Detroit Lions 2024 NFL offseason primer: A good spring with cap space and few key needs could mean Super Bowl

Detroit Lions’ 2023 season: 12-5, won NFC North, lost in NFC championship game

Overview: While the season ended in painful fashion one game short of the Super Bowl, 2023 in Detroit can be considered an unqualified success. The Lions earned their first playoff berth since 2016 and won their first division title since Barry Sanders carried them to the NFC Central championship in 1991. They then advanced to their first conference championship game since that same 1991 season.

Savvy drafting paid off with the emergence of defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, running back Jahmyr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta among others as game-breaking talents. There’s plenty to build on for Dan Campbell and company as the Lions continue to seek the first Super Bowl in franchise history.

(Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports)

Key free agents

LG Jonah Jackson
WR Josh Reynolds
RG Graham Glasgow
S C.J. Gardner-Johnson
DE Romeo Okwara

Who’s in/out? None of Detroit’s pending free agents hit the market as high-priority targets. Detroit isn’t expected to use the franchise tag this offseason. Glasgow and Jackson are proven commodities on the offensive line and players the Lions presumably would like to have back. Glasgow said in January that there’s mutual interest in his return next season. Nobody here is a lock to return.

Dan Campbell’s Lions have several key pieces already in place. Can they make the right roster tweaks to build on last season’s trip to the NFC championship game? (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Key free agent needs

Cornerback
Interior offensive line
Edge
Kicker
Wide receiver

Why the holes? Cornerback is the most glaring need on the roster. The Lions could seek to add multiple starters this offseason via the draft and/or free agency. The interior offensive line needs are dependent on how things shake out with Glasgow and Jackson. There’s no clear-cut No. 2 receiver behind All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown, especially if Reynolds leaves in free agency. Jameson Williams is raw with tremendous upside, and the…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-02-23 01:41:15

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