Glenn wants to bring some of his guys to the Jets as he tries to install his culture and scheme. However, that would hurt Detroit which has had success with this core over the last two years.
Along with Barnes, the new Jets head coach could also look to bring defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike, cornerback Carlton Davis III, cornerback Khalil Dorsey, and linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad with him to New York.
Onwuzurike is coming off his best season as a pro in Detroit, recording 28 combined tackles, 22 quarterback pressures, 13 QB hits, and 1.5 sacks. Even though he did not get many sacks, the 26-year-old lineman still had a 67.1 pass-rush grade and a 64.1 run-defense grade,
Lastly, Davis was on the verge of being named a Pro Bowler before suffering a broken jaw late in the season. The 28-year-old defensive back recorded 56 tackles, 11 pass deflections, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble.
The veteran cornerback shined under Glenn’s direction, logging an outstanding 55.3 completion percentage allowed on targets and 77.0 pass rating allowed when targeted (career-best). If the Lions lose those two guys, Detroit’s brass must find quality replacements in free agency or draft.