The Detroit Lions have been among the league’s most active teams in free agency.
With a mix of internal and external signings, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes has made plenty of moves that he hopes will put Detroit further down the road of contending for the playoffs in 2023.
The Lions have made big additions on both sides of the ball, adding experienced talents to help bolster the skill level at many position groups.
Here are the grades for each of the Lions’ moves up to this point in free agency.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, CB/S
Grade: A+
Contract terms: One year, $6.5 million
This move is Detroit’s best of the offseason. Holmes and company pulled off a heist, securing one of the league’s best takeaway artists on a team-friendly deal and with little risk. He reunites with Aaron Glenn, and has a chance to prove himself to be among the league’s best defensive backs.
Cameron Sutton, CB
Grade: A+
Contract terms: Three years, $33 million
Detroit added an established piece to its secondary in Sutton. The former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back will be the team’s top option in the defensive backfield, and has the versatility to play both inside and outside. The sixth-year pro will be a big piece of the defense, as well as a leader in the locker room.
David Montgomery, RB
Grade: A
Contract terms: Three years, $18 million
The replacement for fan-favorite Jamaal Williams, Montgomery will step in and be the team’s top option in the backfield. The four-year vet has rushed for at least 800 yards in every season of his career, and will now be running behind one of the league’s best offensive lines.
Isaiah Buggs, DT
Grade: B+
Contract terms: Two years, $4.5 million
In bringing back Buggs, the Lions kept a player who was a productive addition and clearly wanted to be a part of what Holmes is building. He functioned well in his role, and will be looked to as a run-stuffer in the middle of the defense moving forward.
John Cominsky, DL
Grade: B+
Contract terms: Two years, $8.5 million
Much like Buggs, the Lions kept another piece of their defensive line who clearly wanted to remain with the team. Cominsky emerged as a solid player after being claimed off waivers last season, so expect his role to increase.
Graham Glasgow, OL
Grade: B+
Contract terms: One year, $4.5 million
With questions about Halapoulivaati Vaitai’s health, Glasgow is a solid signing. He’s a proven veteran who played the first four seasons of his career with the Lions before departing for Denver. He can play either guard spot as well as center, so expect him to contribute plenty to Detroit’s offense in 2023.
Emmanuel Moseley, CB
Grade: B
Contract terms: One year, $6 million
Moseley doesn’t have the resume that Gardner-Johnson and Sutton have, but he’s a solid pickup. He’s coming off a torn ACL, though, so the Lions are banking on having him healthy and available on his one-year contract. If everything goes right, he’ll be one of the best under-the-radar signings.
Matt Nelson, OL
Grade: B
Contract terms: One year, $1.3 million
The Lions kept some insurance on their offensive line, as Nelson has provided depth as a backup offensive tackle. He’ll be called upon in jumbo run packages plenty during the 2023 season.
C.J. Moore, DB
Grade: B
Contract terms: Two years, $4.5 million
Moore was released in the 2022 preseason, but returned and played a big role on special teams. As a result, he was rewarded with a multi-year that will allow him to maintain his presence on Detroit’s special teams units.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB
Grade: B
Contract terms: One year (Financials not yet reported)
Another former Lions player making his return, Reeves-Maybin comes back just one season after leaving Motown. He took big strides both on special teams and defense in 2021 as a Lion, but didn’t pan out in a season with Houston. Expect him to be an ace on special teams in 2023.
Alex Anzalone, LB
Grade: B-
Contract terms: Three years, $18.75 million
Anzalone played his way into stability with a career year in 2022. The Lions could’ve upgraded this offseason, with plenty of star talent at the linebacker position available in free agency. However, he proved himself worthy of a starting role last season. It’s not a flashy move, but it’s one that could pay dividends.
Will Harris, CB
Grade: C
Contract terms: One year, $2.58 million
The Boston College product emerged as a versatile defender in the latter half of his rookie deal, switching from safety to cornerback. He wasn’t a dynamite player, but keeping him around on a short deal is beneficial as he provides depth in the secondary.
Michael Badgley, K
Grade: C
Contract terms: One year, $1.2 million
Badgley was steady after being signed to the roster in Week 5, making 24-of-28 field goals over the course of the season. Long-range kicks remain his kryptonite, though, as he’s just five-of-13 in his career on kicks of over 50 yards. The Lions could bring in another kicker to compete with him.
Craig Reynolds, RB
Grade: C
Contract terms: One year, $1.08 million
A preseason darling in 2021, Reynolds has proven reliable when called upon. The Lions weren’t able to get much out of him in 2022 due to injuries, as he played in just nine games. He may have competition for the third running back role behind Montgomery and D’Andre Swift.
Jake McQuaide, LS
Grade: C
Contract terms: One year, $1.3 million
The Lions have Scott Daly as their incumbent long snapper. This move is likely to create competition. The 35-year-old in McQuaide is on his fifth team, and is a two-time Pro Bowler.
Ross Pierschbacher, OL
Grade: C-
Contract terms: One year, $1.01 million
Signed to the practice squad in early September, Pierschbacher played in three games in 2022. He’ll be competiting to keep his roster spot throughout training camp.
Mac McCain III, CB
Grade: C-
Contract terms: One year, $870,000
McCain is still looking to break through as a pro, as he has appeared in just two NFL games over two seasons. He was with the Philadelphia Eagles last season during their run to the Super Bowl, and will look to make an impact throughout training camp and the preseason.
Nate Sudfeld, QB
Grade: D
Contract terms: One year (Financials not yet reported)
The future behind starting quarterback Jared Goff remains uncertain. Sudfeld is back on a one-year deal, but Detroit may be better off bringing in a young quarterback to compete with the veteran for the right to back up Goff heading into 2023.
This article was produced by the staff at Sports Illustrated/All Lions. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions.
