The Detroit Lions, like the rest of the world, will have their eyes on Sunday’s convention championship games.
Each game will produce an intriguing outcome, as the winners will constitute their respective Super Bowl fixtures. However, there are also players from the four who will be released at the end of the season.
That’s what makes it so intriguing for groups like the Lions, who must recruit winning players to contribute to the cultural replacement that began under head coach Dan Campbell.
Here are five free agents the Lions are keeping an eye on in Sunday’s convention championship games.
S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Eagles
I talked about cornerback James Bradberry Jr. in my preview last week, so I’m going to save on layoffs. Gardner-Johnson is a wonderful top-notch young player from the school for the Eagles who has been very good this season.
Gardner-Johnson is no stranger to the Lions coaching staff, and was a member of the New Orleans Saints when Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn were on the team.
Most notably, Glenn was the team’s secondary coach and worked directly with Gardner-Johnson during his first two seasons as a pro. This connection can prove beneficial, as the productive safety enters a loose company while waiting for an important contract.
Although injuries hampered his functionality in 2022, Gardner-Johnson proved his worth as a ballhawk with six interceptions in 12 games. This set would be a great addition to the Lions’ defense.
T. E. Hayden Hurst, Bengals
Hurst will be among the most productive tight players on the market this offseason. The Lions, who added a Pro Bowler to the position at the industry deadline, can simply pursue him.
It’s worth noting that he may be limited on Sunday, as he’s dealing with a calf injury that has limited him in his education during the week.
T. J. Hockenson’s departure left a void in production that Detroit was able to fill through the committee. If the team is looking to add a top-tier pass capture option at that position, Hurst may fit the bill.
The 29-year-old had 52 passes for 414 yards and two touchdowns in 2022, and his receiving yards overall marked the second-best year of his career. The Lions are pleased with what they have, but Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra are also on the loose. agents.
The addition of Hurst, who has played for three teams in five years, would add a layer of experience to the cramped goal hall that doesn’t exist today. Wright, Zylstra and James Mitchell have two years or less of experience.
G Isaac Seumalo, Eagles
Seumalo is a reliable component of the Eagles’ offensive line, which has been forged throughout the season. The veteran, who was part of Philadelphia’s Super Bowl championship team, has a starter inside.
The Lions will have to deal with questions about the long-term of Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who missed the entire season with a back injury. Detroit could bring in a player like Seumalo, who would serve as a veteran for the teens in play, like Penei. Sewell.
Seumalo has remained stable throughout the year, posting an overall rating of 74. 5 Pro Football Focus. That mark is higher than that of the Lions’ two starting goalkeepers, Jonah Jackson and Evan Brown. Brown, on the other hand, is a free agent.
RB Samaje Periné, Bengals
Perine is a flexible risk outside of the Bengals’ backfield, the role of Joe Mixon’s replacement.
The Lions want to compare the free-agent market as a running back, as Jamaal Williams is also a free agent. As much as the team would like to get the 1,000-yard running back back, it’s vital to compare the rest of the market.
Perine totaled 394 yards on 95 carries in 2022, totaling a career-high 287 yards as a receiver. If the Lions can’t bring Williams back, expect them to put a price tag on Perine.
Albert Cesare, The Enquirer, USA TODAY NETWORK
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Directors
The Lions necessarily rebuilt their receivers’ room, with Amon-Ra St. Brown leading the way. St. Brown has been a slot receiver for most of his throws, which can be replaced with the signature of a prototypical slot receiver, such as Smith-Schuster.
The USC product participated in part of his plays in the slot last year, according to PFF. He didn’t have the production he had in his most productive years in Pittsburgh, but he’s still a productive member of Kansas City’s offense.
If DJ Chark decides to move into free agency, the Lions will have to make an addition at wide receiver. While St. Brown has established himself as one of the league’s leading receivers, a player like Smith-Schuster can be a wonderful addition. piece.
Christian Booher is a sportswriter who covers the Detroit Lions.