As they strip down down a broken defense, the Lions' new regime is looking for a few parts to keep.
That could include at least one linebacker from the Bob Quinn era.
Detroit "has interest in re-signing Jalen Reeves-Maybin," according to Josina Anderson. A fourth-round draft pick in 2017, Reeves-Maybin is set to become a free agent March 17.
"The Lions are looking to build around core guys and build a new culture," says Anderson.
Reeves-Maybin was never a good fit in Matt Patricia's defense, which prioritized linebackers with size. But that could change under new defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. And he'll always have a place on special teams, where he's excelled the past couple seasons.
If the Lions do re-sign Reeves-Maybin, it could signal a shift toward lighter, faster linebackers. They've already released Christian Jones, who started 42 games over the last three seasons. They also have decisions to make on free agents Jarrad Davis and Reggie Ragland.
What kind of linebackers is Glenn looking for?
"Linebackers that make plays," he said last month.
"I love speed. I love big guys, too. I like big guys with speed," said Glenn. "If we get good players, players that can run, hit, cover, can do all those things, man, everybody wants those players. I'd be lying if I said I want small guys that are 200 pounds. I want big guys that can run. We all want that, but we want to make sure we get the right guys, character guys, because we know your character's going to show up on the field at some point."
Elsewhere on defense, Detroit is cutting corners Desmond Trufant and Justin Coleman and sending defensive end Romeo Okwara to free agency. A shakeup was needed after the Lions allowed the most points and the most yards in the NFL.
