After weeks of speculation, the first day of free agency has come and gone. Who did the Lions get? Who might they lose? This article will look at these questions and more following the first day free agency has opened up.
Who did the Lions get?
Cam Sutton: 3yrs / $33 million
Sutton is exactly what the Lions were looking for in this free agency. He is an incredibly smart player who has versatility, playing well in the slot but also blossoming as an outside corner. He will make a big difference to a thin Lions secondary as soon as he steps on the field, and he doesn’t cost what guys at the top of the market cost.
Grade: A-
Alex Anzalone: 3yrs / $18.75 million
This was probably the most controversial move Brad Holmes has made in free agency. The fan base has mixed emotions about bringing Anzalone back, but the coaching staff loves him. Anzalone put up career numbers in Detroit last year as a captain, and he only played better as the defense improved around him. At the same time, there is an argument for bringing someone in who has more athletic and potential upside. It will be interesting to see how this contract plays out.
Grade: B
Isaiah Buggs: 2yrs / $6 million.
Buggs has been digging Detroit since he first joined the team. In addition to his fun-loving attitude, grit, and vocal leadership, Buggs earned serious playing time down the stretch. He was a no-brainer to bring back, and at that price, it just made sense.
Grade: A
Craig Reynolds: Contract Undisclosed
Reynolds is interesting because resigning him brings up questions about Jamaal, Swift and the draft. Since it is still just the first day, however, and the contract details have not been released, it is tough to say if anything else can be learned from this signing. Still, he is a team favorite and a story Lions fans can root for.
The Lions also tendered these players:
- LB Scott Daly
- DL Benito Jones
- LB Anthony Pittman
- TE Brock Wright
- TE Shane Zylstra
Who (might) they lose?
D.J. Chark (might)
Chark was a big contributor in 2022 and his presence on the offense would definitely be missed. His athletic toolbox and his newfound chemistry with Goff are certainly reasons to want to keep him around. Unfortunately, his price might just be too high, not to mention he would be the WR3 in Detroit as well.
Jamaal Williams (might)
This one (might) hurt. Reports have shown other teams are interested in Jamaal, but Lions fans everywhere hope he makes it back. He has become integral to the culture of the team and a league favorite. It would feel wrong to see him anywhere else.
John Cominsky (might)
Cominsky was an underrated component to the defense last year and they struggled greatly when he was forced to miss time. One the “unsung heroes” of the team last year, the coaches loved his selflessness and his grit. He fit the culture beautifully and he vocalized his desire to return in the past, but we will have to see if he ultimately remains with the team.
