Welcome again to a different version of the Detroit Lions free agent profiles sequence for the 2024 season. At this time, the dialogue is group captain and defensive finish, Charles Harris. Harris was on the second yr of his two-year deal, attempting to rebound after accidents derailed his 2022 season. The Lions gamers voted him as one of many group’s six captains, and along with his teammate’s respect and belief, he was aiming to have a bounce-back yr in 2023. Sadly, he couldn’t recapture a few of his early success in Detroit.
Let’s take a deeper have a look at the case for letting Harris go.
Right here’s a have a look at our beforehand written free agent profiles: QB Nate Sudfeld, WR Josh Reynolds, WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, TE Zach Ertz, OG Graham Glasgow, OG Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OG Jonah Jackson, OT Dan Skipper. EDGE Romeo Okwara, CB Emmanuel Moseley, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Okay Michael Badgley,
Charles Harris
Expectations heading into 2023
Heading into 2023, Harris was anticipated to get a second probability to redeem what occurred within the earlier season Again in 2021, the Lions signed Harris on a one-year deal and acquired the most effective season of his profession. In flip, the Lions re-signed him to a two-year $14 million deal. With that, expectations have been excessive for Harris, however a reasonably vital groin damage restricted him to only six video games in 2022. He needed to take a pay minimize to stick with the group in 2023.
With the pay minimize, expectations have been lowered for Harris, however he nonetheless entered the season because the anticipated starter. The hope was he may return to the shape we noticed in 2021—when Harris tallied 7.5 sacks and 52 pressures.
Precise function in 2023
Be aware: PFF grades mix common season and playoffs and mirror a minimal 20% snaps at that place.
Common season stats — 13 video games (3 begins): 291 defensive snaps – 13 tackles, two tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks.
PFF Defensive grade: 55.9 (one centesimal out of 122)PFF Rush Protection grade: 64.8 (51st out of 122)PFF Tackling grade: 69.4 (18th out of 122)PFF Cross Rush grade: 53.7 (103rd out of 122)
Sadly, the 2023 season was an excellent worse one for Harris. Whereas he did play in additional video games, up from six to 13 in 2023, he had one fewer begin and his stats have been minorly a step again from 2022.
In contrast to final season, Harris misplaced his spot within the beginning lineup as a result of efficiency, not damage. Actually, he was a wholesome scratch for 4 video games within the common season and the whole playoffs. Harris noticed his taking part in time get lowered because the season progressed with John Cominsky and Josh Paschal beginning over him and taking on Harris’ time on the sphere.
Outlook for 2024
Contract standing: Unrestricted free agent
Why Detroit should let Harris go
Harris simply couldn’t recapture the magic he had in 2021 as soon as once more. GM Brad Holmes made the suitable transfer by re-signing Harris in 2022, and I doubt he anticipated Harris to drop off all of a sudden in between seasons. Harris is approaching 29 years outdated this season and the line of defense wants some assist total. Defensive finish Aidan Hutchinson is the most effective lineman on the group and he wants some assistance on the alternative facet of the sting place. Hutchinson has some assist in the inside, however the depth on the defensive finish spot may use some upgrades.
Harris had his probability in 2023 to redeem what went unsuitable in 2022 and he wasn’t capable of step as much as the plate. The Lions can discover somebody cheaper and youthful through free company or the draft. It’s by no means simple to do away with a group captain—and there’s at all times an opportunity of disrupting the locker room—however it simply means another person must step up in that function and it’s a part of the enterprise when a group improves.
Is there curiosity from either side?
I don’t see Holmes and firm desirous to convey again Harris in 2024. The group already minimize his wage in 2023, and whereas he may need to stick round for a really team-friendly deal, I believe the writing was on the wall when Harris didn’t seems within the playoffs. The group is seeking to revamp their protection once more in 2024, and a method is to let a few of their gamers go and hope to seek out gamers that may contribute elsewhere.
What do you assume the Lions ought to do with Charles Harris?
