Detroit Lions

The Lions were busy Monday, bolstering their secondary while also bringing back a number of players from last year's 9-8 team.

However, this move isn’t too risky because the Lions are not expecting him to get a heavy workload. What it means: Anzalone was one of the most productive players on defense last season, starting in all 17 games and registering a career-best and team-leading 125 total tackles, along with seven tackles for loss. What it means: The Lions beef up their depth in the backfield by bringing back Reynolds. Detroit still needs a game-changer on the interior so even with this move they have major holes to fill to be more competitive. What's the risk: Does this move actually improve the defense? Sutton has proven to be a quality starter over the past two seasons, even earning a reputation as a lockdown cornerback. [Detroit Lions](/nfl/team/_/name/det/detroit-lions) kept defensive tackle [Isaiah Buggs](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4241451/isaiah-buggs) in the fold by agreeing to re-sign him early Monday. Prior to the past two seasons, he had only started in eight games for the Steelers. [Jeff Okudah](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4241984/jeff-okudah) play with more consistency. [NFL free agency](/nfl/nfl-free-agency/) is off and running, and we're [keeping track of every major signing, trade and release](/nfl/story/_/id/35768334/nfl-free-agency-updates-2023-latest-signings-trades-rumors-news-buzz-big-contracts) of the 2023 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and [grades from our experts](/nfl/insider/story/_/id/35793719/2023-nfl-free-agency-grades-top-signings-trades-latest-deals-draft-outlook). The first round of the [2023 NFL draft](https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/news) begins April 27 on ESPN. Detroit’s defense allowed opponents to score 25.12 points per game, which as tied for the third most in the NFL last season.

We asked Detroit Lions fans to voice their opinions, and now we bring you the results of our "one big move" poll in NFL free agency 2023.

Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn shared what he thinks Dre Bly will bring to the Detroit Lions as the team's new cornerbacks coach.

But there's also expected to be some new faces in that cornerback room, and it will be interesting to see how Bly is able to get the most out of them. "The next guy I knew I wanted to bring in was somebody that can really show and let these corners know, 'This is how a corner operates,'" Glenn said last week at the NFL Scouting Combine about the addition of Bly. Bly spent 12 years in the NFL and was a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion (XXIV with the Rams).

In partnership with Kroger, the United Dairy Industry of Michigan and Planet Fitness, the Lions will provide support to schools in need of equipment, technology ...

This program is a key pillar to our $5,000,000 investment in the community over the next five years. Submissions will be reviewed by a committee comprised of members from the Lions organization and partners. "Kroger is incredibly proud to be partnering with the Lions for the fourth year in a row on such a dynamic program" said Corporate Affairs Manager Cam Barrett.

Alex Anzalone had back-to-back career seasons in his first two years with the Detroit Lions, following a 78-tackle 2021 with 125 tackles last season.

Most are anticipating the Detroit Lions to overhaul their cornerback room this offseason and that process took a big step forward in signing Cameron Sutton.

Additionally, while Sutton has the range to play nickel, the Lions will likely also still need to add depth there. In Detroit, Sutton should assume one of the Lions starting roles, allowing for healthy competition on the opposite corner spot between Jeff Okudah and Jerry Jacobs. The fact that you can move him around—and the fact that he plays with a little bit of a mean streak—he is a guy that I really do appreciate.” Sutton started a handful of games in the back half of 2020, earned a 2-year contract extension, then took on a full-time starting role in 2021, and went on to have his best season as a professional in 2022. Last year, PFF noted that Sutton gave up just 411 receiving yards which check in as ninth among cornerbacks who played at least 400 coverage snaps. He spent his first four seasons as a multi-versatile reserve, shifting between outside corner, inside nickel, and a few looks at safety.

According to the NFL Network, the veteran linebacker signed a new three-year, $18.75 million contract, to return with Detroit after one of the best seasons of ...

Cameron Sutton held opposing QBs to a 47.9% completion percentage and 65.3 passer rating last season with Steelers. He's now on the Detroit Lions.

[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Let’s just get better in an area that we need to get better at and focus on that. The deal, which maxes out at $33 million and includes $22.5 million guaranteed, was finalized less than two hours [into the free agent negotiating period](https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/03/13/nfl-free-agency-rumors-detroit-lions-2023-live-updates/70003170007/). [Lions' goal this free](https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/03/12/detroit-lions-nfl-free-agency-2023-cap-space/69997522007/) [-](https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/03/12/detroit-lions-nfl-free-agency-2023-cap-space/69997522007/) [agent period was, simply, to get better](https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/03/12/detroit-lions-nfl-free-agency-2023-cap-space/69997522007/). You can never have enough guys that can get after the passer. You can never have enough guys that can cover elite receivers. "You can never have enough guys that (are) stout and can play the run. We just need to get better. Last season, Sutton, 28, held opposing quarterbacks to a 47.9% completion percentage and 65.3 passer rating, Jeff Okudah, the No. "You can never have enough of those guys," Glenn said. [Lions move for CB Cam Sutton praised](https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/03/13/detroit-lions-nfl-cameron-sutton-steelers/70003523007/)

The Detroit Lions and Isaiah Buggs agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth $6-million dollars on Monday. He joined the Lions in 2022.

Reynolds returns for his third season with Detroit after appearing in nine games last season and rushing 23 times for 102 yards (4.4 avg.) and adding nine ...

Originally joining the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent out of Kutztown in 2019, Reynolds has appeared in 19-career games (two starts), rushing 79 times for 336 yards (4.3 avg.) and adding 17 receptions for 171 yards (10.1 avg.). Reynolds returns for his third season with Detroit after appearing in nine games last season and rushing 23 times for 102 yards (4.4 avg.) and adding nine receptions for 116 yards (12.9 avg.).

