Watching the Super Bowl will provide additional incentive for the Detroit Lions and their fans.
Dan Campbell’s club was on the verge of making it to this game after leading the NFC Championship Game by three scores at halftime. However, the San Francisco 49ers staged a spirited rally to overcome Detroit and punch their ticket.
As a consequence, the Lions will be forced to watch two teams face off in a game they had intended to attend. However, it will allow them to continue assessing possible free agents prior to the 2024 offseason.
The Lions should keep an eye out for these five free agents on Sunday.
CB L’Jarius Sneed
After spending the previous three seasons mostly as a slot cornerback, Sneed shifted to the boundary for the last year of his rookie contract. The results were impressive, as he demonstrated his potential to be a lockdown corner for the Chiefs defense.
He was also a playmaker. Sneed intercepted two passes this season and caused a fumble during the team’s AFC Championship Game victory against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Lions made an investment in a cornerback last season in Cam Sutton, but the veteran failed in his job as the team’s primary cornerback. According to Pro Football Focus, Sneed is expected to earn $17.5 million a year, thus the Lions may opt not to give another large contract to a cornerback after doing so last year.
However, Sneed fills a glaring need and provides the Lions with a quality secondary option.
DE Mike Danna
Aidan Hutchinson, one of the league’s best EDGE rushers, has struggled to produce on the other side of the defensive line.
Danna’s pass-rush performance isn’t great, with 17 sacks in four seasons. However, he has been an anchor in the run game. In 2023, Detroit changed defensive ends, so Danna could give such consistency on the other side of Hutchinson.
The Lions have shown a desire to add competitiveness to their squad, and Danna would put pressure on young players like John Cominsky and Josh Paschal to deliver.
He has links to Michigan, having played for both Central Michigan and Michigan in college. Furthermore, he’s likely to want a low-cost, short-term deal, allowing the Lions to make an easy commitment.
DT Javon Kinlaw
The Lions had one of the league’s strongest run defenses in 2023, but they struggled with interior depth at times this season. Veteran Tyson Alualu emerged as a vital player down the stretch, while Alim McNeill suffered a knee injury at the end of the regular season.
McNeill has the potential to be a standout defensive lineman, but the Lions could use another starter in their front four. Kinlaw matches that profile.
The 49ers declined the 2020 first-round pick’s fifth-year option, so he will be free this year. He recorded career highs in sacks and tackles for loss, indicating that he is still progressing despite struggling with injuries over the prior two years.
Under general manager Brad Holmes, the Lions have demonstrated a capacity to offer short-term contracts to players who have suffered injuries. Kinlaw is a quality player who would be a nice match on defense. As a result, a short-term, prove-it deal might help the 26-year-old reach his full potential.
DE Chase Young
Many expected the Lions to make a bid for Young at the trade deadline, but he was ultimately traded to the 49ers. The 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year has star potential, but injuries have slowed his development early in his career.
However, it is unclear whether his level of effort will fulfill the Lions’ expectations. He has the potential to be a top rusher, but he has battled to live up to that standard.
Young’s potential is great, and he has been extremely excellent at times throughout his career. Depending on the price tag in free agency, the Lions would be wise to consider adding him to their pass-rush corps as they want to maximize their Super Bowl window.
WR Jauan Jennings
Jennings, the sole restricted free agent on our list, is an intriguing talent who has established himself as a crucial component of the 49ers’ offensive attack. San Francisco has plenty of other playmakers, but Jennings consistently makes crucial plays at critical moments.
At 6-foot-3, Jennings projects as a good X-receiver with multi-level potential. Both the Lions’ tough outside threats, Josh Reynolds and Donovan Peoples-Jones, are poised to become free agents.
The Lions would have to overpay somewhat to lure him in, since the 49ers may match contract offers to keep him. Nonetheless, Holmes has never shied away from making significant transfers to improve his team’s depth.
Jennings has interesting potential and would complement Detroit’s emerging receiving corps, which includes Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.
