Lions could go defense-heavy in free agency

Free agency begins on March 15 at 4 p.m. ET.

Positional needs: CB, DT, TE, DE, LB

The Lions have $14 million in cap space next season, however, with a little roster trimming (Michael Brockers, $10 million; Halapoulivaati Vaitai $6.5 million; Charles Harris $4 million) they could close in on $35 million in available funds.

Although Detroit hit on a few defensive draft picks last year—Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, Malcolm Rodriguez, Justin Houston—the unit still needs some addressing after finishing last in the NFL in yards allowed per game (392.4) and 28th in scoring defense (25.1 points per game). 

Cornerback is presumably at the top of the list. Despite allowing just two touchdowns and a completion percentage of 61.5, Jeff Okudah still has his doubters. And while Amani Oruwariye, Mike Hughes and Will Harris all had solid seasons, Detroit clearly needs a game-changing CB capable of covering Justin Jefferson, Christian Watson, or Darnell Mooney.

The Lions' front seven could also use some beefing up as they gave up the fourth-most rush yards per game (146.5) and had 69 missed tackles in run defense this year.

Patrick Peterson, CB, Minnesota Vikings

Peterson, who played the fourth-most coverage snaps in the NFL 741), had the 11th-best coverage grade of any cornerback this season, per Pro Football Focus. He proved he still has plenty left in the tank, allowing a completion percentage of 60 while surrendering just five touchdowns on 80 targets. Peterson also had 12 forced incompletions and nine pass breakups, and quarterbacks had a passer rating of 77.3 when targeting him. 

With a projected market value of $6.4 million per year according to Spotrac, and uncertainty still surrounding Jeff Okudah as the team’s No. 1 cornerback, Peterson makes a ton of sense as a veteran shutdown CB to help mentor a young Detroit secondary.

Da’Ron Payne, DT, Washington Commanders

This would certainly be a swing-for-the-fences free-agent splash. Following a breakout season in which he totaled 11.5 sacks, 49 QB pressures, 27 QB hurries and 20 QB hits, Payne is sure to cash in with a projected market value north of $19 million per year.