Detroit Lions: 5 Burning Free Agency Questions

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Sep 21, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions offensive line lines up against Green Bay Packers defensive line during the game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Who can the Lions sign to help close the gap on the Packers?

The Detroit Lions had a fantastic opportunity to win their first NFC North championship in Week 17 of the 2014 season. A victory at Lambeau Field over a hobbled Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers would have given the Lions a division crown and the number-two NFC playoff seed.

Dec 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

If they’re not careful, they might not get a shot as good as that a year from now.

The Lions and Packers have had contrasting emotions in the past few days. At one end of the free agency spectrum, the Packers re-signed star receiver Randall Cobb to a long-term deal. On the other end, the Lions look set to lose their dominant force in Suh.

It’s early days in the offseason, but it’s not the start the Lions would have wanted. There’s plenty of time to turn things around, however.

With the Packers likely to keep getting stronger, the Lions must keep up if they are to win the NFC North in 2015. They need to add a talented defensive tackle like Denver’s Terrance Knighton to try and plug the hole left by Suh.

In the draft, the Lions need to build on a talented roster. Improving on a dominant defense is the key: Adding pieces to the secondary will be crucial to slowing down Aaron Rodgers, while maintaining the solid run-stuffing ability up front also takes priority.

On offense, the Lions need to perform much better. The pieces are almost all in place to be successful; it just comes down to execution.

There is a lot yet to play out in the offseason. Free agency starts the journey of building a roster that will finish in early May after the 2015 NFL Draft. If the Lions can add the relevant pieces and retain the services of their own important free agents, they can begin to dream of a first NFC North championship.

Next: Detroit Lions: 5 Offseason moves to make with Suh's departure

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