A look at the free agency grades national writers have given the Detroit Lions after signing Cameron Sutton, among other moves.

Anzalone is not a bad player for the Lions to bring back, he just costs more than you’d like given his limitations.” [Sports Illustrated (Gilberto Manzano): B+](https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/03/08/2023-nfl-free-agency-grades-javon-hargrave-chris-lindstrom-ben-powers) “This move comes hours after the Lions added cornerback Cameron Sutton (see below). “A six-year veteran with the Steelers, Sutton now goes to Motown where the Lions are trying to shore up what was a porous secondary in 2022. Edwards](https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pff.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayers%2Ftj-edwards%2F30737&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2023%2F3%2F14%2F23638557%2F2023-nfl-free-agency-grades-how-detroit-lions-did-day-1-cameron-sutton) for a pretty similar deal. It’s just a bit of an overpay on a day when we saw a division rival in the Bears sign The Lions have had a hard time moving on from players and this may be a byproduct of that.” “This is a good signing by the Lions and a pretty reasonably priced contract for one of the first corners off the board this year. He had expressed a desire to return to Pittsburgh; however, the Lions obviously proved more attractive.” “The Lions needed to find an outside cornerback in free agency this offseason, and Sutton provides exactly that. [will improve](https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F4300823%2F2023%2F03%2F13%2Fcameron-sutton-free-agency-contract-2023-lions%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2023%2F3%2F14%2F23638557%2F2023-nfl-free-agency-grades-how-detroit-lions-did-day-1-cameron-sutton) a Detroit secondary that ranked 30th in the league, surrendering 245.8 passing yards per game. So without further ado, here are some free agency grades given to the Lions after Day 1 of free agency. While the Lions only publicly acknowledged a couple of re-signings—running back Craig Reynolds and defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs—the team’s two biggest moves remain only reported, not official.

Sutton's three-year, $33 million deal includes a $10.9 million signing bonus and low first-year base salary of $1.1 million.

Nelson started 11 games in 2021, playing both left and right tackle, and made 11 appearances last season.

Nelson was eligible for restricted free agency this week, but the Lions declined to tender him a right of first refusal offer of $2.627 million. [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Absent a new contract, he would have been an unrestricted free agent at 4 p.m. [linebacker Alex Anzalone](https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/03/13/detroit-lions-alex-anzalone-contract-nfl/70005195007/) and [nosetackle Isaiah Buggs](https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/03/13/detroit-lions-nfl-free-agency-isaiah-buggs-contract/70002984007/), tendered contracts to five exclusive rights free agents and [re-signed running back Craig Reynolds on a one-year deal.](https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/03/13/detroit-lions-craig-reynolds-resign-nfl-free-agency/70003365007/) They also agreed to a three-year deal with Pittsburgh Steelers free agent cornerback Cam Sutton. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2019, Nelson spent a year transitioning from defensive line to offensive tackle on the Lions practice squad before playing as a sixth lineman in 2020. [Detroit Lions](https://www.freep.com/sports/lions/) kept another one of their own free agents off the market Tuesday, re-signing backup offensive tackle Matt Nelson.

On Monday afternoon, the NFL announced the 2023 player rules, bylaws, and resolutions changes that were submitted by individual teams this year.

Any quarterback on a club’s Practice Squad is required to be listed on the club’s game status injury report. Each club may also designate one emergency third quarterback from its Inactive List or Practice Squad, who will be eligible to be activated during the game, if, and only if, the club’s first two quarterbacks on its game day Active List are ruled “Out” for the remainder of the game due to injury or disqualification. The Lions are proposing allowing a third emergency quarterback on game days that won’t count against the active game day list. If the challenge is successful, the personal foul, as identified by the challenging Head Coach, is nullified. A challenge involving a personal foul, as listed in Rule 12, Section 2, may only be initiated by a Head Coach when such a foul is called on the field. The Lions are simply looking to add personal fouls to the list of items challengeable by coaches.

The Detroit Lions are not afraid to push for change in the NFL. The Lions have submitted three rule proposals for the 2023 season to improving the league's ...

While it is unclear how likely any of the proposals are to be passed, the Lions’ suggestions have already generated significant interest and discussion. The proposal only permits coaches to challenge personal fouls that were called and not personal fouls that were not called. This includes the Eagles’ request that players be allowed to wear the number 0. In addition to these proposals, the Lions have suggested that the Replay Official’s jurisdiction be expanded to allow for consultation regarding penalty assessment. These proposals are just the latest example of the Lions’ dedication to excellence across the organization. The Lions’ proposals show that they are in tune with the league and are determined for the right calls to be made on the field, too.

Nelson started 11 games in 2021, playing both left and right tackle, and made 11 appearances last season.

Below the surface of cornerback Cameron Sutton's new contract with the Detroit Lions, there's a remarkably small cap hit for 2023.

While void years can be a slippery slope to move cap money around, the Lions didn’t impact their future balance sheet that much by doing two void years on Sutton’s deal. As a practical matter the Lions are married to him for two years, with a patable potential out in 2025. Sutton has been on the field for almost every snap for the Steelers the last two years and has developed into a solid player at the position. Void years have become an easy way to spread out the cap hit for a signing bonus to kick the can into future years. Via Over The Cap, a pre-June 1 cut in 2025 would clear $6.14 million in cap space with $6.5 million in dead money. Still, the

Nelson originally joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2019, spending his rookie season on the practice squad as he transitioned from the ...