As we approach the fifth day of free agency, the Detroit Lions still have a significant hole at left tackle.
The Lions waved Taylor Decker, their long-time left tackle, after he requested one following a failed attempt to restructure his contract.
Of course, the Lions might move Penei Sewell to left tackle, but that would leave them with an unfilled position at right tackle.
In order to address the problem, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell believes Detroit might sign former Green Bay Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker.
Barnwell commented on Walker’s decision to stay in the NFC North with the Lions, saying:
The Lions dismissed Taylor Decker earlier this offseason, leaving a vacancy at left tackle. Detroit might shift star right tackle Penei Sewell to the left side, where he played at Oregon, but there is value in retaining a superstar in the position where he has thrived. Lane Johnson was a standout left tackle in his last year at Oklahoma, but he has played on the right side for the Eagles since becoming a professional. A one-year contract with the Lions will provide Walker an opportunity to prove himself in a terrific system. Two games against the Packers would be beneficial as well.
Walker became a free agent widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen available, and he expected to have a robust market as a starting-caliber left tackle.
However, Walker has been silent, suggesting that the market may not be as strong as we anticipated.
Walker’s biggest drawback is that he is not a strong run blocker, which is bad news for a Lions team that loves to run the ball.
However, Walker is a skilled pass blocker, as seen by his 70. 0 Pro Football Focus rating in that category last season.
The Lions’ biggest challenge to signing Walker will be his compensation.
Spotrac forecasts that Walker will sign a four-year, $81 million deal, and we doubt Detroit would pay that much given Decker was less expensive and Detroit cut him anyhow.
However, the lack of action on Walker may indicate that he will be paid significantly less than expected. If that is the case, he may be a candidate for the Lions.
