A Trey Flowers-less solution to Detroit’s edge issues."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Detroit Lions NewsDetroit Lions NotesDetroit Lions AnalysisDetroit Lions TransactionsDetroit Lions Game RecapsBreaking NewsIntroducing the 2019 Detroit Lions Draft Class! 脳NFL Free AgencyDetroit Lions AnalysisDetroit Lions Free AgencyFootball Outsider provides intriguing free agency fix to Detroit Lions pass rush problemNew Jahlani Tavai Jersey Womens ,49commentsA Trey Flowers-less solution to Detroit’s edge issues. ESTShareTweetShareShareFootball Outsider provides intriguing free agency fix to Detroit Lions pass rush problemBrad Mills-USA TODAY SportsThe Detroit Lions have a pass rushing problem, that much is abundantly clear. While their sack numbers were actually above league average (t-11th), they were one of the worst teams at creating pressure. According to Pro Football Focus, only the Raiders had a worse pass-rushing grade than the Lions. Understandably so, that has many Lions fans scouring the NFL Draft for edge rushers and pass-rushing threats from the interior. Adding a young talent is logical, especially when you consider how tough it is to find pass-rushing talent on the free agency market.However, Football Outsiders (via ESPN In$ider) suggested a different approach. While the top-tier guys like DeMarcus Lawrence aren’t likely to hit free agency, they identified a couple of players that could be overlooked when the market opens—but would be particularly good fits in Detroit.To start Jahlani Tavai Detroit Lions Jersey , Football Outsiders suggested the Lions make a splash signing in Washington’s Preston Smith. Washington is not expected to use the franchise tag on their 2015 second-round pick, meaning the opportunity is there.As for the player himself, there’s a lot to like about him. Smith had the highest pressure rate of any player in 2017, per NextGenStats. He’s coming off his highest graded season per PFF (76.9, 19th among edge defenders). He’s long (34-inch arms) and tall (6-foot-6), and hasn’t missed a game since entering the league. He’s also a great fit for Detroit.“He might not be the pure pass-rushing devil Lions fans are hoping for, but his athleticism and schematic ambiguity are perfect for Patricia’s defense,” Football Outsiders wrote. The issue here is that the Lions paid a lot of money for a jack linebacker last year. Devon Kennard wasn’t great in 2018 Jahlani Tavai Jersey 2019 , but he was certainly effective at times, and the Lions are committed to him financially for at least another season. Meanwhile, Smith is expected to pull in a pretty hefty contract. Spotract estimates something in the range of four years, $44.8 million to net Smith in free agency. To complement the move, Football Outsider suggested adding another piece to the Lions’ pass rushing arsenal. Shaquil Barrett may not be a name you’re familiar with, but the 26-year-old outside linebacker has been a quiet contributor for the Broncos over the past four years. In 61 game appearances (nine starts), Barrett has 151 tackles, 14.0 sacks and seven forced fumbles. “(Barrett) was the third pass-rusher in Denver for years and always played like one of the league’s best substitute rushers Youth Jahlani Tavai Jersey ,” Football Outsiders noted. “Being a high-end sub rusher might not be a flashy title, but given the value of passing and pass rush in this league, the luxury of an effective pass-rusher off the bench is wonderful.”The Lions’ edge rusher cupboard was extremely bare last seasons, which led to the Lions using guys like Romeo Okwara on upwards of 80 percent of snaps. Many Lions fans are fixated on a guy like Trey Flowers in free agency (for good reason), but Football Outsiders’ proposal makes just about as much sense and may come slightly cheaper. Trey Flowers has three tackles, two sacks and four quarterback hits in the postseason. The Patriots defensive end not only is making a name for himself but making himself some money.“I hope so, but for now I’m just going to put my all into this [Super Bowl],” Flowers said White Jahlani Tavai Jersey , via Michael Giardi of NFL Media.Flowers, 25, has had the same answer to every question about his pending free agency.“I know that’s going to take care of itself,” Flowers said. “I can’t do nothing about that right now. The only thing I can do is with my play now, my preparation.”Flowers, who has 21 sacks over the past three seasons, is expected to become one of the most coveted free agents in March if he hits the market. The Lions, with former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia as their head coach Jahlani Tavai Jersey Mens , seem a logical landing spot.But the Patriots do have the franchise tag to use on him if they so desire, or they could negotiate a new deal before any other team gets a chance to bid on his services.Whatever happens, Flowers will see a lot more money than he has so far. He made $4 million on his rookie contract after the Patriots made him a fourth-round draft choice.
