Detroit Lions: Evaluating Team’s 2017 NFL Free Agency Signings

The Detroit Lions were busy to start 2017 NFL free agency and set the offense up for continued success in spite of losses.

Heading into the 2017 NFL free agency, the Detroit Lions had a few shoes to fill. Right tackle Riley Reiff and guard Larry Warford were two players the Lions would suffer without as they entered free agency. It was suggested that the Lions would consider re-signing Reiff, but that ultimately wasn’t the case.

General manager Bob Quinn had his own master plan. Signing Rick Wagner is not only an improvement over the talented Reiff, but he was also the top free agent in the position. Quinn more than made up for the loss of Reiff. Wagner is extremely athletic and versatile. His biggest influence will be in the Lions lacking running game. Aside from creating holes for the running back, he is also a great pass protector.

The next big move from the Lions was acquiring guard T.J. Lang after losing Warford. Lang is an NFL Pro Bowler coming from the Green Bay Packers. Anyone protecting Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense, in my opinion, is a move in the right direction. The Packers have a solid offense and Lang can really offer the Lions versatility and experience. Just like Wagner, Lang is a step up from Warford.

NFL analysts and reporters suggested the Lions needed to address their running back issues this offseason. Quinn isn’t convinced that the problem isn’t just with the back, however. Quinn stated during a press conference (per Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit):

"“We’ve just got to improve the entire running game,” Quinn said. “That includes how the receiver blocks, how the tight ends block, the offensive line, the play-calling. Everything needs to get evaluated.”"

The 2017 NFL free agency offensive line signings are clear indication that Quinn is sticking with this strategy. Although there are other holes in the Lions offensive line, Wagner and Lang are two players that will enhance and strengthen the offense this season.

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After attacking their offensive line, the Lions also added a few players to their defensive; Paul Worrilow, D.J. Hayden and Cornelius Washington are just a handful of players that joined the Lions defense in the 2017 NFL free agency.

After releasing linebacker DeAndre Levy, the Lions invested in Worrilow. Before losing his starting role with the Atlanta Falcons, Worrilow accrued over 65 total tackles for the Dirty Birds in each season from 2013-15. He doesn’t seem to be the long-term answer, but will likely receive the start and help mold and guide the Lions rookies and future draft picks.

D.J. Hayden is the player that the Lions took a leap of faith with. After almost dying from a ripped vein in his heart, Hayden was drafted with the 12th overall pick in 2013. But Hayden has struggled mightily since entering the league. In 2016, he was flagged for seven penalties on third and fourth downs; not something you want from a cornerback. He also had a hamstring injury that placed him on injured reserve.

Putting all the negatives aside, Hayden could have found himself a great opportunity on the Lions. The Lions have a great secondary coach that could inherently decrease his penalties and enhance his talents. He also has cornerback Darius Slay to teach him a few things. All in all, it was a good move by the Lions.

The Lions have taken a proactive approach during the 2017 NFL free agency. Although there is work and enhancement needed to both the offense and defense, the Lions probably won’t be signing too much more top ranked players during the free agency due to their cap space, which sits at just over $3 million, per the NFLPA public report. The Lions also will need to designate some money to their draft class and think about the possibility of a Matthew Stafford contract extension.

Next: Lions Will Miss DeAndre Levy's Talent, Introspection

Where do the Lions go from here? As stated previously, the Lions will most likely make smaller moves in the free agent player pool from here on out. Expect them to address bigger problem areas during the 2017 NFL Draft.