Lions Free Agency - Days 3 and 4

Information sourced from: PFF, Pro Football Reference, Spotrac, Pride of Detroit, RAS

The new league year dawned upon the Detroit Lions, and while it began a bit more quietly, they continue to make steady measured moves to fill out the roster. In today’s article I will break down the day 3 and 4 signings and provide all the official contract details that were not available on days 1 and 2.

The Lions re-signed a couple of their own players early today, with Trevor Nowaske and Tom Kennedy returning to the roster.

Trevor Nowaske returns to take the LB4 position, on a one year 1.03 million dollar contract. Nowaske has been valuable depth in past seasons. At 27 years old, there is no reason to think he is at the height of his game just yet. At worst this signing is a person just to play special teams and depth, at best he could challenge for starting reps. This move further ensures the continuity of the Lions LB room.

Tom Kennedy returns on a one year 1.1 million dollar contract. I am higher on this signing. Kennedy checks in at 29, but he does not have much “wear on his tires”. In his career he has only 18 receptions for 239 yards. So you may ask, why would you be high on him? It is simply his performance when he has filled in with Jared Goff. Per a contributor to this blog, MCBC, he has a way of sitting down in the soft spot of zone coverage and has reliable hands. I would also argue he has Jared Goff’s trust. If I have learned anything about Goff while he has been here, he has to trust his receivers. The Lions have no lack of talent at receiver, but as a fill-in WR5/PS elevation, Tom Kennedy makes perfect sense.

The Lions also added a new player in CB/S Christian Izien. Izien fits the mold of Brad Holmes, and the greater Lions staff. He is a versatile player that can play nickel corner and safety. A solid depth signing that doesn’t leave the Lions in a desperate situation regarding the nickel position. While a bit undersized, he touts great athleticism, proving he is explosive, agile, and fast (4.41 40 yard dash). He touts a relative athletic score of 8.55/10. Contract details are not yet available for Christian as he was signed just today, but I am thinking this is a one year deal to try him out for depth.

Free Agency Contract Details to Date

The Lions continue to work slowly, targeting their guys to make this team more competitive than last year. With the restructure of Jared Goff also recently occurring (and the subsequent cap space add), I do not think the Lions are done as of yet. We could see a Gibbs contract extension, or LaPorta (if his medicals check out). We also could see an additional bigger ticket free agent. Regardless, the Lions are working to ensure they do not backslide and move forward once again.

Another move I would look for the Lions to make is the addition of an edge rusher. They are now thin at the position with the departure of Al-Quadin Muhammad to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mark my words, Brad Holmes isn’t done yet.