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NFL Free Agency 2020: 3 Targets for each team

By Nicholas McGee

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 15: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals in the game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 15: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals in the game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 11: Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to a sack in the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Levi’s Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 11: Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to a sack in the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Levi’s Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Detroit Lions

1. Arik Armstead
2. Jamie Collins
3. Rodney McLeod

When Matthew Stafford is under center, the Lions’ offense is capable of staying in any game. It is Matt Patricia’s defense that has continued to let them down.

The spotlight will grow even brighter on Patricia if that continues to be the case in 2020. Expect the Lions to make extensive changes on that side of the ball.

Detroit spent big on a defensive end last year to land former Patriots star Trey Flowers. They may be wary to do so again with Armstead only enjoying one season of significant production.

Still, if the Lions believe he can replicate the success he had rushing the passer off the edge and from the interior in 2019, then they should absolutely enter the race for his services.

The Lions lack athleticism at linebacker and Collins is an obvious fit in Detroit given his history with Patricia.

After trading Quandre Diggs to the Seahawks in October, experience at safety is a requirement for the Lions. Rodney McLeod is a plug-and-play starter at the position familiar with the Lions new defensive coordinator, Cory Undlin, who had previously served as the Eagles defensive backs coach since 2015.

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