After an exhilarating day of Saturday Wild Card playoff soccer, the NFL continues on Sunday with a tripleheader of video games that may hopefully dwell as much as that hype.
For Detroit Lions followers, although, it’s the offseason, and the staff wants to enhance in the event that they need to be enjoying deep into January subsequent yr. In order you’re watching Sunday’s video games, listed here are 12 gamers to keep watch over, as they’re presently heading towards free company in March.
Payments at Jaguars — 1 p.m. ET — CBS
G/C Connor McGovern (#66) – Arguably the second-best middle set to hit the free agent market after Baltimore’s Tyler Linderbaum, McGovern has been the Payments’ beginning middle for the previous two years and hasn’t given up a single sack over that interval. He’s additionally logged begins at each guard positions within the NFL. At 28 years outdated, he probably gained’t be low-cost, however he’ll be a comparatively long-term answer at both guard or middle whereas additionally offering some much-needed expertise.
LG David Edwards (#76) – If the Lions plan on transferring Tate Ratledge to middle, Edwards would make an amazing veteran left guard, permitting Christian Mahogany to maneuver again to proper guard (his faculty place). Edwards is a former Brad Holmes draft decide when he was director of faculty scouting for the Rams (2019 fifth-round decide), and the Payments guard has constructed out a pleasant profession since then. His play has been persistently strong however not excellent, which might imply the 28-year-old might come at a comparatively inexpensive worth—he signed a two-year, $6 million extension with the Payments in 2024.
LB Devin Lloyd (#0) – If the Lions aren’t keen to pay Alex Anzalone, I’d be shocked in the event that they’d shell out the price it might take to signal Lloyd, who’s having a profession season on the ultimate yr of his rookie deal. The 27-year-old linebacker has 5 interceptions, six tackles for loss, and the third-best PFF grade amongst all linebackers. If Detroit needs to enhance their protection from their linebackers, Lloyd is the best choice, however he will likely be expensive.
S Andrew Wingard (#42) – Wingard is a quintessential “Dan Campbell man” who has fought towards the percentages to work his manner into the beginning lineup a number of occasions over the course of his profession regardless of being labeled as a particular groups ace and getting into the league as an undrafted participant. He’s a menace within the run sport, posting an 81.0 PFF grade towards the run, and whereas protection has been a legal responsibility, he did publish a career-high 9 passes defended this yr. He’d be a comparatively low-cost participant to assist if Brian Department’s Achilles damage bleeds into the common season, and he’d be one in all Dave Fipp’s favourite gamers
49ers at Eagles — 4:30 p.m. ET — FOX
RB Brian Robinson (#3) – The Knuckles to Christian McCaffrey’s Sonic, Robinson is coming off his rookie contract seeking to rating a elevate. The Lions may very well be available in the market in the event that they commerce David Montgomery, and Robinson can be a great way to get youthful (will flip 27 this yr), however not essentially cheaper. This yr, Robinson pressured a missed deal with each 9.2 dashing makes an attempt, good for the sixth-best ratio within the NFL. He could also be in search of a much bigger alternative than to characteristic behind Jahmyr Gibbs, however he definitely has expertise in that function.
EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos (#94) – A giant and bodily edge that would in all probability even play inside, Gross-Matos hasn’t lived as much as his second-round billing, however he’s been an impactful cross rusher since getting back from damage this yr. He has 4 pressures in his final three video games and has earned a 75.7 cross dashing grade from PFF this season. He shouldn’t be thought of a starter, however he can be a pleasant a part of a cross rush rotation reverse Aidan Hutchinson.
TE Grant Calcaterra (#81) – The Eagles have three regularly-used tight ends dealing with free company, most notably Dallas Goedert. I’d be shocked if Detroit splurges on him, in order that leaves Calcaterra and Kylen Granson—two official choices that might enhance Detroit’s cross blocking on the sting. I’m slightly underwhelmed by each when it comes to run block, which can make them non-starters in Detroit, however Calcaterra has extra promise there.
EDGE Jaelan Phillips (#50) – Many had been pissed off to see the Eagles add Phillips whereas the Lions sat on their palms on the commerce deadline, however the Lions might add him for the long term this free company. Since becoming a member of the Eagles, Phillips has produced 41 pressures and a pair of.0 sacks in eight video games, whereas remaining stout towards the run. But when I needed to guess, Phillips, 26, will likely be manner outdoors of the Lions’ worth vary.
Chargers at Patriots — 8:15 p.m. ET — NBC
OT Trevor Penning (#64) – After struggling accidents at each deal with positions, the Chargers traded for Penning, and he’s crammed in admirably for Los Angeles. The previous first-round decide might definitely be labeled a bust from his 3.5 years in New Orleans, however with a recent begin in LA, he’s posted an honest 68.8 PFF run blocking grade in 4 begins, together with a powerful 87.2 mark towards a robust Broncos protection in Week 18… at proper guard. This yr alone, he’s been a beginning left deal with, a jumbo tight finish, and a fill-in at each guard positions. He’s a youthful, extra versatile Dan Skipper with a a lot greater ceiling.
S Tony Jefferson (#23) – A reliable veteran security can be good to assist shield the Lions from accidents to Brian Department and Kerby Joseph. Jefferson definitely qualifies after beating father time this previous season. Now, Jefferson has already retired as soon as, so it’s unclear if the soon-to-be 34-year-old has any need to play in 2026, however he’s been nice this yr. Because the Chargers’ deep security, he’s logged a career-high 4 interceptions and 7 passes defended this season.
TE Austin Hooper (#81) – Hooper, 32, is on the tail-end of his profession, which might make him a pleasant worth purchase in free company. He’s coming off a career-low 263 receiving yards, however continues to be logging over 500 snaps a season as an honest cross blocker and succesful run blocker. Coming off a one-year, $5 million contract, Hooper can be an excellent funding for Detroit to enhance their skinny and injured tight finish room.
LB Jack Gibbens (#51) – Gibbens was a relative unknown heading into this season, however after reuniting with Mike Vrabel by way of free company this yr, he’s within the midst of a breakout. The 27-year-old linebacker has 81 tackles, 4 passes defended, and even took over some green-dot duties this yr. He’s additionally firmly within the “Dan Campbell man” class. Right here’s how SI’s Mike D’Abate described him:
“Very like Spillane, Vrabel continues to be impressed by Gibbens’ stage of athleticism, alongside together with his skill to guide by instance with tenacity, excessive soccer IQ and a continuous work ethic.“
