Duron Harmon, a safety who started every game for the Detroit Lions in 2020, has recently inked a deal with the Cleveland Browns, marking his third team this season as he navigates through the NFL landscape. Prior to joining the Browns, Harmon had stints with the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears. Following his departure from Detroit, he spent last season with the Las Vegas Raiders before a brief tenure with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Browns elevated Harmon from their practice squad to the 53-man roster after placing safety Grant Delpit on injured reserve. Harmon’s recent appearances include three games with one start for the Bears this season. In 2022, he started all 16 games for the Raiders, while in 2021, he started 17 games for the Falcons. During his time with the Lions in 2020, Harmon started in all 16 games, showcasing his extensive experience in recent years. Notably, the 32-year-old safety boasts three Super Bowl championships from his seven-year tenure with the New England Patriots at the start of his career.
Meanwhile, the Lions are implementing changes in their secondary lineup. Last week saw Ifeatu Melifonwu taking over Tracy Walker’s position at safety, while Kindle Vildor is anticipated to split snaps with cornerback Jerry Jacobs opposite Cam Sutton. The Lions are looking to rebound from a recent loss to the Chicago Bears as they prepare to host the Denver Broncos on Saturday night.
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NFL Insider Sparks Discussion on Lions’ Potential Pursuit of Projected $100 Million Defensive Star
In a recent report, ESPN’s Dan Graziano hinted at the Detroit Lions’ interest in bolstering their defensive tackle position through NFL free agency, with Christian Wilkins as a potential target.
The Detroit Lions are widely seen as needing an upgrade at defensive tackle for the upcoming 2024 season. With free agency looming on March 13, Christian Wilkins stands out as the top defensive tackle available in the market.
On March 10, ESPN’s Dan Graziano indirectly linked the Lions to Wilkins, citing the heightened demand for the player after Chris Jones secured a lucrative contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Graziano mentioned Wilkins as a target for teams like the Lions and the Houston Texans, aiming to strengthen their defensive lines.
Jones recently inked a record-breaking deal with the Chiefs, receiving $95 million in guaranteed money, setting a new standard for defensive tackle contracts in the NFL.
Following this trend, the Baltimore Ravens signed Justin Madubuike to a substantial 4-year, $98 million contract on March 8. With these deals in place, Wilkins emerges as the premier defensive tackle option in free agency, according to various NFL rankings. Pro Football Focus (PFF) rates Wilkins as the third-best defensive tackle in the 2024 free agent class, projecting him to command a significant contract worth $100 million over four years.
While Graziano’s comments imply the Lions’ potential interest in Wilkins, it’s worth noting that his remarks didn’t explicitly tie the player to the team. However, Christian Booher of SI.com’s All Lions previously advocated for Wilkins as a potential game-changer for the Lions, highlighting his impressive statistics from the 2023 season and his durability over the years.
Wilkins recorded career-high numbers in sacks and quarterback hits in 2023, demonstrating his impact on both pass rush and run defense. Pairing him with Alim McNeill on Detroit’s defensive line could significantly bolster the team’s defensive capabilities, particularly in areas where they struggled last season.
Despite the speculation surrounding Wilkins and the Lions, other NFL teams are also expected to pursue the talented defensive tackle. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler predicts that at least seven teams will vie for Wilkins’ services, with the Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans, and Cleveland Browns among the potential suitors.
While Wilkins remains the marquee name in the defensive tackle market, there are several other quality options available in free agency, including Grover Stewart, Leonard Williams, and D.J. Reader. These players offer viable alternatives for teams seeking to upgrade their defensive tackle position without committing to a $100 million contract.
Although the Lions have ample cap space to make a significant acquisition, they may explore various options before making a final decision. As of March 10, Spotrac ranks the Lions sixth in available cap space, with approximately $53.3 million at their disposal.
Dave Holcomb, a sports reporter covering the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions for Heavy.com, originally hailing from Pittsburgh, brings a wealth of experience in sports journalism to his coverage.
In conclusion, while the Lions’ potential pursuit of Christian Wilkins garners attention, they have several avenues to explore in their quest to bolster their defensive tackle position ahead of the 2024 NFL season.
