Even though the needs on defense greatly outweigh the needs on offense, the Lions will without a doubt head into the offseason looking to take care of some business on the offensive side of the ball.
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press took a look at what each team in the NFC North needs to do this offseason offensively and here is what he had to say on the Lions…
“The Lions’ off-season priorities are clear: restructure Calvin Johnson‘s contract to free up salary-cap space, re-sign free-agent starters Cliff Avril, Jeff Backus, Stephen Tulloch and Eric Wright, and add some young pieces in the secondary and on both lines who could be contributors soon.”
Calvin Johnson is set to make $22 million dollars next season so it remains vital that the Lions restructure his contract to get some cap relief and lock him down long-term. Aside from that the Lions will look at their aging offensive line which could suffer a sizable loss if they choose not to bring back tackle Jeff Backus.
The Lions may also choose to roll the dice with their running backs using last year’s game plan in Mikel Leshoure and Jahvid Best despite possible career altering injuries to both players last season.
However what remains pretty certain is the Lions will address their weaknesses in the defensive backfield or secondary during the first round of April’s draft.
Ref: Detroit Free Press, ESPN.com, TouchTheBanner (image)
