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    Lions free agents to know as potential Cardinals targets

    InsideTheNFLNewsBy No Comments3 Mins Read


    Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) and linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) celebrate against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, September 15, 2024.

    The Detroit Lions were eliminated from the playoffs on Saturday in a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders. This pushes them into their offseason.

    Like most teams, a number of players are expected to become free agents in March.

    ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted a list of key free agents on social media almost immediately after the game.

    Below, among this list, here are some that the Arizona Cardinals could aim to meet key off-season needs.

    LB Derrick Barnes

    Barnes finished the season on injured reserve with a knee injury, but was close to returning in the playoffs. He only played three games for Detroit. In 2023, he played 16 games, including 13 starts, and made 81 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.

    DT Levi Onwuzurike

    January 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, United States; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) gets pressured by Detroit Lions defensive end Levi Onwuzurike (91) during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory credit: David Reginek-Imagn ImagesJanuary 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, United States; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) gets pressured by Detroit Lions defensive end Levi Onwuzurike (91) during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

    January 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, United States; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) gets pressured by Detroit Lions defensive end Levi Onwuzurike (91) during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

    The Cardinals invested a lot of money in free agency on the defensive line and drafted Darius Robinson in the first round, but LJ Collier, Roy Lopez, Khyiris Tonga and Naquan Jones will all be free agents. Their depth is not under contract. Onwuzurike has 1.5 sacks and 13 QB hits in 2024.

    EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad

    January 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, United States; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) gets away from Detroit Lions linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn ImagesJanuary 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, United States; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) gets away from Detroit Lions linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

    January 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, United States; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) gets away from Detroit Lions linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

    Muhammad turns 30 in March but has some history with Jonathan Gannon. He played for Indianapolis from 2018 to 2021. His best season was 2021 with six sacks.

    S Ifetu Melifonwu

    Detroit Lions safety Ifetu Melifonwu (6) warms up before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on Sunday, December 22, 2024.Detroit Lions safety Ifetu Melifonwu (6) warms up before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on Sunday, December 22, 2024.

    Detroit Lions safety Ifetu Melifonwu (6) warms up before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on Sunday, December 22, 2024.

    The Cardinals could move on from Jalen Thompson, so Melifonwu, who can play safety and nickel, could come in. He has only played in three games this season.

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    This article was originally published on Cards Wire: Lions free agents to know as potential Cardinals targets

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