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Detroit Lions free agency 2021: Top 5 targets

By Russell S. Baxter

Taylor Decker #68 of the Detroit Lions watches the action on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on December 15, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Tampa Bay defeated Detroit 38-17. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
Taylor Decker #68 of the Detroit Lions watches the action on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on December 15, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Tampa Bay defeated Detroit 38-17. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 03: Mike Glennon #2 of the Jacksonville Jaguars throws a pass while Justin Houston #50 of the Indianapolis Colts attempts to block it during the fourth quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 03: Mike Glennon #2 of the Jacksonville Jaguars throws a pass while Justin Houston #50 of the Indianapolis Colts attempts to block it during the fourth quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

1. DE/OLB Justin Houston (Indianapolis Colts)

He’s accumulated 97.5 sacks in 10 seasons, to go along with 17 forced fumbles and 15 fumble recoveries. And it’s safe to assume that he could help a club that allowed the most passing yards in the league this past season while surrendering an NFL-high 38 touchdown passes.

Justin Houston can become an unrestricted free agent on March 17. However, FanSided’s Matt Lombardo has learned via league sources that the Colts are indeed interested in bringing back a player that made the move from outside linebacker in the 3-4 to pass-rushing standout in Matt Eberflus’ 4-3 scheme.

In two seasons with Indianapolis, he’s played and started all 32 regular-season contests and totaled a combined 19 quarterback traps – eight of those in 2020.

As for the Lions, new defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has to find a way to generate more heat on opposing quarterbacks. Detroit defenders finished with only 24 quarterback traps, nearly half of those (10) coming from Romeo Okwara. He also finished with 44 tackles and three forced fumbles. He’s spent the last three seasons with the Lions but is eligible for free agency.

More fansided.com: NFL Power Rankings: 2021 edition: Buccaneers dethrone the Chiefs

Houston may indeed return to the Colts. But if he does hit the open market, he could jumpstart the Lions’ disappointing pass rush immediately.

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