The Waiting Game Begins
The Lions still have four roster spots open heading into training camp, and Brad Holmes isn’t filling them just to fill them. He’s waiting. June 1st cuts are coming, and when teams start making moves to maximize their cap savings, Detroit will be ready to pounce on whatever talent shakes loose.
Smart? Absolutely. This is exactly the kind of calculated patience that separates Holmes from the disaster merchants who ran this franchise into the ground for decades. Let other teams make their tough decisions first, then capitalize on their salary cap desperation.
The Obvious Target: Arik Armstead
Here’s the big fish. Armstead can play serious snaps for the Lions, and they were interested in signing him not too long ago. The Jags can save $14.5 million by cutting him, which would give Detroit a chance to bring him in and create one hell of a rotation with Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams.
This isn’t some reclamation project or depth signing. This is a legitimate impact player who could immediately upgrade the defensive line rotation. The kind of move that makes you wonder if Holmes saw this coming months ago when he let DJ Reader walk to New York.
The Depth Options
If Armstead doesn’t hit the market, there are still quality rotational pieces available. Mazi Smith from the Jets fits what Detroit needs right now. The former Michigan Wolverine and first-round pick isn’t going to start, but he’s exactly the kind of run stuffer and space eater that can provide interior depth.
Broderick Washington from Baltimore is another veteran rotational defensive tackle worth watching. He missed most of last season due to injury, but he’s been a consistent 500-snap-a-year guy for the Ravens. Not an impact player like Armstead, but solid depth that could help shore up the run defense.
Linebacker Intrigue
Now that the Bucs have Alex Anzalone and Josia Trotter, Sirvocea Dennis finds himself as a possible odd man out. Dennis started for the Bucs last year and wasn’t a Pro Bowler by any means, but he was serviceable and could theoretically help the Lions wean Jimmy Rolder into his expected starting role.
Plus, Dennis brings some pass rush ability from the linebacker spot, which never hurts in today’s NFL.
Are you buying into Holmes playing the long game here, or should the Lions have locked up their depth months ago? Drop your take below.
