Last off-season the Detroit Lions, coming off their first playoff berth in a decade could only sit and watch as other teams gobbled up free agents. After a dismal 4-12 season this year and cutting ties with Titus Young, Kyle Vanden Bosch and others the Lions are primed to make a splash in the free agent market. Here is a look at five players the Lions should be looking to ink deals with.
Reggie Bush – running back
For his first few seasons, it looked as if his pro-career may never pan out. However, the last two years he’s been resurgent, having had back-to-back solid years for the Miami Dolphins. The 27-year-old should have a few good seasons left and would be the perfect replacement for Jahvid Best, who from all accounts may never play a down in the NFL again with his chronic concussion issues. Bush is a talented runner and is one of the best pass-catching running backs in the league, giving Matthew Stafford a much needed weapon.
Dwayne Bowe – wide receiver
Kansas City wants to keep him, and it’s no mystery why. He’s had 1000-plus yards receiving in three seasons of his career, and is only three years removed from his monster 2010 season where he had 72 receptions, 1162 receiving yards and 15 touchdown grabs. With Titus Young cut from the team, a wide-out of Bowe’s caliber will take some pressure off Calvin Johnson. Plus, I really don’t want to see Detroit waste another early-round draft pick on a receiver.
Brandon Moore – offensive line
From all accounts, he just may be the best offensive guard available this off-season. He is 33-years-old so the current New York Jet isn’t a long term solution, but if he can keep Stafford from being sacked for a few years he’s worth the price-tag.
Injuries kept Grimes off the field for the Atlanta Falcons in 2012, but before that the 29-year-old was putting together a strong career. He made the pro-bowl in 2010, and is considered one of the best coverage-corners in the league. Questions remain on his re-injury risk, but if it helps the Lions upgrade their secondary it might be worth looking into.
Ed Reed – safety
No harm in wishful thinking, right? The 34-year-old, if he doesn’t retire will most likely re-sign with the Baltimore Ravens to try and defend their Super Bowl title. He would be a great veteran presence for the Lions, who have become better known for their off the field antics than on the field… too bad it won’t happen.
Obviously, not all of these can happen. The important idea to remember is that the Lions can not sit and watch another off-season as other teams improve. It’s time for the Lions to become players in the free-agent game.
