Christian Booher: I think the Lions have a strong chance to come out of free agency with a legitimate defensive playmaker. With Brad Holmes’ abundance of salary cap space, the Lions should be able to make competitive offers for a number of the top free agents available. In terms of specific players, I think Detroit has a very good chance at landing a player like Stephon Gilmore. Holmes & Co. have the connection with Gilmore’s brother, Steven, on the roster already, and Stephon would be an ideal, short-term commitment that could also allow them to develop a young corner. Vito Chirco: I’m going to go with cornerback Stephon Gilmore. I think Brad Holmes & Co. are hell-bent on acquiring a shutdown-level corner this offseason. And, Gilmore, as a free agent, will be easier to attain than Kansas City star corner L’Jarius Sneed, who was recently franchise-tagged by the Chiefs. In my opinion, Detroit would rather sign Gilmore to a free-agent deal than part with valuable draft capital to obtain Sneed. 2.) Will Ceedy Duce be a part of the Lions in 2024? Booher: I think Ceedy Duce will not be a part of the Lions in 2024. His track record is worthy of a big contract, but his year in Detroit got cut short by an injury. With his injury, though, players like Brian Branch and Ifeatu Melifonwu were able to blossom and show their talents. With those young players in tow, the Lions can afford to part ways with a talented player like Duce. However, if his market isn’t what he hopes it will be, I could certainly see him returning for another opportunity in Detroit.
Chirco: I’m going to say no. I believe that Detroit is now committed to building around its young safeties, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Kerby Joseph. Plus, I wouldn’t be surprised if Holmes & Co. grab a veteran safety not named Gardner-Johnson – i.e. Quandre Diggs – in free agency this offseason. If I were a betting man, I’d say that Ceedy Duce ends up back in Philadelphia, where he recorded a career-best six interceptions in 2022. 3.) Should the Lions pursue Eagles DE Josh Sweat? Booher: I think the Lions should be in on all of the top EDGE rushers. Holmes has one solid option already on roster in Aidan Hutchinson, so the organization shouldn’t pay too much to add another, when Hutchinson will need to be extended in the future.
As a result, Sweat on an expiring contract would be an ideal fit. The issue would be the fact that Detroit would likely have to part with coveted draft capital. For the right price, I think the Lions should certainly make a move for Sweat.
