The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) North division. The team has a rich history, dating back to its founding in 1930 as the Portsmouth Spartans. Throughout the years, the Lions have had their ups and downs, but they remain a formidable force in the NFL. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Lions' signings in 2018 and evaluate how they fared in the past few seasons.
Offense Signings
LeGarrette Blount
One of the Lions' most significant signings in 2018 was LeGarrette Blount. The running back joined the team on a one-year deal worth $4.5 million. Blount previously played for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won two Super Bowls, and the New England Patriots, where he won another. His experience and winning pedigree were seen as valuable assets to the Lions.
Blount's first season with the Lions was somewhat underwhelming. He rushed for just 418 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 2.7 yards per carry. However, he did provide some veteran leadership and helped mentor some of the younger players on the team. Blount's contract expired after the 2018 season, and he did not re-sign with the team.
Kenny Golladay
Another notable signing for the Lions in 2018 was wide receiver Kenny Golladay. The team selected Golladay in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and he quickly emerged as a promising young talent. In his rookie season, he caught 28 passes for 477 yards and three touchdowns.
In 2018, Golladay continued to improve, recording 70 receptions for 1,063 yards and five touchdowns. He emerged as one of the Lions' most reliable receivers, and many fans and analysts believe he has the potential to become one of the league's top wideouts in the coming years.
Defense Signings
Devon Kennard
The Lions' defense struggled in 2017, ranking in the bottom third of the league in many categories. To help shore up their defense, the team signed linebacker Devon Kennard to a three-year, $18.75 million contract in 2018. Kennard previously played for the New York Giants, where he recorded 9.5 sacks in 2017.
In his first season with the Lions, Kennard recorded seven sacks, 42 tackles, and two forced fumbles. While his performance wasn't quite as impressive as his 2017 campaign with the Giants, he still proved to be a valuable addition to the Lions' defense. Kennard's contract runs through the 2020 season.
Christian Jones
Another linebacker the Lions signed in 2018 was Christian Jones. The team inked Jones to a two-year, $7.75 million contract, hoping he would provide some much-needed depth at the position. Jones previously played for the Chicago Bears, where he started 31 games over three seasons.
In his first year with the Lions, Jones started 11 games and recorded 50 tackles and one sack. While he wasn't a star player, he did provide solid play and helped fill some gaps on the Lions' defense. Jones' contract runs through the 2019 season.
Conclusion
All in all, the Lions' signings in 2018 were a mixed bag. Some players, like Kenny Golladay and Devon Kennard, proved to be valuable additions to the team. Others, like LeGarrette Blount, didn't quite live up to expectations. However, it's worth remembering that signings don't always pan out immediately, and some players take time to develop. The Lions will undoubtedly be looking to improve their roster in the coming years and will hope to make some more impactful signings in the future.
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