CBS shares Detroit Lions' post-NFL draft free agent fit

2 min read
CBS shares Detroit Lions' post-NFL draft free agent fit

CBS shares Detroit Lions' post-NFL draft free agent fit

CBS thinks the Detroit Lions could continue to improve its roster post-NFL draft with this free agent signing.

CBS shares Detroit Lions' post-NFL draft free agent fit

CBS thinks the Detroit Lions could continue to improve its roster post-NFL draft with this free agent signing.

The Detroit Lions aren't done building their roster just yet. After an aggressive NFL Draft and a pair of post-draft signings—defensive tackle Jay Tufele and linebacker Joe Bachie on one-year deals—the Lions still have plenty of cap room to make another splash. According to Over The Cap, Detroit sits with $17.5 million in effective cap space, giving General Manager Brad Holmes flexibility to target a key free agent.

CBS Sports recently analyzed every NFL team's biggest remaining need after the draft, and for the Lions, the spotlight falls on the offensive line. Analyst Zachary Pereles identified former Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio as the ideal free agent fit. "Adding Bitonio would be a great way for the Lions to upgrade on the interior," Pereles wrote. "With new faces at right tackle (Blake Miller) and center (Cade Mays) and Penei Sewell switching to left tackle, the steady Bitonio would be a nice add on the interior."

Bitonio, a seven-time Pro Bowler, would bring veteran stability to a retooled line. Spotrac estimates his market value at $12.9 million, which fits comfortably within Detroit's cap space. Currently, the Lions project Sewell at left tackle, Christian Mahogany at left guard, Mays at center, Tate Ratledge at right guard, and Miller at right tackle. Sliding Bitonio in at left guard could help ease Sewell's transition to the blindside and solidify an already promising unit.

For Lions fans, this move would be the cherry on top of an offseason defined by offensive line retooling. Whether Holmes pulls the trigger remains to be seen, but the pieces are in place for another smart addition.

Like this article?

Order custom jerseys for your team with free design

Related Topics

Related News

Back to All News