The New Look of the Detroit Lion’s Defense
In the 2023 Season, the Detroit Lions had one of the weakest secondaries in the NFL. With that being said, Detroit has made a few moves since free agency to improve their secondary and their defensive line. In the 2024 NFL Season, the Lions will be better equipped defensively as they make another run for the Lombardi Trophy.
The first thing that comes to mind when you think about the Lions is Dan Campbell and their high-powered offense. Their defense is tough, but not the most talented. Brad Holmes is working to bring more talent in defensively this offseason to stop the huge plays that hurt them last year. One of the first moves Lion’s fans saw was the trade for cornerback Carlton Davis from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This gives the Lions a very talented cornerback who can match up with opponents’ top receivers. Another cornerback the Lions signed from free agency was Amik Robertson in a two-year, $9.25 million contract. Acquiring these cornerbacks will help Detroit immensely after giving up around 4,500 passing yards in the 2023 Season. They finished bottom four in passing yards against them, and it hurt them in big games.
Photo Credit: Kara Durrette
Detroit also signed an edge from Minnesota. Marcus Davenport on a one-year $6.5 million deal is a great addition if he can stay healthy. Davenport is known to be injury prone as he has dealt with around 10 injuries in his career. If he can remain healthy throughout the season there is no doubt that he will be an impactful player on the Lions defensive front.
Photo Credit: Bob Donnan
One of the bigger signings Detroit made was defensive tackle DJ Reader. The Lions acquired Reader on a two-year deal worth up to $27.5 million. Reader played for the Bengals and was a defensive star for them. This signing will give Detroit a huge defensive boost heading into next season. Aiden Hutchinson will have more help up front as they look to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run. Detroit had a solid run-game defense last year and will look to make that even stronger with the signing of Reader.
Photo Credit: Sam Greene
Brad Holmes has earned Detroit’s trust since he came to the building. The Lions didn’t make any huge splashes in free agency, but they certainly made some important moves to help their defense. Looking past free agency and into the 2024 NFL Draft, Detroit will look to acquire young talent on the defensive side of the ball as well. Picking up an edge like Chop Robinson or a cornerback like Kool-Aid McKinstry in the first round will be a huge help to Detroit’s defense. Brad Holmes has acknowledged the importance of singing players during free agency but looks at the Draft as a way to get young talent and develop them. Detroit’s defense should vastly improve from last season, and that will help in their competitive division.
