The Detroit Lions are lucky to be one of the few teams that will go into free agency with a vast amount of freedom.

There are obviously some parts of the defense that have to be addressed if this team wants to take the next steps and make it back into the playoffs in 2023, but there is a very solid core that is locked in for the next few years.

While the defense is going to rightfully get most of the attention, the stout Lions offensive line could also see some changes during the offseason.

One of the most important free agents on the Lions could also prove to be one of the most surprising. Evan Brown may not be at the top of every fan's list on who they want to see back the most, but he should probably be at the top of the Lions' list.

No one is saying that the Lions need to forsake their defense in the name of keeping a Swiss army knife on the line. Still, Brown could prove to be much more than that after the two years that he has put together in starting situations.

After playing nearly two full seasons at guard and center at a quality level, the Lions should make the easy decision of keeping Brown around on a long-term deal.

The decision should be simple.

Vaitai Halapoulivaati makes a lot of sense as a cap casualty. Guard Jonah Jackson is talented but about to see a free agency period that could price him out of Detroit.

If the Lions are truly committed to consistency, that may mean overpaying slightly for a depth piece with starter upside rather than banking on consistency from inconsistent players and futures.

Brown gives the Lions the freedom to move on from Vaitai in the short term, but a long-term deal would provide more protection against injuries and departures than most other options on the market.

Based on what we've seen and from recent reports regarding Brown, the price tag may not be cheap, but the Lions should take the plunge and keep Brown, especially if a starting role could be open for him in 2023 and beyond.

How much more proof could you need?