The Detroit Lions are encouraged to pursue a Kansas City Chiefs starter with Super Bowl experience to bolster their team.
The Lions are celebrating a close 26-23 win over the Houston Texans, but experts see room for improvement. Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department suggests that a Chiefs starter could enhance Detroit’s offense significantly.
In a November 11 feature on each team’s weaknesses, NFL analyst Mike Holder suggests the Lions target Chiefs guard Trey Smith, envisioning his fit in Detroit’s lineup.
Detroit Expected to Need a Guard Soon
Holder points out in Bleacher Report that Detroit’s guard lineup is uncertain: “Kevin Zeitler is on a one-year deal, and Graham Glasgow has been more solid than outstanding this season, so there could be room for an upgrade.” Detroit may likely pursue a new guard in the offseason.
Smith has strong stats. Going into Week 10, he was the eighth-highest graded guard by Pro Football Focus with an 81.5 rating. Chiefs fans regard him highly.
Holder adds that while Smith, soon to turn 26, will command a high salary, the Lions have about $65 million in projected cap space for the offseason, per Over The Cap.
Holder advises the Lions to target Smith as a free agent in the offseason, noting that right now, Detroit doesn’t need changes. “The team is on a roll, so there’s no need to shake things up at this time,” he remarked.
Lions Top NFL Power Rankings Heading Into Week 11
The Lions’ continued success has them near the top of Week 11 NFL Power Rankings.
James Dator of SB Nation ranks the Lions No. 1 for the first time this season, saying, “This may seem surprising, as the Chiefs are the league’s only undefeated team, while the Lions are 8-1.”
Dator continued, “There’s growing doubt about the Chiefs’ performance quality, leading some of us to question their claim to the best-team title.”
ESPN ranks the Lions No. 2, with Eric Woodyard saying, “Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson calls Amon-Ra St. Brown ‘the most consistent player I’ve been around,’ influencing teammates with his work ethic.”
USA Today’s Nate Davis also has Detroit at No. 2, stating, “Resilience is now part of their identity, achieving their first comeback win under HC Dan Campbell after trailing at halftime. QB Jared Goff and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown haven’t missed a pass since Week 3, with 30 consecutive completions—the longest streak since 2016.”
