Newly appointed Lions general manager Bob Quinn is looking to turn the Detroit franchise around and is looking to build a strong foundation with depth, as the Lions have not won a playoff game since 1991.
The Lions lost one of the franchise's greatest players when wide receiver Calvin Johnson announced his retirement this past week, but Quinn and the Lions front office have been looking to fill holes on their roster, including signing free agent wide receiver Marvin Jones. While the former Bengals receiver won't replace Johnson's production, it's a strong start for the Lions new front office, and more moves are expected to come.
The Lions have multiple needs prior to the 2016 season, and while they will look to acquire some impact players in the upcoming draft, they have already been focusing on building a stronger secondary and offensive line. The Lions made an addition to their secondary Saturday, signing unrestricted free agent safety Rafael Bush.
Bush's contact is reportedly a one-year deal that could total $2.4 million, and the Lions new safety is expected to start alongside safety Glover Quin next season. The newly acquired Lions safety only played in one game with the Saints last season due to a torn pectoral muscle and hasn't completed a full 16-game season since 2012. The Lions have also added safety Tavon Wilson and cornerback Johnson Bademosi to their secondary through free agency, and they are clearly focused on building a strong backend of their defense in 2016.
While the Lions front office is looking to bolster its defense, it is still focused on building a strong offensive line to protect quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Lions quarterback was sacked 44 times last season, tied for the sixth most in the league, and Detroit's front office has already met with former Seahawks offensive tackle Russell Okung.
Multiple teams are interested in the talented starting offensive tackle, as both the Giants and 49ers have interest, and the Seahawks have already reportedly made a "strong offer" to retain him. It's unknown where Okung will sign in free agency, but his meeting with the Lions was reportedly productive and could sign with the team soon.
Okung is representing himself as he meets with multiple teams in free agency, and if the Lions don't land the coveted offensive tackle, it wouldn't be surprising if they decided to take the best available offensive tackle with the 16th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Quinn and the Lions front office are trying to build a strong foundation in Detroit, and they are looking to turn the Lions franchise into a consistent contender.
