The Detroit Lions have the resources to be big-time players in free agency.
General manager Brad Holmes currently has the eighth-most cap space in the league. Ahead of the March 13 start of free agency, Detroit could be in position to make a big move, as it hopes to reach the Super Bowl in 2024.
Among the top players potentially available will be Kansas City cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. The Chiefs have placed him under the franchise tag, meaning he won’t hit free agency.
However, the team has reportedly allowed him to seek out a trade. Sneed is expected to command a hefty extension, one that the Chiefs may be unwilling to work out.
At the NFL combine in Indianapolis, ESPN reported that there was buzz about the Lions potentially being interested in acquiring another solid cornerback.
“Cornerback was a popular position of discussion in Indy, most notably for the trade market. We know the Chiefs are working on a potential tag-and-trade with L’Jarius Sneed, and multiple teams are believed to be in the mix there,” wrote reporter Jeremy Fowler. “The word out of Indy is that Detroit is pretty set on adding a high-end corner, so the Lions are one to watch. Miami is worth keeping an eye on, too.”
Fowler indicated that two other solid cornerbacks, New Orleans’ Marshon Lattimore and Tampa Bay’s Carlton Davis, could also be available via trade.
Sneed was viewed as the top pending free agent ahead of the offseason. Even though he won’t receive that distinction after being franchise tagged, he is still considered amongst the best players available.
The Lions, meanwhile, mightily struggled at the cornerback position in 2023. As a result, the area is viewed as one of the team’s biggest needs this offseason.
Here are other storylines surrounding the Lions on March 3.
The Detroit Free Press analyzed why the Lions believe new defensive line coach Terrell Williams is the best at his position in the league.
The Detroit News profiled NFL Draft prospect and River Rouge High School product Ruke Orhorhoro, who is inching closer to realizing his NFL dream.
NFL analyst Charles Davis spoke to Lions team reporter Dannie Rogers about the state of the franchise, its new coaching hires and the offseason.
