Lions general manager Bob Quinn had a busy first few days of free agency. He patched some major holes upfront along the offensive line, and added talent and depth at other positions of need.
The signings of tackle Rick Wagner and guard T.J. Lang plug two veteran starters in place of Riley Reiff (signed with Vikings) and Larry Warford (Saints). Linebacker Paul Worrilow, defensive tackle Akeem Spence and defensive end Cornelius Washington add depth to the front seven on defense.
Cornerback D.J. Hayden could challenge Quandre Diggs or Nevin Lawson for their starting spots, and at the very least brings veteran depth to the position.
Signing Darren Fells filled a need at tight end, and Keshawn Martin is expected to compete for a role on special teams and as a receiver.
Free agency has now reached phase two, but there are still some names out there that could potentially be a fit for the Lions:
Andre Holmes, WR, Oakland
Holmes has seen his role decline in Oakland each of the last two years after a 47-catch, 693-yard season in 2014 with four touchdowns. The Lions could still be looking to add to the ranks at receiver.
View photos of players the Lions signed in 2017 free agency.
Anquan Boldin, WR, Detroit
Boldin said at the Super Bowl that he'd eventually decide if and where he'd play a 15th NFL season at some point this offseason. ESPN's Jim Trotter reported Monday afternoon that Boldin will indeed return in 2017. He was still very productive last season as he led the Lions with eight touchdowns. He could opt to return to Detroit or maybe play closer to his family in Florida. We'll have to wait and see what he and the Lions decide.
Zach Brown, LB, Buffalo
In his first season as a starter in Buffalo, Brown racked up 149 tackles (97 solo) and also chipped in four sacks, four passes defended, two forced fumbles and an interception.
Armonty Bryant, DE, Detroit
Bryant was productive in his short stint with the Lions last season recording three sacks and a forced fumble in five games. The Lions could pick up a pass rusher or two in a talented draft class at the position, but teams can never have too many players that can rush the quarterback. Right now the Lions have Ziggy Ansah, Kerry Hyder, Cornelius Washington, Brandon Copeland and Anthony Zettel at the position.
Kevin Minter, LB, Arizona
Minter, 26, has been a full-time starter in Arizona the last two seasons, and has recorded 175 tackles over that span. He also had 3.5 sacks last season.
Jon Bostic, LB, Detroit
Quinn acquired Bostic via trade last offseason. Unfortunately, Bostic broke his foot in training camp and was never activated to the roster. He is only 25, knows the Lions scheme, and linebacker is still a position of need in Detroit.
LeGarrette Blount, RB, New England
The Lions need a big, tough back to pair with Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick. Blount rushed for 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. He could add instant toughness to Detroit's backfield.
Gerald Hodges, LB, San Francisco
Hodges was very productive in his second season with the 49ers last year. The former Viking had 83 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 15 games (12 starts).
Josh Bynes, LB, Detroit
Bynes, 27, has played a lot of different roles in Detroit the last three seasons. It's always a nice option to fill depth at linebacker with players that can wear many different hats if needed.
Andre Roberts, WR, Detroit
Roberts was a steady return man for the Lions last season, and made the most of his opportunities when playing the fourth receiver role.
