One of the clubs with the greatest cap room going into free agency is the Detroit Lions.
It remains to be seen if the Lions will decide to spend money on outside free agents. With its trip to the NFC Championship Game, the team proved it was a contender, and by bringing in veteran personnel, it can increase the likelihood that it can succeed right away.
The cornerback spot is one of their main areas of need. Ranking high on the list of most valued jobs, top free agents will demand a high price.
The NFC North is home to one of the best players that might be available on the free agent market. One of the best cornerbacks expected to enter the market is Jaylon Johnson, a defensive back for the Chicago Bears.
Johnson may become a free agent if the Bears decide against using the franchise tag on him. In the event that this occurs, he will probably command a high contract.
Detroit has a challenging situation to deal with this offseason. With one of the largest cap pools in the league at their disposal, the team can invest in a major free agent like Johnson.
Pro Football Focus’s 2023 defender of the year, Johnson had an outstanding season with the Bears. In addition to 36 tackles, he has 10 passes defensed and four interceptions.
His 33.3 passer rating allowed this year, as reported by PFF, shows that he is a legitimate top coverage corner. Furthermore, he only permitted a 50% completion percentage on passes that were thrown to him.
In 2023, the Lions lacked a true shutdown corner. As the team’s best option, Cam Sutton had an inconsistent season and had significant difficulty stopping elite wideouts in the latter part of the season and during the postseason.
Johnson is a lanky, agile cornerback who can track long passes with his range while still being a danger in the short game. In addition, he is a seasoned boundary corner—exactly what the Lions require.
Therefore, the company would undoubtedly profit by researching the market and making an effort to get a top candidate for the role.
A long-term commitment, though, makes matters more difficult. A number of important players for Detroit, notably wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and quarterback Jared Goff, are approaching their contract renewal deadlines.
The Lions might not be able to make room for a large long-term contract as a result. For a player like Johnson, who has accomplished enough to merit a long-term contract, this would make commitment tough.
As it approaches its Super Bowl window, Detroit is in a vulnerable position. Holmes and the other executives in the company need to tread carefully when negotiating the salary cap in order to preserve the team’s core while simultaneously looking for ways to improve it.
Holmes will have the chance to take a significant step forward because to the expanded salary cap room. Nevertheless, it’s unclear if he decides to do so.
