During a recent NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, safety Isaiah Simmons (19) of the New York Giants, Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Landover, MD. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)AP
This is our seventh installment in the series detailing the positional needs for the Detroit Lions in free agency. The discussion window opens Monday, and deals could be signed as early as Wednesday. Today: Linebackers. Previously: Receiver/Tight End | Offensive Line | Running Back | Quarterback | Defensive Line/EDGE | Cornerback/Safety
Under contract: Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Pending free agent: Anthony Pittman (RFA)
Top available: Davion Davis (Bucs), Patrick Queen (Ravens), Frankie Love (Panthers), Jarrad Brooks (Seahawks), Bobby Wagner (Seahawks), Jerome Baker (Dolphins)
Other possible Lion fits: Isaiah Simmons (Giants), Anthony Walker Jr. (Browns), Sione Takitaki (Browns), Cody Barton (Commanders), Akeem Davis-Gaither (Bengals), Khaleke Hudson (Commanders), Josh Woods (Cardinals), Tayler Matavekich (Bills)
Breakdown: Let’s get straight to the point. Yes, we’re giving you our much-needed Lions Free Agency Preview for linebackers. But the Lions have set the stage from every angle in the linebacker room.
They have Alex Anzalone leading the nearly-down defense squad. Jack Campbell was a first-round pick who played more and more like a natural as the season went on. Derrick Barnes has enjoyed his best season since transitioning to the Lions and should be a crucial player in 2024. And Malcolm Rodriguez was a favorite, hard-hitting rookie linebacker for the Lions in 2022 who transformed into a staple in a special unit this past season.
Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, and Anthony Pittman form one of the league’s best trios of linebackers. Reeves-Maybin returns on a new two-year deal. Pittman is expected back as a restricted free agent. He has taken more than 1,000 snaps in each of the past three seasons, and if we’re being honest, he’s a rather talented LB6. It’s quite luxurious.
Cherry on top is that this linebacker room is currently led by defensive assistant Kelvin Shepard. Linebacker coach Barnes refrains from mentioning the most important power in his work with Anzalone and Co.
He said, Lions are probably looking for a youth development element to compete in the offseason program and training camp.
Campbell has only one year into his career. Anzalone, Rodriguez, and Reeves-Maybin are signed through 2025. But Barnes enters the final year of his rookie deal, so there could be a window in the lower backline.
We won’t spend too much time at the top of the linebacker class. It’s a powerhouse team where established veterans and intriguing players from first-timers like to show off their skills. However, let’s move forward.
This eye-catching list includes Isaiah Simmons (Giants), Anthony Walker Jr. (Browns), Sione Takitaki (Browns), Khaleke Hudson (Commanders), and Josh Woods (Cardinals). It’s not a sexy list. But this time of year is good.
Simmons and Hudson have compiled their list based on their current versatility and the recent crash of the author’s beat.
Simmons has yet to find a permanent home, whether positionally or team-wise. He was traded to the Giants and hoped he could see more pass-snaps there. But the former Clemson star has only played 17 games for the Giants, compiling just one sack and career-low 50 tackles. Simmons has played a maximum of 224 snaps for a special team and can bring depth to defense.
**Former Top Draft Flash Seen and Still 25 Years Old.**
As excitement and optimism wane, Simmons stands as a versatile rotational defender and could be a lottery ticket for special teams. And if the Lions are in the market for something, Simmons’ contract, versatility, athleticism, and potential for special teams could be worth examining.
Hudson fits the bill perfectly. And due to Simmons’ age and recent slump, his contract could be even less risky. Hudson played a career-high 405 defensive snaps last year. However, he played 1,222 snaps for four special teams in as many seasons. Michigan’s former standout linebacker, aged 26, also has defensive back experience and brings a different kind of player Lions could find a place for in competition.
Josh Woods is the last name we’ll spotlight. Woods was the Lions’ captain in a special team in 2022. Reeves-Maybin has resumed that role. However, it’s tough to overlook his proven chops in culture and scheme, especially without mentioning his chops in special teams for certain teams.
Though Woods may have been looking for a larger defensive role, he could find what he was looking for. He played 569 defensive snaps for the Cardinals last year, more than his first four seasons combined.
The Lions’ need for linebackers is the lowest, especially after agency, before taking care of one.
