Every NFL team but two is now in the offseason, as the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs prepare to compete in Super Bowl LVIII. In general, both teams have upcoming free agents who could be of interest to the Detroit Lions. Possibly more than the five we’ve named, depending on how things progress and where certain needs emerge.
On the other hand, it was worth looking through the free agent lists for both of this year’s Super Bowl teams to see if there were any that the Lions should avoid. It was difficult to compile a list of those to completely avoid. Getting to five became impossible, and a new review made getting to three difficult. A list of two items is usually not worth expanding.
With top needs at cornerback and edge rusher, the Lions’ free agent targets are easy to prioritize. An edge rusher with a high draft pedigree, albeit with a couple of injury-shortened seasons following his Defensive Rookie of the Year award, may make sense.
With the Lions’ need for an edge rusher clearly evident this season, the decision to trade for someone came easily.
Then, in April’s draft, the San Francisco 49ers acquired Chase Young from the Washington Commanders for a third-round pick, and there was an easy “that’s all it took to get him?” reaction.
Then Young has only 2.5 sacks in 11 games (including the playoffs) with the 49ers. In the NFC Championship Game, the Lions got a good look at Jahmyr Gibbs’ scoring run. Young is ranked No. 92.
The 49ers’ defense’s effort level against the Lions has subsequently been recognized and criticized by several members of the squad, with Young standing out as a prominent target. It would be interesting to see how he responds in the Super Bowl, since he has the potential to put something nice on video before free agency.
But it doesn’t really matter what Young does in the Super Bowl. Intangibles and cultural fit are required to be a Detroit Lion, and the former No. 2 overall pick just does not meet those standards.
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