The Detroit Lions are one of the clubs with the most cap space heading into free agency.
It is unclear whether the Lions will spend on external free agents. The squad established itself as a contender with their run to the NFC Championship game, and adding veteran personnel can help it achieve early success.
One of their major needs is at cornerback. Top free agents will command a high salary because they are regarded as one of the most valuable jobs.
One of the best players available on the free agent market also plays in the NFC North. Jaylon Johnson, a Chicago Bears defensive back, is one of the top cornerbacks expected to enter the market.
If the Bears do not use the franchise tag on Johnson, he may become a free agent. If this happens, he’ll most certainly command a large deal.
This offseason, Detroit confronts an intriguing issue. With one of the league’s largest accessible pool of cap space, the club has the option to spend on a marquee free agent such as Johnson.
Johnson, the Bears’ top-rated defender in 2023 according to Pro Football Focus, had an excellent season in Chicago. He recorded four interceptions, ten passes defensed, and 36 tackles.
He’s a true elite coverage corner, as proven by his 33.3 passer rating allowed this season, according to PFF. Furthermore, he allowed only a 50 percent completion rate on throws thrown his way.
The Lions did not have a true shutdown cornerback in 2023. Cam Sutton had an up-and-down year as the team’s primary option, and he failed to limit elite wide receivers late in the season and into the playoffs.
Johnson, a long and agile cornerback, can use his range to track deep passes while still posing a short-game danger. He has also demonstrated success as a boundary corner, which is exactly what the Lions require.
As a result, the firm would undoubtedly benefit from analyzing the market and attempting to recruit a top player in the position.
However, a long-term commitment complicates everything. Detroit has numerous significant players who are up for extensions or entering contract years, including quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
As a result, the Lions may be unable to provide space for a large long-term contract. This would make it tough to commit to a player like Johnson, who has earned a long-term contract.
Detroit is in a vulnerable situation as it approaches the Super Bowl window. Holmes and the rest of the organization’s brass must negotiate the salary cap intelligently as they seek to keep the core intact while still exploring possibilities to improve the club.
The added wage cap room will allow Holmes to make a huge move. However, whether or not he decides to do so remains unknown.
