One top free agent would answer two of Lions' biggest questions
The Lions should aggressively pursue one of the most decorated free agents currently on the market.
The Detroit Lions will enter the NFL’s free agency period seeking upgrades at multiple key positions. One are the Lions could stand to improve is at linebacker.
As the Lions continue to climb towards a postseason berth, adding a veteran presence could be key this offseason. There is one free agent that not only would bring big-game experience to Detroit, but he also stands to fill a team need.
Enter Bobby Wagner.
Wagner has been in the NFL for 11 seasons and has been named as an All-Pro in 10 of them. He is a hands down Hall of Famer who could help Detroit make the playoff leap in 2023.
ESPN recently released an article naming Wagner as one free agent the Lions must pursue.
"OverTheCap.com has the Lions near the top of the league with $22.1 million in cap space. This is a team that was surprisingly strong on offense last season but ranked 28th in defensive DVOA, so you could link them to any number of veteran defenders in free agency. For a young defense like this, you want to add a strong veteran for leadership — but a strong veteran who is still playing well.
Either Wagner or Lavonte David would fit the bill at inside linebacker next to Malcolm Rodriguez. We'll list Wagner here, clearly still playing at a high level at age 32. In fact, he led all linebackers in SIS' points saved metric last season. He allowed just 4.3 yards per target in coverage with two interceptions and was fourth in the NFL with 34 defeats, a metric that adds up turnovers, tackles for a loss and plays to prevent conversion on third or fourth down."
Wagner is set to turn 33 years old this offseason, but his durability isn’t a problem. He has started in at least 15 games every year since the 2015 season. But his price tag is cheapened by his age.
Spotrac estimates Wagner’s value at $9.3 million per year. His really value exceeds that number with what he can do on the field and how he can help inside a young locker room.
The decision will ultimately left up to Wagner, who will likely seek out a Super Bowl contender. If he believes that the Lions truly are a piece or two away from contending, it would make perfect sense for Detroit to make an aggressive push.
