NFL expert says the Lions quietly made one of the most important free agent moves of the offseason, one that could contribute to a Super Bowl
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NFL expert says the Lions quietly made one of the most important free agent moves of the offseason, one that could contribute to a Super Bowl
Nov 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Roger McCreary (25) warms up during pregame of a game against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Mike Payton·AtoZ Sports
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3 min read
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Detroit Lionsdidn't make a big splash in free agency, but ESPN believes a quiet move they made could end up being one of the most important of the entire offseason-and a real factor in a Super Bowl run.
The DetroitLionsdidn't have the big, crazy, noteworthy free agency that their fans hoped they would have.
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There were no big splashes outside ofCade Mays. It was a quiet period that relied on finding younger talent who could either step in and be starters or be really solid and dependable depth. Despite that…
Every year, the Super Bowl-winning teams go out and sign one guy who doesn't get a ton of attention and doesn't dominate the news cycle, but winds up being a difference maker for the team that goes all the way. Solak thinks McCreary is that guy for the Lions.
"When we look back at the most important offseason move that didn't get discussed at the time (think linebacker Zack Baun to the Eagles or defensive tackle DeMarcus Lawrence to theSeahawks), we will highlight cornerback Roger McCreary to the Lions. He was traded from a sleepy Titans team to the Rams midseason but then failed to see major action after a hip injury a few weeks later. McCreary has inside/out versatility on a Lions team that needs more reliable coverage players."
Ben Solak
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I like where Solak's head is at. When the Lions signed McCreary, my first thought right off the bat was that he definitely has the ability to be the Lions' starting slot cornerback from day one. He was a starter for the Titans, and the Rams clearly wanted him to be that there too, but the injury caused him to only play a game or two inLos Angeles.
The only pause I have here is that the Lions just pulled off one of the biggest steals of the draft in Keith Abney, and I think Abney can compete for the job. It's a really good problem to have for Detroit for sure, but it could potentially throw a wrench in the idea Solak is trying to get across.
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I do have a bit of a counter to Solak's argument in the form of offering up a different player who was quietly signed but can be a difference-maker. We're not talking aboutChuck Clarknearly enough in my opinion.
Right now, we don't know what the story is withKerby Joseph, and we don't know whenBrian Branchwill be back. The Lions went out and quietly signed Clark, who has started 80 games and was theRavens' starting safety for years.
He's never been a Pro Bowler or anything like that, but he's about as steady a hand on the wheel as you can ask for without breaking the bank. He's also a strong run defender, much like Branch. I think the comp here for Lions fans isRock Ya-Sinlast year. Just a dude who gets his hands dirty and quietly gets the job done.
