The Lions are flush with cap space and have a few clear needs coming off a trip to the NFC title game. They are positioned to swing big in free agency, which starts next week.
It doesn't mean they will. GM Brad Holmes said he doesn't expect to make "as many high-price external adds" this offseason after spending $63.5 million last year to bring in Cam Sutton, David Montgomery, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Emmanuel Moseley. The Lions have extensions to hand out internally and would rather "pay top dollar for your own guys," said Dan Campbell. But with the salary cap spiking next season, Detroit could still get aggressive next week.
There are certainly free agents who fit their needs. The Lions are among the favorites for some of the biggest defensive names on the market, according to BetOnline.Ag. If they do splurge on one, here are four names to watch:
DT Chris Jones
If Jones doesn't stay with the Chiefs, the Lions are his second most likely landing spot at 5/1, between the Raiders (4/1) and Cowboys (7/1). Jones' resume speaks for itself: five straight Pro Bowls, two straight All-Pros and three Super Bowl rings. He's averaged about 11 sacks and 70 quarterback pressures over the last six seasons, from the interior of the defensive line. To say nothing of what he can do against the run. Jones, who turns 30 this summer, is projected to make north of $25 million per year on his next deal.
DT Christian Wilkins
The Lions are the third most likely (5/1) landing spot for Wilkins if he doesn't stay with the Dolphins, after the Raiders (3/1) and Texans (4/1). The former first-round pick is coming off a breakout season in which he put up 9.0 sacks and 58 QB pressures. Like Jones, Wilkins would give Detroit's defensive line another powerful presence next to Alim McNeil, who could be in line for a new contract this offseason himself. Wilkins just turned 28 and would cost less than Jones, but still projects to land in the neighborhood of $20 million per year.
DE Danielle Hunter
There might not be a single player who would immediately elevate Detroit's defense like Hunter. If he moves on from the Vikings, the Lions are his third most likely (4/1) landing spot after the Jaguars (5/4) and Bears (5/2). A four-time Pro Bowler, Hunter is coming off a season in which he had a career-high 16.5 sacks and led the NFL with 23.5 tackles for loss. He also forced four fumbles. He would be a terror for the Lions opposite Aidan Hutchinson, who would benefit himself from seeing fewer double-teams. Hunter, who turns 30 next season, is projected to get north of $20 million per year.
DE Khalil Mack
Mack is 33 and a 10-year vet -- and he's under contract with the Chargers for one more season -- but he's coming off arguably his best year yet with a career-high 17 sacks. If he's released by the Chargers given his $38 million cap hit in 2024, the Lions are his most likely landing spot at 2/1, followed by the Steelers (5/1) and Raiders (6/1). In terms of big names, this might be the most realistic move for Detroit. Mack likely won't command the sort of commitment that would impede the Lions from extending their own players in the future. A short-term deal with a high average annual value fits their budget.