Detroit Lions are NFC North's Biggest Winner in Free Agency

According to many, the Lions were the biggest winners in the division following their week of acquisitions

John Maakaron | Mar 21, 2020

While exploring all the grades the Lions secured for their recent acquisitions, Detroit did not come away viewed as harshly as some may assume.

Yes, the Lions are now officially known as the "Detroit Patriots."

However, the organization has clearly gone all-in by filling the roster with players it believes will tow the company line and fully support the regime.

Last offseason, the Green Bay Packers drastically improved their defense by acquiring Adrian Amos, Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith.

Instantly, the Packers were able to go 6-0 in the NFC North. And the improved defense did not allow more than 22 points against a divisional foe all season.

As a result of the Lions' acquisitions over the past seven days, many have crowned Detroit the free-agency winner of the NFC North.

The moves made by Detroit's divisional rivals were clearly not as impactful as Detroit's acquisitions, and most teams in the division did not display a willingness to get involved in a spending frenzy.

According to the Bleacher Report's Maurice Moton:

"Detroit lost multiple players in free agency and replaced them with guys who know Patricia's scheme, which is crucial for a defense that ranked 26th in scoring and allowed the second-most yards last year.The Lions released right tackle Rick Wagner and

saved $6.1 million

against the cap.

Harmon has developed into a versatile safety with above-average ball skills in center field. Over the last three seasons, he's recorded 10 interceptions in primarily a reserve role, though the 29-year-old has played at least 61 percent of the defensive snaps in each of those campaigns.

The front office put that cash toward Halapoulivaati Vaitai's five-year, $50 million deal. That's a risky investment for a four-year veteran with just 20 starts, but the 6'6", 320-pound tackle could seal the edge for outside runs and engulf edge-rushers on his side of the line."

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Published Mar 21, 2020

JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!