The Detroit Lions have taken some hits to their offensive line, but still managed to climb their way back to the top of the NFC North with an explosive offensive performance against the Washington Commanders.
Though last week’s NFL trade deadline passed without the Lions making any additions, one analyst believes the Lions can still give a boost to their offense by targeting a veteran offensive lineman who could come at a bargain price. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox named the Lions as a top landing spot for free agent Cody Whitehair, who he called an “intriguing option” for a team in need of depth on their line.
Lions Could Add Trusted Option to Their Line
Knox noted that Whitehair has plenty of experience under his belt and the versatility to play different positions in the interior line.
“The 33-year-old has never been a top-tier starter, but he did make the Pro Bowl in 2018 and has a ton of experience,” Knox wrote. “Whitehair has 121 starts on his resume and has played both center and guard during his career. That positional versatility could earn him looks from multiple teams.”
Knox added that the Lions could use Whitehair’s experience to add depth after some costly losses.
“Whitehair would be a logical target for the Detroit Lions, who lost center Frank Ragnow to retirement in the offseason and recently placed guard Christian Mahogany on injured reserve,” Knox added.
Lions Bounce Back
Though the Lions have struggled at times on offense — especially in their three losses — they have demonstrated a knack for bouncing back. The team has not lost back-to-back games in nearly three years, responding strongly after each of their losses this year.
That included Sunday’s game, when the Lions blew out a shorthanded Washington Commanders team 44-22 to rebound from the previous week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions had 546 total yards of offense in the win with 30 first downs and no turnovers.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties on offense after a sloppy performance against the Vikings and led the Lions to scores on each of their first eight possessions.
Wide receiver Jameson Williams, who had six catches for 119 yards, shared some praise for his coach — and some good-nature ribbing about the eyeglasses that Campbell needed while calling plays.
âShout-out to Dan and how he controlled the game,â Williams said, via The Associated Press. âIt was kind of funny seeing him with the glasses. … Itâs a different look, for sure.â
Campbell said he was just trying to shake things up.
âIt was just: Letâs try something a little different,â Campbell said. âMaybe a different play-caller can get us a little more rhythm.â
With the dominant win over the Commanders — as well as Monday night’s loss by the Green Bay Packers — the Lions moved back to the top of the NFC North. They are seeking a third straight division title and remain in the hunt for the No. 1 overall seed, which the Lions earned for the first time in franchise history in 2024.
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