It seems the Detroit Lions are going to have plenty of options to choose from as they shape their roster during the offseason.
The organization has already been brought up as a potential trade destination for Myles Garrett, Cooper Kupp, and Maxx Crosby.
Those are just the highest-profile trade options and doesn’t even include the big names they could go after in free agency.
In free agency, it seems they could end up in the mix for a linebacker who has played in two Super Bowls in the first six seasons of his career.
In an article discussing top landing spots for the best linebackers in this year’s free agent class, Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron named the Lions as a top landing spot for San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
When healthy, Greenlaw has been very productive throughout his six years with the 49ers.
He racked up 92 tackles as a rookie and then followed that up with 86 in 13 game. His third year in the league saw him miss most of the season with an injury, but he came back strong in year four.
Greenlaw made 127 tackles and forced a pair of fumbles in his fourth season, which earned him a two-year contract worth $16.4 million.
His first year on the new contract was another successful season where he made 120 tackles with five for a loss.
Unfortunately, that season ended with a torn Achilles in the Super Bowl.
He spent most of the 2024 season recovering from the injury, which will leave some teams with questions about what they can expect from him in the future.
That could provide an opportunity to land it at a discount for teams that are willing to take a chance on him returning to form and the Lions could be a team interested in taking that chance.
The Lions could have an opening at linebacker this offseason. Derrick Barnes is set to become a free agent and there has already been a rumor that Aaron Glenn wants a reunion.
If Barnes leaves, Greenlaw could be a solid replacement to join a Lions linebacker corps that struggled with injuries last season and needs some help stopping the run.