Lions CB Cam Sutton as a Pittsburgh Steeler (20) – Nic Antaya/Getty Images
Free agency is upon us, and the Lions stayed busy in day one.
Cam Sutton
The Lions arguably had the best signing of the day regarding scheme fit, contract, and overall improvement to the team, bringing in former Steeler Cam Sutton. The 28-year-old received a three-year deal worth $33 million, with only $22.5 guaranteed.
Sutton is immediately CB1 in Detroit. In 2022, the six-year veteran finished the season with the 28th-highest PFF grade amongst cornerbacks. Detroit’s highest-ranked player last season was Will Harris, who ranked 64th.
Sutton plays both inside and out at an elite level. Adding former Tennessee Volunteer lightens the load on former third-overall pick Jeff Okudah.
What was once a historically bad secondary may be a borderline strength for Detroit next season. The development of Kirby Joseph, Tracy Walker returning from injury, and signing Sutton in free agency, means the Lions’ secondary has a completely new look heading into Week 1 of the 2023 season.
The Lions may have missed out on Ramsey, but they land a younger and cheaper veteran in the process. Detroit takes one step closer to contending in the NFC.
Alex Anzalone, Isaiah Buggs, and Craig Reynolds Resigned
Alex Anzalone (Photo from PANORAMIC)
The Detroit Lions resigned DT Isaiah Buggs, RB Craig Reynolds, and LB Alex Anzalone.
In 2022, Buggs set a career-high in games played (17) and QB hits (10).
“It’s an honor and a blessing to be back,” Buggs said during a Detroit press conference. “It felt like home the first day I moved to Detroit, and I loved it… I’m ready to go to work.”
Buggs received a two-year $6 million contract ($2.1 guaranteed).
Craig Reynolds was a solid piece to the running back room last season. Reynolds averaged 4.4 yards per carry on 1.6 attempts per game. He also reeled in 9 receptions for 116 yards. He received a one-year deal.
Side note: How’d the Craig Reynolds deal get done before the Jamaal Williams contract?
Alex Anzalone received a 3-year $18.75 million contract. Arguably the first bad move made by Brad Holmes. Bringing back Anzalone was a move I was content with. But I challenge readers to list three reasons why the 29-year-old veteran deserved to be locked up for another three years. Because of his slow feet and inability to make reads and change direction, Detroit will continue to struggle in the passing game over the middle as long as he is the starting linebacker.
Brock Wright & Shane Zylstra Back on Exclusive Rights Tender
The Lions are bringing back both TE Shane Zylstra and TE Brock Wright on the exclusive rights tender (ERT). Zylstra and Wright stepped up in big ways after TJ Hockenson was traded to Minnesota.
Second-year TE Shane Zylstra played 13 games in 2022, catching four touchdowns. He also graded out as the fifth-best run-blocking tight end in the NFL.
Brock Wright played in all 17 games for Detroit last season, finishing with 18 receptions, 216 yards, and four touchdowns, including the game-winning 51-yard touchdown Week 15 vs. the Jets.
Both tight ends had catch rates of over 73%.
LB Anthony Pittman and LS Scott Daly were brought back on the ERT.
No Jamaal Williams?
Detroit Lions RB Jamaal Williams. (Photo from Getty Images)
During the first day of free agency, the Lions didn’t strike a deal with the NFL’s leading touchdown scorer from a season ago. Is there a reason to panic? Maybe.
A short few weeks ago, the deal seemed done. Williams made it clear he wanted to resign, which should have been a no-brainer for Detroit. The fact that the deal didn’t get done right when free agency opened is semi-strange, especially knowing both parties have had the last three months to negotiate a deal.
Jamaal’s market value projected in free agency is $8.4 million over two years, according to spotrac.com. It’s safe to say he’s going to get more than estimated. Now, it’s a matter of how much more and who is willing to go over the top to land the 27-year-old running back.
More Lions Content
For more in-depth content about the Detroit Lions Free Agency moves, follow @FDFPodcast on Twitter. Listen to the Forward Down the Field Podcast with myself and Sam Goodman on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or wherever else you get your podcasts! We’ll be breaking down free agency daily. Don’t miss out!
