The Detroit Lions are charging ahead as one of the NFL’s top teams heading into the final full month of the regular season.
With an impressive 11-1 record, Detroit aims to go undefeated in December to solidify its chances of securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed, which comes with a bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, excluding the Super Bowl.
While Lions players focus on February and their hopes of winning the Lombardi Trophy, the front office must begin planning for the offseason.
As the regular season winds down, the majority of teams will end their campaigns by Wild Card Weekend, allowing most of the league to shift its attention to offseason preparations by mid-January.
With several free agents on the horizon, Detroit needs a strong strategy to either retain key players or fill potential gaps. Fortunately, the market will offer options, but head coach Dan Campbell and the front office may want to tread carefully with certain decisions.
Bleacher Report’s recent offseason predictions suggest defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw as a potential target for Detroit. The report highlights that Levi Onwuzurike and John Cominsky are set to become free agents in 2025, making Kinlaw a cost-effective depth option if the team faces unexpected departures.
It wouldn’t be surprising if GM Brad Holmes lets Onwuzurike walk, given his underwhelming 3.5 sacks over three injury-plagued seasons since being drafted 41st overall in 2021. Cominsky has been more effective with 6.5 sacks in two seasons, but his absence throughout 2024 leaves his future uncertain.
Even with both players potentially leaving, relying on Kinlaw as a replacement could be risky. Drafted 14th overall in 2020, the South Carolina product has struggled in the NFL, tallying just 5.0 sacks in three seasons with the 49ers and adding only 2.5 sacks with the Jets this year.
Kinlaw’s inability to perform despite playing alongside talented teammates raises concerns. His sloppiness has also been evident with the Jets, where he recorded four missed tackles this season—double the total from his first three years combined.
While a team like the Lions could afford to gamble on a high-risk, high-reward player like Kinlaw, the potential downsides might outweigh the upside. Holmes may choose to avoid the temptation when making decisions this spring.