Here are five potential Detroit free agency targets
During the 2021 freeagency period, the Detroit Lions will likely only make minor moves.
A new general manager is going to want to build the roster extensively through the NFL Draft.
Not only do the Lions have a couple of big names of their own who will be free agents, but there will also need to be plenty of roster turnover in order to bring the Lions to a competitive level.
Here are five current free agents who could aid the Lions
in 2021.
• EDGE SAMSON EBUKAM: The 6-foot-3, 245-pound EDGE rusher has not missed a regular season contest since being taken by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
In 2020, Ebukam amassed 4.5 sacks — tying his career-high mark from the 2019 campaign.
He has familiarity with Detroit general manager Brad Holmes from Holmes’ time with the Rams, and could help fill a void for the Lions in their pass-rush department.
• QB TYROD TAYLOR:
The veteran passer has thrown for 9,770 yards and 54 touchdowns, to go along with 20 interceptions, in his decade-long NFL career.
He’s also rushed for 1,850 yards and 16 touchdowns.
He most recently suited up for the Los Angeles Chargers, which were coached by present Detroit offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn in 2020. As a result, there could be a reunion in store for Taylor with Lynn in Motown in 2021.
Taylor would provide the Lions with a high-end backup to Jared Goff.
• S JOHN JOHNSON: Johnson has developed into a high-impact safety since being drafted by the Rams in the third round of the 2017 draft.
Holmes played a role in Johnson being selected by the Rams during his days as the team’s college scouting director, and he’d be a great addition to Detroit’s secondary.
He finished the 2020 season with 105 total tackles, eight passes defensed and an interception.
• RB COREY CLEMENT: Clement is just 26 years old, and could be a replacement for Adrian Peterson in the Lions’ backfield in 2021.
Additionally, he has ties to Detroit running backs coach/assistant head coach Duce Staley, who was his running backs coach in Philadelphia the past four seasons.
Clement finished the ‘20 campaign with 21 rushes for 75 yards and a score. He also logged five receptions for 25 yards.
• LB MATTHEW JUDON: According to SI’s NFL Draft Bible, “Judon was an absolute steal in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft and has vastly improved his game every year he has been in the league. He possesses an excellent frame at 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds with great length and bend off the edge.
An area of concern to take into account for Judon is how aggressive the Baltimore Ravens play on defense.
With the highest blitz rate in the league, it’s hard to imagine that the West Bloomfield graduate’s numbers weren’t at least a little inflated playing in that system.
Continuing to win off the edge despite doubleteams and dealing with chip blocks will definitely be something to keep an eye on if Judon moves on to another team this offseason.”