The 2023 NFL season is just around the corner, and the Detroit Lions are facing some tough decisions when it comes to their unrestricted free agents. With several key players set to hit the open market, the Lions must decide who to keep and who to let go. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the Lions' top free agents and analyze their chances of staying in Detroit.
Jared Goff: Stay or Go?
Jared Goff was acquired by the Lions in a big trade with the Los Angeles Rams, and he had an up-and-down season in his first year in Detroit. Goff showed flashes of brilliance at times, but he also struggled with consistency and turnovers. With a new coaching staff in place, it's unclear whether Goff will be the long-term answer at quarterback for the Lions.
However, Goff's contract makes it difficult for the Lions to move on from him this year. Goff is due to make over $30 million in 2023, which is a hefty price tag for a team in rebuilding mode. It's possible that the Lions could try to restructure Goff's contract to lower his cap hit, but it's more likely that he will stay in Detroit for at least one more season.
Frank Ragnow: The Anchor of the Offensive Line
Frank Ragnow has emerged as one of the best centers in the NFL over the past few seasons, and he's a crucial piece of the Lions' offensive line. Ragnow is set to become a free agent in 2023, and the Lions will undoubtedly do everything they can to keep him in Detroit.
Ragnow has been a model of consistency for the Lions, starting every game he's played in since entering the league in 2018. He's also a leader in the locker room and a fan favorite. Expect the Lions to make a strong push to re-sign Ragnow to a long-term deal this offseason.
T.J. Hockenson: The Future of the Lions' Offense
T.J. Hockenson had a breakout season in 2022, emerging as one of the best young tight ends in the NFL. Hockenson caught 88 passes for 1,050 yards and 8 touchdowns, and he was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
Hockenson is set to become a free agent after the 2023 season, but the Lions have the option to pick up his fifth-year option, which would keep him in Detroit through 2024. It's a no-brainer for the Lions to exercise that option, as Hockenson is a vital part of their offense and a player they can build around for years to come.
Other Free Agents to Watch
In addition to Goff, Ragnow, and Hockenson, the Lions have several other key free agents to keep an eye on this offseason. Defensive end Romeo Okwara had a career year in 2021 with 11 sacks, but he struggled to replicate that success in 2022 and could be a candidate to leave in free agency. Safety Tracy Walker is a solid player who has been with the Lions since 2018, but he may not fit into the team's long-term plans.
Other free agents to watch include linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, cornerback Amani Oruwariye, and wide receiver Quintez Cephus. The Lions will have some tough decisions to make this offseason, but they have plenty of cap space and draft picks to help rebuild their roster.
The Bottom Line
The Lions are in a rebuilding mode, and they have some tough decisions to make when it comes to their unrestricted free agents. Goff is likely to stay in Detroit for at least one more year, but Ragnow and Hockenson are players the Lions must keep if they want to build a winning team. The Lions have some other key free agents to watch, and they will need to make smart decisions this offseason if they want to turn their fortunes around in 2023 and beyond.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions have a lot of work to do this offseason, and their decisions regarding their unrestricted free agents will be crucial to their success. While there are some tough choices to make, the Lions have the cap space and draft capital to rebuild their roster and put a competitive team on the field in 2023. It will be interesting to see how the Lions approach free agency and the draft, and whether they can build a team that can compete in the tough NFC North.
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