The Detroit Lions aren’t taking their foot off the pedal after making a run to the NFC Championship game last season before falling to the San Francisco 49ers.
The Lions were one of the best offensive teams in the NFL in 2023, but it’s on defense that they fell short. With that said, it’s definitely a priority for them to improve on that end this offseason as they look to build upon their recent success and compete for a Super Bowl
In order to do so, however, the Lions will need to make franchise-altering moves. If they are serious about competing, they know very well that they need to take advantage of their current status and continue to improve the roster while their window is still open.
Offensively, the Lions brass made a concerted effort to lock down its two top players. In April, the Lions inked star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to a four-year extension worth $120 million, with $77 million guaranteed.
St. Brown’s extension comes on the same day Detroit made Penei Sewell the newest highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL on a per year basis, agreeing to terms with the tackle on a four-year, $112 million extension that includes $85 million guaranteed, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported.
St. Brown immediately became the Lions’ No. 1 receiver as a rookie and raised his standing each subsequent season. In three campaigns, the USC product has earned two Pro Bowl nods, 2023 first-team All-Pro honors, and generated 3,588 total receiving yards and 21 touchdowns.
In 2023, the dynamic playmaker raised his game to new heights, earning 1,515 yards and 10 TDs on 119 catches, all career-highs, helping the Lions bury 30-plus-years of postseason futility and capturing the club’s first division title since 1993. Among all receivers, St. Brown finished the season third in yards, third in catches, tied for fourth in touchdowns, third in first downs (75), tied for third in catches per game (7.4), and fifth in yards per contest (94.7).
But the Detroit Lions weren’t done.
Detroit inked a contract extension with QB Jared Goff back in May keeping him for another four years worth $212 million.
In 48 games played and started for Detroit, Goff has completed 1,121-of-1,686 passes (66.5%) for 12,258 yards, 78 touchdowns and 27 interceptions for a 96.5 passer rating.
In the 2023 season, Goff led Detroit to a 12-5 record, tying the single-season franchise record for victories, en route to helping the team capture its first division title in 30 years. During the postseason, he joined QBs Tobin Rote (1957) and Bobby Layne (1952-53) as the only quarterbacks in franchise history to win multiple playoff games while guiding Detroit to their second-ever NFC Championship Game appearance and their first since 1991.
Among all NFL quarterbacks in 2023, Goff ranked first in passing first downs (227), second in passing yards (4,575), second in 20-yard completions (69), tied-for-third in 300-yard games (five), fourth in touchdown passes (30) and ninth in passer rating (97.9).
But the Lions’ defensive struggles in 2023 could have cost them a Super Bowl, They made several moves to bolster that unit for 2024, including inking former Bengals DT DJ Reader to a two-year deal worth $27.5 million, traded for former Bucs CB Carlton Davis III and inked a deal with with former Raiders CB Amik Robertson that could be worth over $10 million with incentives.
Detroit Lions Expected To Sign UFL Star Kicker Jake Bates
While securing their top playmakers on offense was a priority and bringing in defensive help was clearly a focal point this offseason, any NFL GM understands the importance of special teams.
The Lions have reportedly made an addition to their kicking battle. They are expected to sign popular UFL kicker Jake Bates.
NFL reporter Aaron Wilson was first to report the signing.
The All-UFL selection visited the Lions on Tuesday, signaling that there was indeed interest between the team and the player who spent the spring kicking for the Michigan Panthers.
Bates arrived on the Detroit Lions’ fans radars early in the UFL season, with a game-winning 64-yard field goal. Given that the Panthers played their home games at Ford Field, Lions fans clamored with hopes that Bates could provide the stability at the position that has been desired since the departure of Matt Prater.
Detroit Lions newest kicker Jake Bates casually kicking a 64-yard field goal 🤯#OnePride pic.twitter.com/J2MkI5ajl8
— Crunch Time Sports (@officialctpod) June 14, 2024
Prior to signing with the Lions, four teams had requested to host the kicker. Among the others were the Green Bay Packers, the Washington Commanders and the Baltimore Ravens.
Bates made 21-of-28 kicks for the Panthers this spring. His performance appeared to tail off during the final stretch of the season, but his long-range ability proved enticing throughout the UFL.
If Bates can replicate his clutch kicking for the Lions, he could find himself a long career in the NFL.
