Lions Kick off Free Agency with a Bang!

Information pulled from: AtoZSports, PFF, Pro Football Reference

During the combine it was reported by multiple sources that the Lions would not be big players in free agency. While I don’t know what qualifies as “big”, I would argue locking up the 2nd/3rd/4th (up for debate) best center in free agency qualifies! Early in the free agent frenzy today the Lions locked up Cade Mays on a 3 year, 25 million dollar contract. Exact details of the contract are not yet apparent, but one thing is apparent, the Lions have locked up an anchor at the center position.

I am a huge fan of this signing and appreciate what Mays brings to the table. Take for instance Mays playing 726 snaps last year and not allowing a single sack, and only giving up two penalties. His pass block PFF grades live in the 70s and his run block grades live in the 60s. He is only 26 years old, and likely has his best football ahead of him. I cannot understate how important this signing was. By inking Mays to a contract at the beginning of free agency the Lions largely removed themselves from the drama around the market getting set with the signing of Tyler Linderbaum.

The Lions weren’t done though, as they signed Larry Borom as well. Borom is an offensive lineman that can backup either tackle spot, and will likely play the Dan Skipper role (as expressed by Mike Payton of AtoZ sports). The contract details are not yet available, but I bet they didn’t pay much. I really didn’t have Borom on my radar, but if I consider him a backup and 6th offensive lineman I’m very ok with this signing. He allowed 2 sacks and 5 penalties on 664 snaps, not too shabby for a reserve. His PFF grades show pass blocking grades in the mid 60s, and run block grades around 50. Not a sexy pick but one that was very badly needed, especially with a high likelihood of the Lions drafting an offensive tackle to immediately start. Look for Borom and Giovanni Manu to fight for the open tackle role as well.

All in all, I won’t call the start to free agency a slam dunk, but let’s remember the league year doesn’t start until Wednesday at 4pm. There are plenty of free agents still available. I would like to see the Lions lock up RB2 before Wednesday at 4pm, add a veteran safety (perhaps bring back Avonte Maddox), and a cornerback. If they can do any of these things with quality players by the end of the day, I would upgrade today to a slam dunk.

So many of the experts have talked about how Holmes is blowing it, that our team isn’t getting better, and sounding the alarm. I call click-bait. The Lions have a strong basis of talent, they just have holes they need to fill to contend. Getting a young, high end, center on day one of free agency, that’s a win in my book. It shows that Brad isn’t done, and all of the pessimistic “experts” are once again considering the Lions dead on arrival when they haven’t even had a chance to bounce back yet.