While most people think the Detroit Lions will be active cornerbacks, the most recent free agency rumors from ESPN’s Dan Graziano say the Lions might make a big impact at defensive tackle.
The free agency period begins at Noon ET on Monday
According to Graziano, the Lions and Houston Texans could be in the running to sign defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, a player for the Dolphins.
Miami’s Christian Wilkins is likely to be a hot name, with contending teams like the Texans and Lions eager to enhance at that position, especially after Chris Jones landed a large deal on Saturday night, Graziano wrote early on Sunday morning.
Wilkins is the greatest defensive lineman available on the free agent market and is poised for a huge payout.
This weekend, Jones reportedly broke records when he signed a four-year, $98 million agreement with defensive tackle Justin Madubuike of the Chiefs and Ravens.
The 28-year-old Wilkins just finished his career with a career-high 9.0 sacks and 61 pressures, which ranks him eighth among all NFL defensive tackles according to PFF.
In addition to his exceptional pass rush, Wilkins has four seasons in a row with a PFF run defense grade of 69 or above, demonstrating his superior run defense.
With just Chris Smith, Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzuruike, and Brodric Martin under contract through 2024, the Lions need defensive tackle badly.
Only Martin has a contract that runs through the following season out of the four.
Wilkins would probably demand a deal worth more than $20 million annually, but after five consecutive seasons of placing in the bottom 10 in points allowed, Detroit’s defense is in desperate need of new blood.
There are a couple other intriguing candidates at defensive lineman for the Lions to consider if Wilkins is not selected.
