The Detroit Lions 2023-24 season ended in miserable fashion, as they blew a three-score halftime lead against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. The Lions coaching staff showed their youth and inexperience, in particular Dan Campbell, whose decision to go for it rather than restoring a three-score advantage in the third quarter spurred a San Francisco comeback. The rest was history.
Nonetheless, Detroit's offseason is off to a flying start, as coveted offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has opted to stay in Motown rather than take a head coaching job this coming season. Johnson's departure feels inevitable at some point, but the Lions can rid his coattails for at least one more year.
The Lions have unfinished business, and Johnson -- like the majority of this team -- views the 2024 season as Super Bowl or bust. To make that dream a reality, Detroit's offseason must go according to plan. There is no addition by subtraction for this Super Bowl contender, as Campbell, Brad Holmes and Co. hope to set the Lions up well enough to bring home the organization's first ever Lombardi Trophy.
4. Lions should bring back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, despite his failed trash talk
The Lions secondary was a weakness throughout the 2024 season, but C.J. Gardner-Johnson was not a primary reason why. CJGJ is well known for his trash talk, as he took aim at Baker Mayfield and then Deebo Samuel in back-to-back weeks, Gardner-Johnson came up large against Mayfield, as he recorded an interception in the Divisional Round. He wasn't as lucky in the NFC Championship, however, with Samuel having a decent game despite entering the contest injured.
Gardner-Johnson had a game-worst PFF grade, the majority of which came while guarding Samuel. However, as SideLion Report's Brad Berreman notes, Gardner-Johnson can typically back up his words:
"More often than not, C.J. Gardner-Johnson's trash talk gives him a layer of belief and empowerment that radiates to his teammates...This time around he landed on the wrong side of it, as he also tempted the football gods by dismissing the 49ers and declaring victory in the second quarter."
With Gardner-Johnson set to be a free agent after this season, he remains a vital part of the secondary.
3. D.J. Chark is an ideal free-agent pickup for the Lions
If the Lions are lucky, they can bring back D.J. Chark on a short-term contract. Chark spent the 2022 season in Detroit and had just over 500 yards receiving. He's also an ideal red zone threat at his best.
With Ben Johnson's decision to come back for another season, players like Chark can benefit from signing in Detroit on a short-term deal. Spotrac predicts Chark will receive a one-year deal worth just over $10 million. Assuming that mark is accurate or even a bit inflated, the Lions can add to their receiving corps in a big way.
Two Detroit wide receivers are free agents this offseason -- Josh Reynolds and Donovan Peoples-Jones. DPJ went to Michigan but didn't provide much of an impact in 2023. Reynolds had a fine regular season, but when he was called upon on a vital fourth-down play in the NFC Championship, he failed to make a crucial catch. When asked about his drop in the days following the Lions loss, Reynolds didn't seem all too hurt.
"(Expletive) happens, man," Reynolds said. "I know what kind of player I am. Didn't want to drop them. (Expletive) happens. I just -- do I want those back? Of course, but I can't and I just got to work this offseason and be prepared for the moment when it comes."
Reynolds will get a chance to prove himself next season, it may not be on the Lions, though. Johnson and Jared Goff need a wide receiver they can trust. Why not a familiar face in Chark?
2. Chase Young is the pass-rushing addition Lions need
The Detroit Lions thrive on winning the line of scrimmage. Offensively, the Lions are set along the o-line, but they could still use some improvement on the defensive line. This is where Chase Young comes in.
Young spent the 2023 season with the Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers. From the Lions perspective, adding pass-rushing help is ideal. Doing so by signing a Pro Bowl-level player from an NFC rival is even better. Young had over eight sacks in 2023 with the 49ers and Commanders combined. He played opposite of Nick Bosa, and would be asked to take on a similar role in Detroit with Aidan Hutchinson.
The 49ers wont just let Young walk, especially with an expected cap space of over $45 million. However, San Francisco also needs to re-sign the likes of Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams. Spotrac assumes Young will receive a contract of at least $10.5 million per season. Per Peter Panacy of Niners Noise, Young will seek a multiyear contract as well.
"Young will likely be seeking a four-year deal in his first year of free agency but might have to settle for a three-year offer, based on his injury history between 2021 and 2022 that limited him to just 12 regular-season games played..."
If the Lions are willing to take a risk on the oft-injured Young, they have the edge on the 49ers, as Brock Purdy could get expensive in just a few years.
1. Jaylon Johnson is the top target for the Lions this offseason
Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson should be at the top of Detroit's list this offseason. Johnson is just 24 years old and was one of the top-graded secondary players per Pro Football Focus. Bleacher Report agrees, and considers Johnson the Lions best possible get:
"Plucking standout cornerback Jaylon Johnson away from the rival Chicago Bears would be a coup for Holmes, and the 24-year-old playmaker (four INTs in 2023) should be one of Detroit's top targets."
Johnson will receive a huge contract in free agency, as his estimated AAV is $15.7 million. Spotrac believes Johnson will receive a five-year contract. While Johnson wouldn't fix Detroit's secondary woes on his own, he does take away one side of the field for the opposing quarterback. The Lions lack a true shutdown cornerback. Johnson would change that.
It should be noted that Johnson wants to stay in Chicago, though he may not get the chance.
"I want to stay here," Johnson said. "I definitely want to get something done (here) first. But at the end of the day, if something doesn't get done, then I'm not opposed to any other options. But I would love to stay here. So that's that."
The Bears can afford to keep Johnson if they so choose, but if he reaches the free-agent market he'll have plenty of offers, including from the Lions.