Alright, Lions fans, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of Detroit's free agency moves. While there have been some savvy signings by GM Brad Holmes, not every deal is destined to be a slam dunk. It's the nature of the game-sometimes a contract doesn't pan out due to scheme mismatches, injuries, or unmet potential.
So, what's the deal that might not give the Lions the best bang for their buck?
The Lions have been cautious, avoiding splashy, high-priced contracts. The biggest critique this offseason?
They didn't go all-in on big-name talents. With many low-risk deals on the table, only a couple stand out as potentially questionable investments.
Let's talk about the offensive line. Erik Schlitt highlighted that $5 million annually is typical for a solid third-string offensive tackle.
There's some debate about whether Borom fits that bill, but it's a minor quibble. Rasheed Walker's contract, on the other hand, at $4 million with incentives up to $10 million, seems like a steal by comparison.
It's an outlier, though, and raises eyebrows given his projected market value.
If we have to pinpoint a risky move, Mays' contract might be it. He's on a two-year, $16 million deal with a third-year team option, averaging $8 million per year.
That puts him ninth among centers in terms of salary. But is he a top-10 center?
Not quite. The Lions aren't paying him top-tier money because they see him as elite; it's simply the reality of free agency-prices are rising with the salary cap.
However, shelling out $8 million annually with $14 million guaranteed for a player who's still learning the ropes at center and hasn't started an NFL season is a gamble. The Lions were likely in a bind, needing to bolster their offensive line with limited free-agent options.
Detroit's focus on strengthening the line is understandable, but if any deals could go sideways, these two have the potential. Let's see how it all plays out on the field.