This year, the Lions are in severe need of players in numerous areas, particularly on defense. The Lions had $25 million in salary cap room and wanted to make some home run acquisitions. Here is how the Lions’ free agency is progressing after one week and some of their key signings.
Cameron Sutton, a former cornerback for the Steelers, was signed by the Lions on Monday to get things started. He was given a $33 million, three-year contract. Sutton had a stellar season last year, contributing to the Steelers’ with 15 pass blocks and 3 interceptions. He’ll have an immediate effect when he gets to Detroit. Sutton had the fourth-lowest completion % since 2016 in coverage last year, allowing only 32 receptions on 72 targets for a 44.4% completion percentage. He is sometimes referred to as a “Lockdown” corner, and given Detroit’s difficulties at cornerback last season, he takes over as a starting cornerback right away. Brad Holmes made a great signing to start free agency with this one, and like many of his signings, I’d call it a home run.
On Monday, the Lions signed linebacker Alex Anzalone to a three-year, $18.75 million deal. Following a breakout season the previous year, Detroit decided to keep their top linebacker for the foreseeable future. In 2022, Anzalone had a fantastic season, recording a career-high 125 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and an interception. He had said he wanted to remain here, and Detroit wanted to hold on to him. With the addition of Anzalone, they will probably choose a linebacker in the second or third round of the draft, hopefully resolving the linebacker situation. Anzalone will earn $6.25 million a year, and given the performance he provided last year, he deserves it completely. He will undoubtedly be a good starting linebacker if he can maintain this level of performance and have another 100+ tackle season.
Emmanuel Moseley, a former cornerback for the 49ers, was signed by the Lions on Tuesday afternoon. Before tearing his ACL in week five of the season with the 49ers, he was having a tremendous year. He had 22 tackles, five pass blocks, one pick-six, and that was in just four and a half games. Detroit scored a great deal by signing him for just $6 million when you consider that his estimated yearly pay is $16.6 million according to Spotrac. Cornerback Moseley is unquestionably a starting caliber cornerback and will immediately help the secondary. This secondary can be quite hazardous between him and Sutton.
John Cominsky, a defensive end, was also signed by the Lions on Tuesday along with Emmanuel Moseley. He is expected to stay in Detroit for two more seasons at a cost of $8.5 million after a stellar year that saw him record 4 sacks and 12 quarterback hits. Cominsky made contributions both directly and indirectly. We observed an increase in output from guys like Hutchinson and Houston while he was on the field. While he is not a “big name” signing, many people believed he had to stay. Our defense continues to be strong, as Brad Holmes makes yet another wise acquisition.
On Tuesday night, David Montgomery agreed to a three-year, $18 million contract with Detroit. Shortly after it had been reported that Jamaal Williams and the Lions were “far apart on a deal,” the news of him signing with Detroit broke. Many people believed Jamaal would get another contract with Detroit, but it appears he will be moving on. With a similar physique to Jamaal, Montgomery is an excellent runner who can also have a big impact in the passing game. Last year, he had 40 receptions for 316 yards and a touchdown. In case Swift gets injured, he provides the team with genuine RB1 value. If he performs well behind the Bears’ offensive line, one can only imagine what he can do behind Detroit’s. That was undoubtedly a startling signing, but it was also a very wise one. Hopefully, he can succeed in this offense and provide Detroit with a very effective running game.
The Lions signed Graham Glasgow, a guard from the Denver Broncos, on Thursday afternoon. Glasgow previously played for the Lions before joining the Broncos. Due to Evan Brown’s departure for Seattle, Halapoulivaati Vaitai will compete with Glasgow for the starting RG spot. He agreed to a $4.5 million, one-year contract with Detroit. Based on his performance in Denver, he will probably flourish in this offensive line and could be a serviceable starter.
In my opinion, we can anticipate a lot from this team and its players in the upcoming season since Brad Holmes had a pretty strong free agency. I have no doubt that this team can make the playoffs and perhaps even win a few postseason games if these players can contribute to the team next season.
