Offensive free agents to consider in 2023

The Detroit Lions boasted one of the NFL’s best offenses in 2022.

Under the direction of first-year coordinator Ben Johnson, the Lions were among the league’s highest-scoring units. Jamaal Williams rushed for a league-leading 17 touchdowns, and quarterback Jared Goff went the final nine games without throwing an interception.

The continuity of that offense will be threatened during the NFL’s upcoming free-agency period. Williams and wide receiver DJ Chark are among the team’s top players set to hit the market.

As the Lions get set to enter a key portion of the offseason, here are 10 free agents they should consider signing to bolster their offense heading into 2023.

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

Smith-Schuster played a new role this past season with Kansas City, transitioning into the slot. By adding a slot receiver like him, the Lions could allow Amon-Ra St. Brown to play more on the outside.

Though Smith-Schuster didn’t have the impact in KC that he had with Pittsburgh, he still had a solid presence. His speed and route-running would work well with Detroit’s already talented receiving corps.

TE Irv Smith Jr.

The Lions traded away their top tight end at last season’s trade deadline. Though they were satisfied with the performance of their tight ends, a player like Smith could add even more to an already talented group.

Smith is one of the most athletic tight ends available, but has battled injuries. If he can prove that the injury issues are behind him, he could be a massive asset in Ben Johnson’s offense.

G Isaac Seumalo

Seumalo is among the best offensive linemen set to hit the market. The Lions need certainty at the guard position, as Halapoulivaati Vaitai enters a pivotal offseason after missing the entire 2022 campaign with an injury.

Entering his age-30 season, Seumalo has played in two Super

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Bowls, and most recently played in all 17 of Philadelphia’s regular season games. The veteran could be the perfect piece to add to an already talented Detroit offensive line.

RB Jerick McKinnon

The Lions have to address the running back position in some capacity during the offseason. Whether it’s re-signing Jamaal Williams or looking elsewhere, Detroit must make at least one move at the position.

Enter McKinnon, who could be a cheap option to fill a role. He’s a speedy back who can contribute to the passing game. Whether it’s simply as the team’s third running back — if the team brings back Williams — or in a bigger role, McKinnon’s versatility would fit well in Johnson’s scheme.

G Nate Davis

If the Lions want to get younger at the guard position, then Davis would be a viable option at 26 years old. He’s coming off an injury-plagued season, so a fresh start could be beneficial.

Given his injury history, Davis would be a good addition on a shortterm contract. The Lions could add the veteran, and bet on his health in the short term. He’s coming off his most productive season with the Titans, despite missing five games with injury.

His Pro Football Focus passblocking grade was the highest of his career, and his run-blocking production has been steady. If he stays healthy, Davis would be a good investment.

TE Hayden Hurst

Hurst is another highly productive tight end who could be a weapon in Detroit’s offense. He was reliable with the Cincinnati Bengals, catching 79 percent of his targets, according to Pro Football Reference.

At 6-foot-4, he would be a viable red-zone threat who also has the ability to stretch the field. Hurst has the ability to instantly become a favorite target of Goff.

WR Allen Lazard

If DJ Chark elects to go elsewhere in free agency, Lazard could be a perfect replacement. He has a similar ability to stretch the defense, along with a 6-foot-5 frame that makes him dangerous in contested catch situations.

Lazard could be on his way to a frustrating split from the Green Bay Packers, so the Lions would be adding a motivated player from their division rival. He’s coming off a career-best season, and would give Detroit another solid weapon in its receiving corps.

G Ben Powers

Another talented, young guard option is Powers, of the Baltimore Ravens. A fourth-rounder in 2019, he’s become an established part of Baltimore’s top-tier run game.

With an 86.7 pass-blocking grade from PFF, he has the two-way ability that would make him an appealing addition. Powers doesn’t have the injury history of Davis, though he did miss the final five games of 2021 with a foot injury.

QB Teddy Bridgewater

Holmes has vowed to address the team’s quarterback situation behind Goff heading into the 2023 season. Though adding a young quarterback through the draft is enticing, there’s a case to be made for prioritizing a veteran backup on a shortterm deal.

If the Lions plan to compete for a playoff run in 2023, adding a veteran who can seamlessly integrate within the offense, in the event Goff goes down, makes plenty of sense. Bridgewater owns a 33-32-1 record as a starter, and would be reliable in a pinch.

RB Alexander Mattison

Mattison doesn’t have the versatility of McKinnon, but he brings a power with his game, similar to what Williams was able to bring for the Lions in 2022. Even if Williams returns, Mattison would be a solid third option behind Williams and D’Andre Swift.

Mattison didn’t get a ton of opportunities while backing up Dalvin Cook, but he has over 1,000 career rushing yards across his four NFL seasons.

This article was produced by the staff at Sports Illustrated/All Lions. For more, visit si.com/nfl/ lions.