Bryce Huff is the first player I believe the Lions should focus on. Huff was a bright spark on a rather dull Jets team as he concluded the 2023 season with 10 sacks and 67 pressures. He did have significant trouble stopping the run, but I believe his pass-rushing skills more than make up for it. The Lions have no one on the other side but Aidan Hutchinson, which makes it difficult for Hutch to get to the quarterback and results in him drawing double teams all the time. Huff’s arrival would help the Lions right away in freeing up Hutchinson, giving Detroit a potent pass rush tandem. Huff isn’t Danielle Hunter, Josh Allen, or Brian Burns, but he’s still an excellent complement to Hutch and will come at a far lower cost. With just a $10 million annual deal anticipated for Huff, Detroit would have plenty of money to spend on signing several other players in free agency and help bolster up various other position groups.
Stephon Gilmore is the next guy I believe the Lions should target. Gilmore had a solid season with Dallas, recording two interceptions and a 72.3 coverage grade according to PFF. Only 54.9% of his targets were successfully completed, and when he was targeted, he only gave up an 83.3 passer rating. According to reports, Detroit plans to acquire a top-end cornerback this summer to go with Cam Sutton, and I believe Gilmore should be one of their primary targets. At 33 years old, Gilmore would offer a seasoned presence in the locker room and could serve as a mentor for a few of the other young cornerbacks. Playing with his brother, Steven, would be another benefit of bringing Gilmore to Detroit. I think it would be worthwhile, even though Gilmore would demand a respectable price. Gilmore is expected to receive $11 million per year, although his contract will only be for a year or two. Gilmore would give leadership while still having some left in the tank, given that Detroit might not be able to sign a top corner.
Robert Hunt is the third guy I believe the Lions should target. Hunt would be a perfect substitute if Jonah Jackson joins with another team, even though he missed seven games this year due to injury. Except for this season, Hunt hasn’t missed a single game and is a strong run and pass blocker. Given that Jackson has seen some injury setbacks this season and last, the addition of Hunt might offer a dependable starter who would fit in nicely with the Lions’ run blocking strategies. With a reported deal costing $11.8 million, Hunt would come at a significant financial cost, but in my opinion it would be well worth it. Maintaining the best offensive line should be a primary priority for the Lions, as we’ve seen from Goff’s performance when playing without one.
