The Detroit Lions have many different options to improve their defense this offseason, and while everything is open to interpretation now, free agency begins in under a month.
That means things are beginning to come into focus behind the scenes as it relates to what approach the Lions could take. Plenty about what the Lions will do revolves around contractual decisions, and there could be fantastic news on that front.
ESPN insider Dan Graziano answered pressing salary questions for every team (subscription required), and for Detroit, his issue revolved around if the Lions could push for a top end talent like Myles Garrett, or should be expected to look at lower-tier signings. His answer was an exciting one.
"The answer to both questions is yes. The Lions are absolutely fine on cap space and could bring in a big-name edge rusher (*cough* Myles Garrett *cough*) if they want -- even with superstar Aidan Hutchinson coming back from his leg injury and extension-eligible. They're in a win-now window with most of their other key guys locked in long term. So yes, it's not wild to imagine a splash signing."
"But it's also true that it would be a little out of character for this Lions team to take that kind of a huge swing on an external addition. Given the strategic and targeted way they've built this roster in the Dan Campbell/Brad Holmes era, I would say it's more likely they bring back Za'Darius Smith."
Given what Graziano is saying, it seems as if the biggest question will revolve around how aggressive the Lions want to be. If Holmes believes the franchise needs a bigger move to win a Super Bowl and there is a consensus between ownership and coaches, they have room for a splash.
Detroit Lions could keep Za'Darius Smith while also adding a top pass rusher
While keeping Smith seems like a no-brainer for the Lions, it doesn't feel like an all-or-nothing scenario for their pass rush. More likely, the Lions can keep Smith while also prioritizing another bigger addition to provide them extra line depth.
Getting a new contract for Smith should be a high priority this offseason, and if the Lions are able to accomplish that goal early, it would allow them the opportunity to better understand what they can afford.
It also doesn't hurt that Smith and Garrett played together in Cleveland. Smith enjoyed his stay in Detroit enough to desire a return. In that scenario, he could be used as a recruiting tool for Garrett, who already informally chatted with Aidan Hutchinson about the possibility of teaming up.
Whether it's a trade for Garrett or a bigger free agency move such as signing Josh Sweat or Khalil Mack, the Lions have the financial flexibility to be aggressive. That bodes well for their ability to fix their biggest area of need.
