NFL Free Agency Preview: Defensive Backs ( 2024 )

[D6]

Dolphins cut top corner who could be target for Lions

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This new thread relates to the following thread:

Lions Free Agency Preview and Results: ( 2024 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1743/lions-free-agency-preview-results

With Xavier Howard turning 31 this summer and he's coming off a season in which he missed 5 games because of injury (including the Dolphins 1st Round playoff game in Kansas City), and that he only had 2 combined interceptions the last 2 seasons, the Lions should be cautious in terms of contract offers to Howard. I have doubts that he can be a viable # 1 CB for the Lions, the # 1 need for the team. Even more so beyond the 2024 season.

[D6]

Bears cut two veteran starters for cap purposes who could interest the Lions

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Unless the contracts are very cap friendly for the Lions, especially regarding guaranteed money, the Lions should pass on Eddie Jackson and Cody Whitehair. In the case of Whitehair, he lost his starting job with the Bears in the 2023 season.

[D6]

The Lions named as the best free agency fit for only 1 player by ESPN
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The combination of the Lions signing Kendall Fuller and the Lions drafting a CB in the top 2 Rounds that has the upside of a # 1 CB, could be a good way for the Lions to proceed. So much will depend on what it will cost the Lions to sign Fuller, who turned 29 earlier this month. He's probably better suited to be a # 2 CB, though he's coming off a good to very good season. A rookie CB is going to have growing pains.

Kendall Fuller's older brother WR Corey Fuller was drafted by the Lions in the 6th Round of the 2013 Draft. Corey Fuller was with the Lions until during the latter half of the 2016.

[D6]

Texans agree to one-year deal with Jeff Okudah

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The Texans probably view Jeff Okudah as a # 3 CB, with the upside of a # 2 CB. It's very unlikely Okudah will ever have a season that reflects his Pick # 3 spot in the 2020 Draft, with the Lions selecting him. The Torn Achilles Injury that Okudah suffered in the opener vs. the 49ers in the 2021 season, much more likely than not significantly reduced his physical skills.

[D6]

Texans agree to two-year deal with Mike Ford

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My guess is the Texans mainly signed Mike Ford for Special Teams. He likely will somewhere behind Jeff Okudah in the Texans CB pecking order when the Texans begin OTAs in May.

[D6]

Bengals release Nick Scott


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Nick Scott was a 7th Round Pick by the LA Rams in 2019, during the time Brad Holmes was their Director of College Scouting. Scott turns 29 in 4 days. At or near the NFL Veteran Minimum, I think Scott will be on the Lions radar screen. As a depth option, who can contribute on Special Teams, Scott seems to make plenty of sense even though his one season with the Bengals didn't turn out well.