Detroit Lions Sign Journeyman Linebacker To Deal

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The Detroit Lions have one thing on their mind: a Super Bowl. This seemed like a pipe dream for most fans over the past few decades, but this team is primed for a deep playoff run. While the offense is full of weapons, the defense does have some questions. Aidan Hutchinson has little help on the defensive line and there are some questions at the second level as well. In a flurry of roster moves, the Lions signed journeyman linebacker Malik Jefferson to a deal.

Detroit Lions Sign Malik Jefferson

The Detroit Lions had some injuries during the first week of training camp and had to make some roster moves. In order to fill a spot, they signed Malik Jefferson. In six seasons, he has played for five teams: Cincinnati, Cleveland, the Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis, and Dallas. He has mostly logged time on special teams but does have 19 tackles and one tackle of loss in his career.

For the Lions, Jefferson is more of a depth piece. He likely will not see the field for the defense but don’t discount what a quality special teams player can do. Their work often goes unnoticed, but any fan can point to a special teams member making a crucial mistake that cost their team a game. The Lions are making sure they have every roster spot filled with quality players.

Can They Win The Super Bowl?

In short, yes. They have an elite offense led by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Hutchinson is a game-breaker on defense, and Dan Campbell has proven himself as a quality head coach. There is plenty to like, but for any Super Bowl contender, it is important to look at the potential pitfalls. While they are the favorite in the NFC North, the Green Bay Packers are not far behind. Chicago is a dark-horse candidate to make a run behind rookie phenom Caleb Williams, and even Minnesota is a tough out.

Furthermore, the defense has some questions in the secondary. While losing Cam Sutton doesn’t feel like a loss, losing CJ Gardner-Johnson is tough. At the linebacker spot, Jack Campbell needs to show he is worthy of a first-round pick. There are always going to be concerns, but the Detroit Lions should be in a position to compete for their first title as a franchise.

One thing working in the Lions’ favor is they don’t play an outdoor game in the first half of the season. Jared Goff’s numbers are better under a roof, which should help them rack up wins early in the season. The team paid a lot of key players this offseason. It is time for those players to show they are worthy of the payday and get this team to their very first Super Bowl appearance.

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