The official start of free agency is fast approaching and the Lions have about $17 million to spend now that Ndamukong Suh is expected to sign a six-year, $114 million deal with Miami.
The Lions have done well for themselves in free agency the last couple of years, picking up Pro Bowlers Glover Quin and Golden Tate and also snagging starters Jason Jones and James Ihedigbo.
Lions fans will be hoping for similar success in 2015 to fill some obvious holes in the roster. The Lions are likely to need a couple defensive tackles, a left guard, a cornerback and potentially a running back. Some of these needs can and will be filled in next month’s NFL Draft as well.
Here’s a look at some names I think could fill some of these holes for the Lions:
Nick Fairley, DT, Detroit: The Lions didn’t pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal in an attempt to motivate him to be his very best in a contract year. Fairley was playing very well before injuring his knee midseason.
He’s super talented, but has struggled with injuries and weight issues in the past. I suspect the Lions would like to have him back, but at less than what his option would have cost ($5.47 million). There are likely to be a number of teams interested in Fairley, so we’ll have to wait and see where the Lions stand.
Rashean Mathis, CB, Detroit: He played terrific in 2014 and the Lions believe he can do the same in 2015 at the age of 35. He's been great for cornerback Darius Slay and the Lions hope they can hang on to him.
C.J. Mosley, DT, Detroit - Mosley started eight games in Fairley's place last year and played well. He had 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks and shouldn’t break the bank at 31. He will have interest from other teams because he's the type of player every team needs.
Dan Williams, DT, Arizona: - Williams isn’t the pass rusher Suh is, but he ranked eighth among defensive tackles against the run last year according to Pro Football Focus. He’s 27 and entering the prime of his career.
Kendall Langford, DT, St. Louis: Langford, 29, was cut because of the emergence of Aaron Donald in St. Louis. He had 36 tackles and five sacks in 2013, when he started all 16 games. He visited the Lions last week, so we know there’s mutual interest.
Corey Peters, DT, Atlanta – He was a rotational player in Atlanta this past season, but recorded five sacks and 29 tackles in 15 starts in 2013. He has 11 career sacks.
Mike Iupati, G, San Francisco: He has been among the best run blockers in the NFL throughout his career. The Lions ranked 28th running the football in 2014. Iupati ranked 55th among guards in pass blocking by Pro Football Focus, however.
Mike IupatiG Mike Iupati (Photo: Associated Press)
Buster Skrine, CB, Cleveland: Playing opposite Joe Haden, Skrine has been targeted more than any cornerback in the league over the past two years, according to NFL.com. The Lions like their cornerbacks a little bigger than 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, but there’s no denying Skrine’s production. He had 67 tackles last year, defended 18 passes and intercepted four passes. He can play inside or outside.
C.J. Spiller, RB, Buffalo: Spiller could be a nice speed back to compliment Joique Bell’s between-the-tackles style. He’s also a good receiver out of the backfield, which the Lions require of their backs.
Chris Culliver, CB, San Francisco: He's coming off a strong season that saw him intercept four passes and defend 14 others, but there are character concerns and off-the-field issues to worry about with him.
Henry Melton, DT, Dallas: Melton was effective last season as an interior pass rusher in Dallas. In 16 games (three starts) he recorded five sacks. The former Chicago Bear has 20.5 career sacks.
Perrish Cox, CB, San Francisco: He had 53 tackles, defended 17 passes and recorded five interceptions for the 49ers in 2014. Cox, 28, also has good size at 6-feet and 190 pounds. The Lions would have to be certain some of the off-the-field issues that plagued him early in his career are truly behind him.
Tramon Williams, CB, Green Bay: Williams, 31, is extremely durable and a smart veteran player. He has a couple seasons under his belt (2010 and 2011) where he defended more that 20 passes. He recorded 70 tackles and three interceptions this past season. He has four career interceptions vs. the Lions.
Patrick Robinson, CB, New Orleans: Robinson, 27, had five up-and-down seasons with the Saints and a change of scenery might do him some good.
Davon House, CB, Green Bay: House, 25, has good size at 6-feet, 195 pounds, and hasn't been given a real opportunity to impress as a full-time starter in Green Bay.
The following are players who could fit with the Lions, but have been linked to other teams during the three-day negotiating period. Players can’t officially sign until 4 p.m. Tuesday:
Jared Odrick, DT, Miami - Odrick, 27, has 16.5 career sacks. He played every game last year and had 29 tackles. He’s been linked to Jacksonville.
Stephen Paea – Paea, 26, had a breakout season last year after replacing Henry Melton. He had 33 tackles and six sacks. He’s been linked to Washington.