Detroit Lions' NFL free agency 2024 predictions: Here's who signs, leaves and why
A frenzy awaits on the other side of the weekend with 2024 NFL free agency set to begin, and the Detroit Lions are expected to be active with $63.7 million in cap space.
On Monday at noon, the legal tampering period will begin, allowing players on expiring deals to begin contact with all 32 teams through an agent. On Wednesday, the floodgates fully open at 4 p.m., when the new league year begins and player movement is allowed.
The Lions will be in on the action for sure, but the magnitude of their moves is in question. The team has needs that could be addressed in free agency, such as a cornerback or help on the defensive line, and carry the eighth-most cap space in the league into the offseason after an unexpected jump in the salary cap.
They do have big-ticket extensions for current players on the horizon, like quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, which could lead to a conservative approach.
Or general manager Brad Holmes can push some chips to the middle and swing a big move, such as trading for standout corner L'Jarius Sneed.
DAVE BIRKETT: Ranking Detroit Lions needs in 2024 NFL free agency
The unknown can be both intimidating and tantalizing, which is why the predictions business is a booming one.
Here are predictions from national outlets of how the Lions' free agency will go.
USA TODAY
USA TODAY on Friday predicted where the top 21 free agents on the market will end up, and the Lions made three appearances, with two additions and one goodbye.
Writer Jim Reineking guesses the Lions scoop up guard Michael Onwenu, a Cass Tech and Michigan football alumnus, from the New England Patriots, the 15th-ranked free agent on the list.
Reineking wrote: "Graham Glasgow and guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai are both free agents, which could set up some urgency in Detroit to bring in the versatile Onwenu, who can play guard or tackle. The prospect of teaming Onwenu — who started 56 games for the New England Patriots over four seasons — next to All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell would be enticing. Add in the fact that Onwenu played for the Michigan Wolverines, and this seems like a slam dunk."
In the predictions, Detroit also signed veteran cornerback and former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore from the Dallas Cowboys, the 19th-ranked player on the list.
On Gilmore, Reineking wrote: "With L'Jarius Sneed and Jaylon Johnson receiving the franchise tag, both (Kendall) Fuller and Gilmore could benefit tremendously as the next-best available cornerbacks on the market. While the Lions will lose the safety (C.J.) Gardner-Johnson to free agency, the team brings in Gilmore to team with 2023 second-round pick Brian Branch and Cameron Sutton."
In the final Lions-related prediction, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the 16th-ranked player on the list, signs with his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles.
On Gardner-Johnson, Reineking wrote: "After leading the league with six interceptions during his lone season with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson left as a free agent to join the Lions. The Eagles' secondary was injury-riddled in 2023, so a return to Philly could be in the offing for Gardner-Johnson, who could at the very least provide solid depth, if not start."
Bringing back Brock: Lions to tender Brock Wright as RFA, working to re-sign Anthony Pittman
ESPN
ESPN released their main primer for NFL free agency Friday, offering some "best team fits" in the article as moves that would make the most sense. The Lions did not directly make the cut, but one of their pending free agents did.
ESPN's Matt Bowen listed starting left guard Jonah Jackson, who is set to hit the open market along with Glasgow, fitting best with the Washington Commanders to offer stability on the offensive line during their rebuild, presumably with a rookie quarterback under center.
Bowen wrote: "Fitting into Kliff Kingsbury's offense in Washington, Jackson would immediately upgrade the left guard position. He posted a 93.2% pass block win rate in Detroit last season. That's needed in D.C., as the Commanders allowed 65 sacks in 2023, tied for second most in the NFL."
In Bowen's February article about his top team fits for the 50 best free agents, he said Fuller, the 19th-best free agent in the rankings and the third-best corner, would fit with the Lions.
On Fuller, Bowen wrote: "The Lions allowed 247.4 passing yards per game last season, sixth most in the league. But bringing in a perimeter corner like Fuller could boost the whole profile of the Detroit secondary. With 16 career interceptions (10 in his past four years with Washington) and the savvy technique to play both man and zone, Fuller is a good fit for Aaron Glenn's system."
Sporting News
The Lions or their pending free agents were only mentioned once in Sporting News' prediction piece, and it also predicts the Lions signing Fuller to shore up their need at cornerback. Writer Vinnie Iyer added Fuller would fit in Detroit.
Iyer wrote: "The Lions need to try again for reliable veteran corner help, and Fuller is a good fit with Aaron Glenn's scheme."
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' NFL free agency predictions: Here's who signs, leaves
