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Lions Must Sign All-Pro FA After Major Injury in Week 15

Detroit needs to act quickly after two more big injuries on Sunday.

By Joe Summers

Dec 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell walks the sidelines during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Dec 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell walks the sidelines during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images / David Reginek-Imagn Images
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The Lions are licking their wounds after a wild 48-42 loss to the Bills in Week 15, having lost two key defensive players to season-ending injuries during the game. It's a terrible spot to be in, but Detroit does have one free agent available who could help replace them.

Both DL Alim McNeill and CB Carlton Davis' years are over, adding to a long list of injuries the Lions have dealt with on that side of the ball.

However, former All-Pro Xavien Howard is still a free agent. There isn't much time to get him acclimated with the defense, yet he could still provide a major boost to close the season before the playoffs get rolling.

Lions Should Sign All-Pro CB Xavien Howard After More Defensive Injuries

Howard hasn't played at all this year but was effective for the Dolphins in 2023. He deflected 12 passes and surrendered just an 81.3 passer rating when targeted. Even if Howard isn't at the same level he once was, beggars can't be choosers this late in the campaign.

Detroit's defense was repeatedly exposed by Buffalo's high-powered offense. If the Lions are serious about winning their first Super Bowl in franchise history, the front office needs to leave no stone unturned.

You could field a mean defense purely using guys who have been hurt for Detroit this year. The offense has hummed along without major issue, yet the defensive woes could be the team's undoing in the postseason against excellent offenses.

The Eagles and Packers both have two of the top offenses in the league. It's not unfathomable to imagine either team beating the Lions, so signing someone like Howard makes a lot of sense. If things don't work out, they can cut him without worry.

On the other hand, Howard could be the missing ingredient that the Lions desperately need. This secondary isn't what Detroit envisioned through no fault of their own. Injuries are part of the NFL and smart teams adjust when forced to.

The Lions are obviously a smart team. They're ran well anad should be contenders for years to come. That said, you have to take advantage of opportunities like this season. Anything short of a Super Bowl appearance would be a disappointment.

If the Lions fall short, fans won't want to have regrets. Signing a player like Howard can help ensure that Detroit tried its absolute best regardless of the ultimate result.

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