In the NFL free agency, should the Lions sign LB Zach Cunningham
The Detroit Lions’ linebacker room had a respectable 2023 campaign, but should the team think about adding someone there for 2024?
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report believes that they ought to. He recommends Zach Cunningham, a seasoned linebacker, be signed by the Lions. Here’s his explanation:
Even though Alex Anzalone had a successful season in 2023, the Lions might want to consider Anzalone’s backup. For most of the previous season, Derrick Barnes’ play was inconsistent, while Jack Campbell’s rookie campaign was unremarkable.
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They would have another seasoned option to fight for a starting position during training camp if they added Cunningham, who Pro Football Focus only projects to sign a $2.75 million, one-year contract. Thus, it’s worth a try to include him and provide the position group with at least a little more depth.
After leading the NFL in tackles in 2020, Cunningham was a 13-game participant for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, starting ten of those games. He missed four games last season in addition to 11 games in 2022 due to injury concerns that he has had for the past two seasons.
He’s a plus-run defender who would give experience and depth to a young bunch behind Alex Anzalone, but Cunningham has never been very good in coverage, so that would be a drawback.
The Lions would be better off allocating their money elsewhere because linebacker is one of the final spots they need to address this offseason, and they have Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, and Jack Campbell playing well there.
READ MORE: Schefter: Goff and St. Brown should be extended by the Lions “sooner rather than later.”
The Lions, in Adam Schefter’s opinion, are moving in the right direction.
Adam Schefter of ESPN NFL Insiders is another person who joins an increasing number of people who think the Detroit Lions are headed in the right direction after winning the NFC North and making it to the NFC North Championship Game.
“The Lions have come a long way, and I believe that everyone understands the significance of their postseason victory for that city. Twice, for the Rams and the Buccaneers, there was an electrifying atmosphere. If they had prevailed in that game in San Francisco to get to the Super Bowl, one can only speculate about the experience. In the most recent episode of “Locked on Lions Podcast,” Schefter said to Matt Dery, “I think Michigan would have gone wild for the Lions.” Furthermore, just because you come this close one year does not guarantee that you’ll return the next one. However, I think they’ve assembled a team that will be strong for some time. There is a great deal of young talent that should be able to compete annually if they can maintain their health
“Those who have done it correctly have been brought in.” As for Brad Holmes, Mike Disner, Dan Campbell, and John Dorsey, they all performed admirably. Certain individuals have played a significant role in the franchise’s success, and that’s why it feels different. Lately, things have changed.
Holmes has shown budgetary discipline during the offseason, signing several players who should have a significant influence on the team, such as offensive guard Kevin Zeitler, defensive lineman D.J. Reader, and cornerback Carlton Davis.
Schefter praised the fourth-year general manager for his efforts to keep turning the Lions into a winning team, despite some criticizing him for not making a bold enough move (i.e., acquiring a player equivalent to Daniel Hunter or Brian Burns). Furthermore, according to a seasoned NFL source, Detroit will use the April draft to advance as a team.
In regards to the Lions’ prudent financial decisions this summer, Schefter stated, “I was not surprised. They’re operating like a seamless, smart, competent business that’s not getting ahead of itself.” “They added players, and they were busy.” Simply put, they passed on adding pass rusher Danielle Hunter, who costs $25 million annually.
“D.J. Reader is someone, and while I won’t say that he would have received the same compensation as Danielle Hunter if he had been well,. However, he would have received a substantial salary. Like, when he’s healthy, that man is extremely good. That’s why they need him to recover. They require a step forward from their players in their sophomore year. However, they selected several excellent young players this year in the draft. This club has demonstrated that it is capable of finding further support in the draft, but it still needs it. Additionally, this squad is going to be extremely stacked if they can have a draft that is even remotely similar to the one they had the previous year.
The status of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jared Goff’s contract extensions
Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jared Goff are two of the main contributors to the Lions’ latest team comeback. Additionally, it’s possible that they will both soon receive new contracts.
In 2019, while still a member of the Los Angeles Rams, Goff signed a four-year, $134 million contract, of which he is currently in the last year. St. Brown, a fourth-round selection in the 2021 draft, is now in the final year of his rookie contract.
Schefter would aim to sign the Pro Bowl players to new contracts as quickly as possible if he were in charge of the Lions.
Schefter stated, “In my opinion, it would be best to complete all of these extensions as quickly as possible.” Jordan Love and Tua Tagovailoa are two of the major quarterback deals that will be completed this summer. I would assume that the number of Jared Goffs will only rise if those agreements are completed. Amon-Ra St. Brown, a wide receiver who has established himself as one of the top young wide receivers in the game, has had a similar experience. Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Jaylen Waddle, and CeeDee Lamb are all in the market for new contracts. Many wide receivers are seeking new contracts.
You could therefore take action right away or wait. Additionally, I think these athletes’ agents might want to hold off. Considering that the price would increase the longer they waited,. In my opinion, if you’re the Lions, you should move sooner because the cost will increase. They are therefore dancing in there, and I have no doubt that they will find a means to close these deals at some point during the offseason.
Regarding Goff’s potential season-long salary of $50 million under his new contract, Schefter anticipates that the signal-caller and Detroit would continue to haggle over the figure before coming to an agreement.
Regarding the amount for Goff’s impending extension, Schefter stated, “I would expect that Jared Goff’s people think that it should start with a five ($50 million), and I’m sure the Lions argue that it should start with a four ($40 million).” “So, where does that go in, and we’ll eventually figure out where that goes?” Furthermore, I’m going to assume that some compromise is necessary on both ends. Perhaps that translates to a lower average and more guaranteed money. We may have just touched on the topic of discussion there; I’m not sure how they’re going to handle it. The Lions say they’re making this $45+ million, and I’m sure Jared Goff’s people think it’s $50+ million. We’ll now give them some time to determine how things work out precisely.
