Should Detroit Lions add defensive end Nick Perry for depth?
The Detroit Lions have been looking to improve their pass rush for quite a while now. So, should they add defensive end Nick Perry for depth?
The offseason is winding down and there are a few free agents on the market that might be worth the Detroit Lions kicking the tires.
One of those players is former Green Bay Packers defensive end/linebacker Nick Perry.
The Case for Adding Perry
Perry is only 29 years old and could provide some veteran depth on this Detroit Lions roster. Sure, the Lions replaced the loss of Ziggy Ansah by adding Trey Flowers in free agency already and have Romeo Okwara ready to start opposite the big-name signing. But what proven player do they have behind those two starters? Go ahead and Google it. I’ll wait…
As far as depth goes, it’s pretty thin at the defensive end position. Perry could be a cheap, yet effective, addition. If either Flowers or Okwara needs to come off the field for a breather, the drop off in level of player might be significant enough for opposing offenses to exploit.
The additional pressure on the opposing quarterback benefits the entire defense and takes the pressure off the back end and defensive backs. Unfortunately, the Lions were in the bottom half of the league in pass-rushing last season. Perry fills the gap and gives this unit a boost if signed.
The Case Against Adding Perry
The Detroit Lions run a ‘sub’ defense under head coach Matt Patricia. He relies on his linebackers to pass rush more often than a standard 4-3 defense. The lack of depth can be covered by rushing the linebackers in those situations where the starters are getting a breather.
Also, the Lions did draft Austin Bryant, a defensive end out of Clemson. While he’s a rookie and unproven, he still has the chance to fill the role that Perry might serve. If Bryant shows the ability in training camp, the signing might be completely unnecessary.
Finally, Perry simply might be asking for too much money. The Lions have the cap room to make this addition if they feel like they are thin at defensive end, but they certainly don’t have to if they feel the cost is too much. And if Perry remains unsigned into the regular season, the Lions could always look his way in a pinch.
Next. The Detroit Lions All-Time Defensive Team. dark
What do you think? Do the Detroit Lions need to think about making an addition at the defensive end position? Or are they set at the position until something happens to force their hand? Let us know in the comments below.