Analyst has unbelievably poor suggestion for Lions ‘final’ offseason move.
The Detroit Lions have spent the offseason beefing up their secondary to the point where they finally have the right mix of youth, experience and depth. So it’s hard to see there being a big need there, even if safety depth could still be seen as a concern.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder recently selected one more move each team needs to make this offseason. For the Lions, the suggestion was to sign veteran safety Tashaun Gipson.
“Kerby Joseph posted a 52.3 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus during the regular season last year, making the free safety spot one of the few question marks on the Lions’ roster right now. Meanwhile, Gipson posted a grade of 73.5 and is a 12-year veteran who could help mentor Detroit’s young secondary.”
“Plus, it helps that the soon-to-be 34-year-old has some playoff experience after spending the last two seasons in San Francisco. He could at least serve as a “coach in pads”, so to speak, and provide some competition to push Joseph to elevate his game.”
The safety position wasn’t a major issue in 2023, in spite of PFF metrics that show Joseph was inconsistent. Joseph is out until training camp after offseason hip surgery, and the other projected starter, Ifeatu Melifonwu, has noticeable injury history through three NFL seasons. Brian Branch may also see more time at safety this season, and C.J. Moore has been re-signed. If the Lions were to sign a safety right now, it would be a backup, not someone counted on to start.
The bottom line here is this. Signing Gipson would be a waste of resources for the Lions.
Detroit Lions should address still-questionable pass rush with additional signing
Instead of signing an aging safety that may not see much playing time, the Lions should take a look at making an addition to their defensive front. Marcus Davenport could prove to be a shrewd free agency, and a healthy James Houston would bolster things off the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
