On Thursday, the Detroit Lions added stud nose tackle D.J. Reader to a growing list of defensive upgrades this offseason. Reader joins cornerback Carlton Davis III and defensive end Marcus Davenport, but a few positions on the unit still need shoring up.
With that in mind, here are three potential moves the Lions should look to make between now and training camp.
EDGE | sign Jadeveon Clowney | Davenport adds a veteran to the rotation, but the Lions could still use another disruptive force opposite All-Pro Aidan Hutchinson. Edge-rusher isn’t the deepest position group in this year’s draft, so signing someone like Clowney makes some sense.
Even at 31, the former No. 1 pick still recorded 9.5 sacks a season ago with the Baltimore Ravens. Given the upgrades along the line’s interior and the emerging Hutchinson, it’s not hard to imagine Clowney having a similar impact with the Lions.
Cornerback | draft Kool-Aid McKinstry| Like the defensive line, the Lions have already bolstered the cornerback position, signing Amik Robertson and trading for Davis. However, the secondary could use another piece on the outside. If McKinstry is still on the board when Detroit picks at No. 29, they shouldn’t hesitate.
Among the top-rated CBs by Pro Football Focus, McKinstry was the only one to finish with a grade over 80 in run defense (83.0), pass rush (82.7) and coverage (87.8). Well-rounded, the former Alabama standout could also be an option to start alongside Davis and nickelback Brian Branch.
Safety | reunite with Quandre Diggs | The Lions safety group is thin and relatively inexperienced, with Ifeatu Melifonwu (24) and Kerby Joseph (23) atop the depth chart. Adding Diggs would add a veteran to the mix and take some pressure off the young pair.
The former Lions draft pick is only a season removed from his last Pro Bowl nod. In 2023 with the Seattle Seahawks, the 31-year-old started all 17 games, notching a career-high 95 tackles, five pass defenses and an interception. Chances are he’d help bolster a secondary that ranked 27th against the pass a season ago.