3 Free-Agent Defensive Tackles Lions Could Target

Read more on the three free-agent defensive tackles the Detroit Lions could target this offseason.

With the NFL offseason now in full bloom, it's time to look at the Detroit Lions' positions of need. 

The Lions possess a variety of needs across the defensive side of the ball, including along the interior of the defensive line. 

With that said, here are three defensive tackles Detroit general manager Brad Holmes could target this offseason, via free agency. 

Sheldon Rankins, N.Y. Jets 

Rankins, a first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2016, will be entering his eighth season as a pro in 2023.

Rankins was a member of the Saints from 2016-2020, coinciding with the tenures of Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn as assistants in New Orleans.

The 6-foot-2, 305-pounder is coming off a season with the Jets in which he posted a run grade of 67.0, according to Pro Football Focus.

He also finished the 2022 campaign with 43 total tackles, seven quarterback hits, three sacks and a forced fumble. 

Per Spotrac, Rankins should be able to earn a two-year contract worth approximately $7.4 million a season this offseason. For that price, I'd be willing to ink the veteran interior lineman to a contract.

Jamie Germano, USA TODAY NETWORK

Jarran Reed, Green Bay Packers 

Just like Rankins, Reed has been in the league since 2016. 

Originally a second-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks, Reed has spent the past two seasons in Kansas City and Green Bay, respectively.

As a member of the Packers in 2022, the 6-foot-3, 313-pounder suited up for all 17 games, and recorded 52 total tackles, 14 QB hits, two-and-a-half sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. 

For his efforts, he earned a 61.9 grade from Pro Football Focus. 

Over his career, he's proven to be very adept at getting after the quarterback.

And, if acquired by Holmes, he'd provide a solid boost to Detroit's pass-rushing unit.

David Onyemata, New Orleans Saints

Just like Rankins, Onyemata has familiarity with Campbell and Glenn. 

Onyemata has suited up for the Saints since 2016, and has posted at least 10 QB hits a year since 2019. 

Additionally, according to PFF, "Over the last three seasons, Onyemata’s 11.4% pressure percentage ranks 11th among interior defenders, and his 113 total pressures rank 17th despite missing the first six games of the 2022 season due to a suspension. He’s also a solid run defender — his 45 run defense stops and 14 tackles for loss or no gain are both top 50 marks at the position over the span.”

This past season, the 6-foot-4, 300-pounder notched 43 total tackles, including five for loss, to go along with 11 QB hits, five sacks and a fumble recovery. 

Per Spotrac, he'll be able to demand a three-year contract worth about $9.7M a season this offseason. This might be a little too pricy for Holmes' liking. 

However, there's no doubt that Onyemata, with his ability to both wreak havoc against opposing passers and stop the run, would be a nice fit along the interior of the Lions' defensive line.