The Detroit Lions have had a busy offseason, making moves to improve their roster ahead of the 2023 season. With a new coaching staff and a revamped front office, the Lions are looking to turn things around after a disappointing 2022 campaign. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the key transactions the Lions have made during the preseason and what they mean for the team moving forward.
Offseason Acquisitions
One of the biggest moves the Lions made this offseason was signing quarterback Trevor Lawrence to a four-year, $150 million contract. Lawrence, who was the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, is widely regarded as one of the top young quarterbacks in the league and is expected to be the centerpiece of the Lions' offense for years to come. The team also added some veteran help for Lawrence in the form of wide receiver Will Fuller, who signed a two-year, $24 million deal with the Lions in free agency.
On defense, the Lions added some much-needed depth to their secondary by signing cornerback Kyle Fuller and safety Keanu Neal. Fuller, who played under Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn during his time with the Chicago Bears, is expected to start opposite Jeff Okudah at cornerback. Neal, meanwhile, will provide the Lions with a hard-hitting presence in the middle of the field.
Departures
While the Lions made some key additions this offseason, they also said goodbye to some key players from last year's team. The biggest loss for the Lions was likely wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr., who signed a two-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency. Jones was one of the Lions' most reliable targets over the past few seasons and will be missed.
The Lions also parted ways with veteran linebacker Jamie Collins Sr., who was released in a cost-cutting move. Collins was a productive player for the Lions last season, but his $10 million cap hit made him expendable. The Lions will look to replace Collins' production with younger players like Derrick Barnes and Jahlani Tavai.
Impact Rookies
The Lions had a strong draft class this year, led by first-round pick defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux, who was widely regarded as the top defensive player in the draft, is expected to make an immediate impact for the Lions' pass rush. The team also added some help on the offensive line with second-round pick center Tyler Linderbaum and third-round pick tackle Zion Nelson.
Another rookie to watch for the Lions is wide receiver Treylon Burks, who was selected in the fourth round. Burks was a standout at the University of Arkansas and could provide the Lions with some much-needed depth at the receiver position.
Outlook for the Season
Overall, the Lions have made some smart moves this offseason and are looking like a much-improved team on paper. Of course, it remains to be seen how all the pieces will fit together and whether the team can execute on the field. But with a talented young quarterback in Trevor Lawrence and some experienced veterans on both sides of the ball, the Lions are definitely a team to watch in 2023.
It will be interesting to see how the Lions perform in the preseason and how their new additions look in game action. But one thing is for sure: the Lions are a team on the rise and could be a force to be reckoned with in the NFC North for years to come.
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