The Detroit Lions have the seventh most cap space in the NFL heading into 2024 free agency. With that, commentators have linked the Lions to numerous talents expected to be available in NFL free agency. The most shocking link, however, could be with veteran wide receiver Mike Evans.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report advocated that the Lions sign Evans in a free agency mock draft. Ballentine estimated Evans’ contract worth $95.3 million over four years.
“The good news is that the core of the team that had a 24-7 halftime lead over the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game is going to remain intact in 2024,” Ballentine said in a statement. “With plenty of cap room entering the offseason, free agency is a significant deal for the franchise this year.
“They should search for a couple important players to help them get over the hump and back into contention for the NFC championship.
“That’s why Mike Evans’ age of 30 shouldn’t be an issue. He would add a vertical threat to an already destructive attack, complementing Amon-Ra St. Brown well.
It’s worth noting that Ballentine didn’t necessarily expect the Lions to sign Evans. Rather, Ballentine connected the team to Evans in what he described as a “hypothetical exercise.”
In the exercise, free agency worked similarly to the draft, with teams arranged according to cap capacity. Then each club has the opportunity to choose one person.
Ballentine assigned Evans, who signed a 5-year, $82.5 million contract in 2018, to the Lions at No. 7.
In ten NFL seasons, Evans has 762 receptions, 11,680 receiving yards, and 94 touchdowns. He led the NFL with 13 receiving touchdowns in 2023.
In 2023, he also made 79 catches for 1,255 receiving yards.
Will the Lions make a big free agency splash with WR Mike Evans?
For hypothetical purposes, Evans in Detroit’s offense would undoubtedly be frightening. Last season, opposing teams struggled to cover the shifty Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta.
With Evans, who has averaging 15.3 yards per reception, the Lions’ passing offense might be historic.
“St. Brown is an excellent receiver in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field,” Ballentine stated in an email. “Evans would immediately be the team’s best vertical threat and would force attention away from Jameson Williams, a former first-round pick who has breakout potential in 2024.”
Evans’ arrival may also allow the Lions to continue progressively developing Jameson Williams rather than rushing him into a starting role by 2024.
In 2023, Detroit’s passing offense ranked second in yards. The unit also ranked third in net yards per pass attempt and fourth in passing touchdowns.
What is Detroit’s realistic perspective on NFL free agency?
As entertaining as Evans would be in Detroit, the Lions signing him is exceedingly doubtful. The Lions have needs at cornerback, edge rusher, and guard, which are likely to take precedence in free agency.
Despite those needs and $54.2 million in cap space, ESPN’s Eric Woodyard does not expect the Lions to sign any high-profile free agents this offseason.
“Although this year’s salary cap will be $30.6 million more per team than last year’s $224.8 million, Holmes has said he will remain selective and strategic in identifying top free agents,” Woodyard said in a statement.
“Ideally, the Lions want to acquire the best players through the draft, develop them and re-sign them once they’re eligible for an extension.”
The Lions have also been a popular option for trading up in the NFL draft from No. 29. With four picks in the top 92, the Lions have the draft cash to move up for a candidate they believe can help them compete for a title right away.
However, based on Woodyard’s prognosis, that also appears doubtful.
