Few would argue that the Detroit Lions could benefit from an improvement at defensive tackle for the 2024 season. As free agency is set to begin on March 13, veteran Christian Wilkins is widely regarded as the best available defensive tackle on the market.
On March 10, ESPN’s Dan Graziano suggested the possibility of the Lions pursuing Wilkins.
“After Chris Jones secured a lucrative deal on Saturday night, Miami’s Christian Wilkins is expected to draw significant interest, with competitive teams such as the Texans and Lions seeking to enhance that position,” stated Graziano.
Graziano referred to the record-setting contract the Kansas City Chiefs struck with Chris JonesJones. With $95 million guaranteed, Jones will become the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history in terms of average annual basis.
On March 8, the Baltimore Ravens signed also signed defensive tackle Justin Madubuike to a 4-year, $98 million contract.
This leaves Wilkins as the only top-tier available defensive tackle according to many NFL free agency rankings. Pro Football Focus ranked Wilkins as the seventh best among all potential 2024 free agents, behind only Jones and Madubuike at defensive tackle.
PFF also projected Wilkins to receive a 4-year, $100 million contract in free agency.
Are the Lions Interested in Christian Wilkins?
Graziano is not the first to essentially encourage the Lions to sign Wilkins. On March 3, SI.com’s All Lions’ Christian Booher argued that Wilkins “could be a game-changer for the Lions.”
“Wilkins would be a significant addition wherever he ends up, and has the potential to be a game-changing factor,” stated Booher. “With the Lions’ requirements, it would be a significant move that would indicate Detroit’s aspiration to compete for a Super Bowl.”
Wilkins recorded a career-high 9 sacks and 23 quarterback hits in 2023. He also averaged 84 combined tackles over the past three seasons. Wilkins has not missed a game during that period.
Placing him on Detroit’s defensive line alongside Alim McNeill could revolutionize the Lions' defensive front. Wilkins would enhance Detroit’s pass rush, which ranked 23rd in sacks last season, and run defense, which ranked second in 2023.
However, while the need exists, it’s crucial to note that Graziano did not directly link Wilkins to the Lions.
“This does not necessarily mean the Lions are pursuing Wilkins,” SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit’s Ryan Mathews wrote on X (formerly Twitter) in response to Graziano. “They could be, but Graziano's statement here does not confirm that.
“There is a lot of speculation here by simply identifying the Lions as a team that is ‘looking to enhance that position.'”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler mentioned that he anticipates “at least seven teams to pursue” Wilkins. While he named the Minnesota Vikings Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns and as probable suitors, he did not specify the other potential teams. Other Potential Defensive Tackle Targets for Lions
Wilkins is the most sought-after player left at defensive tackle, but there are numerous high-quality defensive tackles who will be available in NFL free agency.
12 defensive tackles are included in the top 100 potentially available free agents this offseason. That list includes
PFF ranked Grover Stewart Leonard Williams, Williams and Reader both considered among the top 20 free agents this year. Stewart was ranked at No. 52 overall in the list. and D.J. Reader.
PFF has If the Lions want to improve their defensive tackle position without spending around $100 million on one free agent, then those options are more likely targets.
But the Lions do have the financial room to make a significant impact if they decide. On March 10,
Spotrac ranked the Lions sixth in available cap space with about $53.3 million to spend. ESPN’s Dan Graziano mentioned that the Detroit Lions are seeking to upgrade defensive tackle and may do so in NFL free agency by signing Christian Wilkins.
