Despite a loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell’s brief tenure has been overwhelmingly successful. He led the squad from three victories in 2021 to a couple plays away from the Super Bowl this season.
As this team enters the offseason, the prospects for the 2024 season are promising. The team has enough of cap room and no major exits in free agency. As the Lions aim to build on this season’s success, here are three sneaky good free agents to pursue in the summer.
Steven Nelson (cornerback), Houston Texans
In 2023, the Lions had few flaws, although they finished 27th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game. A healthy C.J. Garnder-Johnson at safety will undoubtedly help, but Detroit requires consistent cornerbacks. Cam Sutton and Kindle Vildor got Pro Football Focus Player Grades in the “Below Average” category while allowing a quarterback rating of 112 or lower when targeted.
An excellent cornerback, like as L’Jarius Sneed or Kendall Fuller, will be Detroit’s top objective this offseason. Even if the Lions are unable to obtain one of those high-profile players, the extensive cornerback market implies that even mid-level possibilities are viable additions.
Steven Nelson has moved about, playing for four teams in the last six seasons, but has been quietly effective at each stop. In 2023, the 30-year-old made four picks for the Houston Texans and allowed a quarterback rating of 73.3 when targeted. Nelson’s flexibility makes him an excellent complement to the Detroit secondary.
Curtis Samuel (wide receiver), Washington Commanders
Amon-Ra St. Brown is Detroit’s clear top wideout, but with Josh Reynolds hitting free agency, does the organization trust Kalif Raymond or Jameson Williams to step up if Reynolds leaves? Curtis Samuel has surpassed 600 receiving yards in four consecutive full seasons, demonstrating his consistency. While not a go-to option, Samuel is a versatile playmaker who caught a pass in every game in 2023. The veteran also has 121 rushing attempts in his career, which may bring another dimension to the Lions’ offense.
Ryan Tannehill (QB, Tennessee Titans)
Jared Goff’s starting job is secure, but the Lions could still use a reliable backup. 65 NFL quarterbacks started a game in 2023, highlighting the significance of having a reliable backup. In Detroit, Teddy Bridgewater retired, leaving Hendon Hooker, a 2023 third-round pick, as the lone quarterback on the team. Hooker was out for the majority of 2023 due to an injury, raising serious concerns about Goff’s health.
Ryan Tannehill is a free agent after five years in Tennessee, though he has been on the decline since a breakout 2020 season. Tannehill will be 36 years old when the 2024 season begins, but he still provides significant value as a veteran backup who can easily fill in as a spot starter.
Mike Danna (DE), Kansas City Chiefs Aidan Hutchinson had a successful sophomore season with 11.5 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, and his first Pro Bowl appearance. However, being the Lions’ only serious pass-rushing danger, opponents were frequently able to neutralize him with double-teams. A good pass-rusher opposite Hutchinson frees up the Michigan product, making this defensive line far more threatening.
Mike Danna was a productive pass rusher in his debut season as a starter for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023, with 6.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits. The Lions will need to find replacements for edge rushers Romeo Okwara, Julian Okwara, and Charles Harris when they all hit free agency this offseason.
