The NFL offseason got off to a rocky start, with three huge trades in the same number of days. The quarterback carousel seems to be in full swing, with quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Carson Wentz. Then news broke today of a deal between the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Chargers that will send All-Pro pass rusher Khalil Mack to the West Coast (and more importantly, outside of NFC North).
Aside from the aforementioned deals, franchise tags have also drastically changed the free agent market, especially in positions like wide receiver.
So what does all this leave the Detroit Lions and their approach to free will?
Who should the Lions prioritize when free agency opens next week?
Free agency officially opens at the start of the new league year on March 16 at 1:00 pm ET. However, free agents can begin negotiations with potential teams as early as March 14 at noon ET.
Several names have surfaced in connection with the Lions over the past few weeks. Some have more than others, and while the Lions don’t have the biggest salary cap in the league, they have significantly more than last year. Enough to get one or two autographs if they so desire.
My answer: Marcus Williams
Understandably, there was a lot of talk about Marcus Williams and security connections to the Lions coaching staff.
After being selected 42nd overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Williams played his first five seasons in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints. Thus, both defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and coach Dan Campbell will be very familiar with Williams and what he offers as a safety.
Range, game, instincts. Williams has just about everything you could want in a free safe. Since he is only 25 years old, he will have many teams interested in his services. I don’t necessarily want the Lions to break the bank for any single player. They’re just not at that stage of recovery yet.
But with Williams, I think it’s a player to open a wallet for. Because he will (theoretically) still be in his prime when it all comes together.
What do you all think? Who do you think the Lions should be running as soon as free agency opens next week? Let us know about it in the comments.