PFF’s best free agent signing by the Lions in 2023 is probably not who you think

The Detroit Lions had some good signings in 2023 free agency, but the player with the highest graded signing by Pro Football Focus may surprise you.

Although Brad Holmes, the general manager of the Detroit Lions, takes a measured approach to free agency, in 2023 he was a bit more active in order to address deficiencies. Cornerback Cameron Sutton was a major miss, at least one year in, but there were also some excellent hits (David Montgomery, Graham Glasgow, Jalen Reeves-Maybin).

Glasgow was very affordable for a one-year contract. Then, he had perhaps his greatest season to date and was rated as a guard by Pro Football Focus in the top ten. He was candid about his desire to earn a bit extra cash when he returns to the game, but it’s highly like that he’ll be re-signed.

Reeves-Maybin was selected for the Pro Bowl as a special team player, and this was followed by a two-year contract extension. He performed admirably when asked to play defensive snaps as well.

Despite missing three games the previous season, Montgomery amassed over 1,000 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.

The Lions’ highest-rated free agent signing in 2023 according to Pro Football Focus is not who you may expect.

Glasgow, as previously indicated, was tied for the eighth-highest graded guard by PFF for the previous season and tied for sixteenth place among all interior offensive linemen. With the playoffs excluded, Reeves-Maybin’s defensive grade was outstanding (88.9). Montgomery was also among the running backs with the highest rating.

As 2024 free agency approaches, PFF has released a list of each NFL team’s top-rated 2023 free agent additions, of course based on last season’s grade.

Glasgow has to be the place for the Lions, right?

No, it’s Montgomery, who outperformed Glasgow with an overall grade of 79.6 as opposed to 74.9 for Glasgow. Furthermore, it wasn’t entirely because of the move to run behind Detroit’s offensive line.

It was difficult to see Montgomery as the Lions’ backup option given the possibility that Jamaal Williams might choose to play elsewhere and the fact that negotiations over a contract with him seemed to be dead on arrival. However, they swiftly switched to him and acquired a superior running back. If it wasn’t evident at the time—and for some, it wasn’t—it was demonstrated again during the season. PFF’s grade is only the icing on the cake.