Lions Ranked as a Top Landing Spot for $16.4 Million Linebacker
It appears that the Detroit Lions will have numerous options as they look to build their roster during the offseason.
The team has already been linked to potential trades involving Myles Garrett, Cooper Kupp, and Maxx Crosby.
These are merely the most notable trade targets, and they don’t even account for the star players they may pursue in free agency.
In the free agent market, the Lions could be in the running for a linebacker who has competed in two Super Bowls within his first six seasons.
In a piece on the best possible landing spots for top linebackers in this year’s free agent class, Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron highlighted the Lions as a prime destination for San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
When healthy, Greenlaw has been a consistent contributor throughout his six seasons with the 49ers.
He recorded 92 tackles as a rookie and followed up with 86 tackles in 13 games the next year. After missing most of his third season due to injury, he bounced back in his fourth year.
Greenlaw accumulated 127 tackles and forced two fumbles during his fourth season, earning him a two-year deal worth $16.4 million.
His first year of that contract was another strong season, as he tallied 120 tackles and five tackles for loss.
Sadly, his season ended with an Achilles tear in the Super Bowl.
Greenlaw spent the majority of the 2024 season recovering from this injury, raising concerns for some teams about his future performance.
This situation could offer an opportunity for teams to acquire him at a lower price, and the Lions might be one of those teams willing to take a chance on his recovery.
The Lions could face a need for a linebacker this offseason, with Derrick Barnes set to hit free agency and rumors circulating that Aaron Glenn may want to bring him back.
If Barnes departs, Greenlaw could be a reliable replacement to strengthen the Lions’ linebacker group, which struggled with injuries last season and has room to improve against the run.