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Detroit Lions free agency 2020: Top 5 targets

By Russell S. Baxter

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions interviews during the first day of the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions interviews during the first day of the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 10: Jordan Phillips #97 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after a defensive stop during the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 10: Jordan Phillips #97 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after a defensive stop during the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

2. DT Jordan Phillips (Buffalo Bills)

The talent was seemingly always there. So was it a change of venue and a full offseason with a new franchise that helped defensive tackle Jordan Phillips finally find himself? A second-round draft choice of the Miami Dolphins back in 2015, the former University of Oklahoma product was a big disappointment in South Florida.

He played in 48 regular-season games for the franchise in three-plus seasons and never really found his niche despite playing alongside the likes of Ndamukong Suh. The team struggled to stop the run and Phillips finished with a not-so-grand total of 5.5 QB traps and zero forced fumbles during his stay with the club. He was cut loose by the ‘Fins early in 2018 and wound up in Orchard Park. He wound up playing in a dozen contests for Sean McDermott’s club, finishing with 19 tackles and zero sacks.

But somehow the light went on for the former Sooner standout in ’19. He led McDermott’s club with 9.5 sacks while playing all 16 games (nine starts). There were also 31 total tackles and one pass deflection by the five-year pro as he made an impact for the league’s third-ranked defense. With both 2016 second-round pick A’Shawn Robinson and veteran Mike Daniels on the verge of becoming free agents, Phillips could be a nifty pickup if his asking price isn’t too high.

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