The Detroit Lions made a number of moves this past offseason to improve heading into next season and one of the best decisions was drafting Ezekiel Ansah with their first round piock and the team could be doing more in free agency, as Max Starks and Dwight Freeney could join the roster.
According to NFL.com, the Lions have expressed interest in both Starks and Freeney, while Brandon Moore and John Abraham could also be options. The team likes Freeney as a possible mentor to Ansah, who was drafted out of BYU and he could help revive his career in Detroit after a successful run with the Colts. Freeney could add to the depth at defensive end and shore up an area that was tough for the Lions last season while missing the playoffs. Freeney played in 14 games last season and made five sacks and if he comes in as a reserve and not a star he could end up flourishing.
For a time Freeney was one of the top defensive players in the league and he notched double digit sacks in five straight seasons at one point as well as in three of the last five, although those came from 2008 to 2010, when he had 10.5, 13.5 and 10 sacks. The past two seasons he has registered 8.5 and five, but he has been healthy and a solid player and he could be a big get for the Lions. Starks could also be a huge addition, as the team needs more work on the offensive line and despite visiting with the Chargers he could come and sign with the team.
The 31-year-old had some very good years in Pittsburgh with the Steelers and he started all 16 games last season and also has nearly 100 career starts under his belt, which would be huge for Detroit, who are dealing with issues on the line. The Chargers are interested in Starks after getting rid of Jared Gaither, but now the team has to decide how much it wants him as Detroit is also interested.
Brandon Moore could also be an option for the team, as he was considered to be the fourth best guard in the league last season despite his age at nearly 33. Moore was solid for the Jets and he could provide a backup plan if the Lions end up losing out on Starks. The Lions will most likely be improved next season after signing Reggie Bush and the team will be looking for a bounce back year from Matthew Stafford.