The Detroit Lions have hired Brad Holmes as their next general manager and, depending on how today’s games unfold, the situation of the head coach (Dan Campbell, the favorite) could be decided in the coming days.
As the Lions work to establish a new culture and staff, the NFL continues to move forward and the Detroit Scouting Department should be working today, taking notes on the NFL playoffs.
Sunday’s Divisional Playoff games will feature the Cleveland Browns in the Kansas City Chiefs (15:05 EST on CBS), followed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the New Orleans Saints (6:40 EST on FOX).
Here are four possible free agents for 2021, one from each team, that the Lions should be watching during today’s games.
Browns: Rashard Higgins, WR (6-1, 198)
Higgins reaches his best year as a professional, often stepping up the Browns when given the opportunity. With Odell Beckham on the injured reserve, Higgins has been in starting lineup, but with Beckham, Jarvis Landry and rookie Donovan Peoples-Jones hired next year, Higgins could be looking for opportunities elsewhere this offseason.
A deep threat that often finds ways to open up, Higgins (26) is an intriguing choice for the Lions. If they hire Kenny Golladay and consider relying on a rookie or Quintez Cephus – or both – to make major contributions in 2021, Higgins would offer the Lions a veteran option at an affordable price.
Previously profiled for the Browns: Larry Ogunjobi, DT
Caps: Bashaud Breeland, CB (5-11, 195)
As discussed in yesterday’s free agent preview, the Lions could be in the market for a third veteran corner that could start on the outside, behind Amani Oruwariye and Jeff Okudah, as Demond Trufant and the list Justin Coleman’s are potentially at risk because of his expensive contracts.
While Breeland would be a less expensive option, there is a more inconsistent level of play and some concerns off the field of play, which was suspended four games this year after a substance abuse-related arrest.
Bucs: Ndamukong Suh, DT (6-4, 313)
Okay, listen to me.
At 34, Suh is not the dominator he was before, but he still has a big impact in a position where the Lions need help to improve. The price has dropped since his last stage in Detroit and, with ties to the city (he still owns a business and property in Michigan), he could entertain himself by returning to the team that drafted him.
Previously profiled by Bucs: Shaquil Barrett, EDGE
Saints: Sheldon Rankins, DT (6-2, 305)
The former 12th overall pick in the 2016 draft, Rankins ’career was booming when a 2019 Achillies injury robbed him of momentum. While he still has some lingering effects from the injury, he showed he still had enough potential to pay attention, especially in last week’s playoff game against Chicago.
Due to the Achilles injury, Rankins carries some risks, but that will probably cause the price to go down. Even with the reduced rate, the Saints will not be able to afford this low season as they are very much facing the limit.
Previously profiled for the Saints: Marcus Williams, S