Lions free agency preview: Detroit hasn’t had this much LB depth in a long time

March 10, 2024 admin Other Clubs 0

Lions free agency preview: Detroit hasn’t had this much LB depth in a long time

This is the seventh installment of our series previewing the Detroit Lions’ positional needs heading into free agency. The negotiating window opens on Monday, and deals can be signed starting on Wednesday. Today: Linebacker. Previously: Receiver/tight end | Offensive line | Running back | Quarterback | Defensive line/EDGE | Defensive back

Under contract: Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin

Expiring contracts: Anthony Pittman (RFA)

Best available: Lavonte David (Bucs), Patrick Queen (Ravens), Frankie Luvu (Panthers), Jordyn Brooks (Seahawks), Bobby Wagner (Seahawks), Jerome Baker (Dolphins)

Other potential Lions fits: Isaiah Simmons (Giants), Anthony Walker Jr. (Browns), Sione Takitaki (Browns), Cody Barton (Commanders), Akeem Davis-Gaither (Bengals), Khaleke Hudson (Commanders), Josh Woods (Cardinals), Tyler Matakevich (Bills)

Breakdown: Let’s get one thing straight. Yes, we’re going to give you our required free agency preview for linebackers. But the Lions are set from every direction in the linebacker room.

They have the near-every-down snap team captain in Alex Anzalone. Jack Campbell was a first-round pick who showed signs of growth the more he played in his more natural position as a rookie. Derrick Barnes enjoyed his best season since landing with the Lions and should be a key player again in 2024. And Malcolm Rodriguez was a beloved, hard-hitting rookie linebacker in 2022 who transitioned into a stud on special teams this past season.

Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Anthony Pittman form one of the best trios on special teams in the league. Reeves-Maybin is back with a new two-year deal. Pittman is expected to return as a restricted free agent. He’s logged more than 1,000 snaps on special teams over the last three seasons and is quite the talented LB6 if we’re being honest. That’s quite the luxury.

The cherry on top is that this loaded room is led by rising defensive assistant Kelvin Sheppard. The linebacker coach deserves a ton of praise for his work with Barnes and Co., not to mention getting the all-important best out of Anzalone.

That said, perhaps the Lions are looking for a youthful developmental piece to compete in the offseason program and training camp.

Campbell is only one year into his career. Anzalone, Rodriguez and Reeves-Maybin are signed through 2025. But Barnes is entering the final year of his rookie deal, so there could be a window at the back of the room down the line

We won’t spend much time on the top of the linebacker class. It’s a strong group littered with a variety of choices in established veterans and impressive players coming off of their rookie deals for the first time. But, alas, let’s proceed.

These eyes turn to the likes of Isaiah Simmons (Giants), Anthony Walker Jr. (Browns), Sione Takitaki (Browns), Khaleke Hudson (Commanders) and Josh Woods (Cardinals). It’s not a sexy list. But that’s good this time of the year.
Simmons and Hudson make the list based on their positional versatility and standing as recent draft crushes from this beat writer.
Simmons has yet to find a home at the next level, whether considering positionally or team-wise. He was traded to the Giants, and there was hope he could see more pass-rushing reps. But the former Clemson star notched only one sack and a career-low 50 tackles in 17 games for the Giants. Simmons played a career-high 224 special teams snaps, though, and he could be someone to bring safety depth.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*