Interesting offseason could be in store for the Detroit Lions

With around $54 million in cap space, the Lions should be active players when free agency begins on Wednesday at 4 p.m. EST.

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes will have a slew of decisions for the reigning NFC North champions, including whether to re-sign several of the team’s own free agents. Holmes and Co. are anticipated to make a push to keep offensive lineman Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow, as well as veteran defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson and wide receiver Josh Reynolds.

In addition, the Lions are expected to pursue a number of external free agents.

Colton Pouncy of The Athletic has listed many potential free-agent targets for Detroit’s front management this offseason. Cornerbacks Darious Williams, Tre’Davious White, and Stephon Gilmore were among those mentioned as potential possibilities. Detroit has also been linked to many EDGE defenders and kickers, including Danielle Hunter and Mike Danna, as well as experienced kickers Greg Zuerlein and Nick Folk.

“He’s the big name here, coming off a year in which he totaled 16 1/2 sacks for the Vikings, just in time for a free-agency payday,” Hunter said in a statement. “Hunter has had 70-plus pressures in three of his last four seasons and is an excellent finisher.” He also finished sixth among edge rushers in PFF stops. The prospect of Hunter and Hutchinson on the same defensive line is terrifying, but it would come at a cost. Hunter is expected to receive more than $20 million every season. Perhaps the Lions can make the math work and sign Hunter to a short-term contract.”

Pouncy, like many other commentators, named Kansas City Chiefs shutdown cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who was just franchise-tagged, as a potential target for Detroit.

If Holmes and Co. can strike a deal for the high-profile defensive back, expect the franchise to give up numerous draft picks this year.

The Lions currently have seven picks in the 2024 draft, which is scheduled to take place April 25-27 in downtown Detroit.