The Detroit Lions 2023 Offseason Outlook

Introduction:
The Detroit Lions are coming off a season where they showed a lot of promise and growth as a young team, but still ended up with just a 3-13-1 record. As the Lions look ahead to the 2023 offseason, they will be focused on continuing to build a roster that can eventually lead them back to contending status. There are several key areas where the Lions need to improve this offseason.

Evaluating Jared Goff at Quarterback

One of the biggest questions facing the Lions is at the quarterback position. Jared Goff has been serviceable as the starter since coming over in the Matthew Stafford trade, but there are doubts if he can be a franchise QB that can lead the team deep into the playoffs. The 2023 season will be big for Goff to show he can be the long-term answer. If not, the quarterback could become a major need again.

Re-Signing Key Free Agents:

The Lions have several important players set to become free agents in March. Most notably, safety Tracy Walker, wide receiver DJ Chark, and linebacker Alex Anzalone are key defenders the Lions will want to bring back. Re-signing most of their impact-free agents will be crucial for the Lions to keep positive momentum building on defense.

Improve the Pass Rush:

One of Detroit’s biggest weaknesses in 2022 was their lack of consistent pass rush. They ranked 30th in the NFL with just 30 sacks. Finding ways to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks will be a priority. They could target pass rush help in both free agency and the draft. Landing an elite rusher would transform their defense.

Add Offensive Playmakers:

While the offense has some nice pieces in place like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jamaal Williams, they need more firepower and playmaking ability at receiver and tight end. Adding a true WR1 and dynamic tight end could take Jared Goff and the offense to another level. Using free agency and early draft picks on pass catchers could pay dividends.

Solidify the Secondary:

The Lions secondary was ravaged by injuries in 2022 and needs reinforcements. Jeff Okudah showed improvement, but adding more cornerback talent and depth is essential. Finding a reliable safety partner for Tracy Walker also needs to be addressed. This unit must improve for the defense as a whole to take the next step.

Bottom Line for the Lions:

The Lions seem headed in the right direction but have several important needs to fill if they want to make a big leap in 2023. Solidifying the quarterback position, retaining key free agents, improving the pass rush and secondary, and adding offensive playmakers are all priorities for Detroit this offseason. If they can successfully address those needs, the future continues to look bright for the Lions.

Detroit Lions 2023 Offseason Outlook Summary:

• Evaluate if Jared Goff is the long-term answer at QB
• Re-sign impact free agents like Tracy Walker, DJ Chark, Alex Anzalone
• Improve pass rush through free agency and draft
• Add offensive playmakers at WR and TE
• Upgrade secondary with a focus on CB and safety depth
• Lots of work ahead this offseason, but the future looks bright in Detroit

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Conclusion:

The 2023 offseason is shaping up to be an extremely important one for the Detroit Lions. There are a lot of difficult decisions to make and key needs to address like quarterback, pass rush, secondary help, and offensive playmakers. If GM Brad Holmes can nail free agency and the draft, the future looks very bright in Detroit. The Lions have the cap space and draft capital to make significant improvements. While a playoff appearance may still be another year away, Lions fans have a lot to be excited about with the direction of the franchise. The 2023 season will go a long way in determining if the rebuild is truly headed in the right direction.