6 free agents that best fit the Detroit Lions after the 2024 NFL Draft

The Detroit Lions did a lot of work on receivers in the draft and there was a lot of thought to the idea that they may take one. They just never really had a chance to as the receivers they seemed to have interest in flew off the board in an offense heavy draft. 

The need for a solid X receiver is still there. Tyler Boyd could fit that role for a short time. The 6-foot-2 receiver has the size and the ability to make contested catches. He'll come on the cheaper side of things as well. 

Boyd's production would a be a lot like Josh Reynolds. You can get 600 yards and a handful of touchdowns out of him, but he has a little better separation that Reynolds does. 

A guy pretty much every Lions fan seems to want back. Chark's time in Detroit was pretty decent once he was healthy. He had a good season for the Panthers in 2023 despite missing time with injury again. Now he's a 27-year-old free agent that has history with the team and in the system. It makes total sense to sign him up at this point. 

The only concern is the obvious injury problems. Chark has yet to play a whole season in his career. But when he's healthy he is pretty good. That's worth a low risk contract. 

Speaking of bringing back former Lions. This one is too good to ignore. The Lions did pick Sione Vaki in this years draft, but it seems like they're looking to use him more on special teams and offense. There's still a need for a safety, even if Brian Branch is more than likely heading back there. 

Diggs still has something to give. He was good for the Seahawks last year and the only reason he's a free agent right now is because Seattle needed cap relief and he was making a lot of money. The fit with Aaron Glenn is really good and Diggs could bring some solid leadership to a young safety group. 

The Lions didn't address edge rusher in the draft like everyone thought they would. They didn't really touch it in free agency either outside of the Marcus Davenport signing. 

There's really not any great options left at this point. This was one of the most expensive positions in free agency this year and when you see the deals that guys got, you can see why the Lions stayed out of it. There is one intriguing player and that's Carl Lawson. 

Lawson was buried on the Jets depth chart last year because they just had better players than him on the roster, but when Lawson plays, he's played fairly well. In 2022 he started 17 games and had seven sacks. 

The Lions could offer a short term "prove it" style offer and Lawson could come in and be a part of the rotation.  

Moore made a dumb mistake when he bet on the NFL in 2022. But that doesn't mean he shouldn't get a second chance. Especially from the Lions. Moore was a model teammate and the coaching staff and front office loved the guy. That's why they signed him to an extension shortly before the news of the gambling violations came out. 

For a team looking for safety depth, here's a cheap and proven option for you that you already know fits. 

All you have to do is wait a little bit and then this one can happen. Jake Bates has been incredible to watch for the Michigan Panthers. He likely has multiple teams in the league salivating and waiting for the UFL season to conclude so they can try to make a deal with him. 

The Lions have reportedly already reached out to Bates, so we know they're interested. They just have to wait a few more weeks and then they can pounce on him.