The Detroit Li0ns have arrived. In one of the most anticipated offseasons in recent history, the Lions main need was on the defensive side of the ball. General Manager Brad Holmes did more than just address it. He attacked it. The immediate impact of these signings will be displayed very early on. These new additions show that the culture in Detroit has shifted. Players want to come here and be successful. Players want to contribute to winning culture. For the first time in decades, fans are excited about the potential of this team. These new additions will each come to this team and contribute something different and most importantly, contribute to a winning team.
There were many players who were brought back from last season. Here are some of the key re-signings for this growing Lions team:
LB Alex Anzalone- 3 years, 18.3 million. 9 million guaranteed
DT Isaiah Buggs- 2 years, up to 6 million with incentives.
DE John Cominsky- 2 years. 8.5 million. 4 million guaranteed.
RB Craig Reynolds -1 year, 1.1 million.
OT Matt Nelson- 1 year, 1.1 million
QB Nate Sudfeld- 1 year, 1.6 million.
DB Will Harris- 1 year, 1.1 million
DB C.J Moore- 1.1 million, 1.4 million bonus
K Michael Badgley- 1 year, 1.25 million.
Although the re-signings will make an immense impact, the true magic of this team was in free agency. Detroit entered free agency with a major need at the defensive back position and that is exactly what they addressed. However, the Lions also upgraded many other positions. With the additions of these players, the team will improve but also the team chemistry. Brad Holmes went out and got players that truly fit the Detroit mold.
CB Cam Sutton- Sutton signed with Detroit immediately. As stated in his introductory press conference, he was in tears when the Detroit Lions offered him his three-year, 33-million-dollar deal. Sutton adds tenacity and physicality to this corner lacking defense. Sutton also brings something to this defense that has been missing for years-versatility. In 2022, Sutton played 70 percent of his snaps lined up on the outside. However, he is able to play inside around 30 percent of the time. He is a situational corner who can play any matchup and will also help further the development of Jeff Okudah.
CB Emmanuel Moseley- In another move to bolster the defense, Holmes added Moseley on a one-year, six-million-dollar deal. A deal that was considered a bargain, Moseley was graded as the 49ers best corner last season. Moseley and Sutton were also college teammates at Tennessee something Holmes had to have kept in mind in developing chemistry. In his last 16 games, Moseley has 16 pass breakups, two interceptions, and 64 tackles. He will bring even more talent to pair with Sutton and Okudah.
RB David Montgomery- One of the biggest off-season stories for the Lions was the decision to make in the running back room. In 2022, Lions RB Jamaal Williams was a 1,000-yard rusher and rushed for a new Lions-record 17 touchdowns. However, Holmes opted to go with David Montgomery on a three-year, 18 million-dollar deal. Jamaal signed with the Saints a day later. Montgomery is an upgrade to the Lions in many ways. First, his versatility. He is elusive but can also be a power back. In addition, Montgomery has contributed 1,000 all-purpose yards in the last four seasons with a below-average Bears offensive line. The thought of Montgomery behind an above-average Lions line and a complement to fellow elusive back D’andre Swift has Detroit Lions fans very hopeful.
DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson- One of the best defensive backs on the open market, CGJ led the NFL in interceptions in 2022 with the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles. The Lions signed CGJ to a one-year, 6.5 million dollar deal, which was again considered a bargain. CGJ will come in and provide another safety presence to pair alongside Kerby Joseph and Tracy Walker. He also brings championship experience to a young, hungry, and motivated team.
IOL/G Graham Glasgow- In a return to the Lions, Glasgow will bring added guard depth after Detroit lost G Evan Brown in free agency. Glasgow could definitely provide starting time, but the Lions may look to the NFL Draft to add depth as well.
LB/ST Jalen Reeves-Maybin- In another Lions reunion, Reeves-Maybin will provide elite special teams play and potentially see some time as an outside linebacker.
WR Marvin Jones Jr.- Yet another reunion, Marvin Jones amassed 4,296 yards as a Lion from 2016-2020. He returns to Detroit on a 1-year, 3-million-dollar deal and will provide WR3 or WR4 time at WR.
All of these additions will each contribute to hopefully a playoff appearance for the Detroit Lions in 2023. GM Brad Holmes has done an outstanding job of developing a better culture for the Lions and bringing in players who want to play here.
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