The free agency negotiation period begins at Noon ET on Monday, and while most expect the Detroit Lions will be active at cornerback, ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports that the Lions could make a big splash at defensive tackle.
According to Graziano, the Lions and Houston Texans will likely compete for Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins’ services.
“After Chris Jones landed a big deal on Saturday night, Miami’s Christian Wilkins is likely to be a hot name, with contending teams such as the Texans and Lions looking to upgrade at that position,” Graziano wrote in the early hours of Sunday morning.
With Jones signing a purportedly record-breaking deal with the Chiefs this weekend and Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike re-signing with Baltimore on a four-year, $98 million contract, Wilkins is the best available free agent defensive tackle on the market and is due for a huge payday.
Wilkins is 28 years old and is coming off a career-high 9.0 sacks last season, when he also had 61 pressures, ranking seventh among all NFL defensive tackles according to PFF. Aside from pass rush, Wilkins produces dominant run defense, receiving a PFF run defense rating of 69 or above in four consecutive seasons.
- 2023: 69.5 run defense grade (17th among DTs)
- 2022: 78.9 (fourth)
- 2021: 80.8 (third)
- 2020: 73.9 (22nd)
The Lions certainly have a need at defensive tackle, with only Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzuruike, Brodric Martin, and Chris Smith under contract for 2024. Of those four, only Martin is under contract beyond this upcoming season.
Wilkins would almost probably command a contract for more than $20 million per year, but Detroit’s defense is in desperate need of new talent after placing in the bottom ten in points allowed for five straight seasons.
If the Lions do not sign Wilkins, there are a few more intriguing choices at defensive tackle. For more details, see our top 11 defensive tackle free agent alternatives post.
