Amidst the signings and trades in free agency, the Detroit Lions have missed out on a prominent $20M right tackle to the Houston Texans. 

Sports Illustrated asked journalists what move they would make as Brad Holmes, GM of the Detroit Lions, in a piece published on March 19. NFL analyst Albert Breer gave his candid opinion.

He replied, “If I were the Lions, I would’ve topped the two-year, $20 million deal that the Texans did with Colts RT Braden Smith, and used that as a pivot point to flip All-Pro Penei Sewell over to the left side.”

The two-time First-Team All-SEC Braden Smith was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round, 27th overall, of the 2018 NFL Draft. He started the final 12 games, as well as both games in the playoffs, during his rookie year. 

He has now signed a two-year, $20M contract with the Houston Texans that includes $13.5M in guaranteed money.

Recently, LT Taylor Decker left the Lions after 10 years, leaving QB Jared Goff vulnerable. Decker had recorded 9,000 snaps during his time with the Lions, which came to a halt due to a contract dispute.

Looking at the current scenario, Breer also commented, "Detroit’s been at its best under GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell when its offensive line has been dominant."

Meanwhile, Breer also mentioned four-time Pro Bowler Penei Sewell. The offensive tackle had started 83 games for the Detroit Lions at right tackle. But he played left tackle in college before the team drafted him. This makes it viable to move him to the left side.

Breer also added that this move would’ve been similar to the time the Lions signed Kevin Zeitler.

One Potential Move to Protect Jared Goff

It seems like veteran guard Kevin Zeitler is now everyone's favorite. While Breer compares Smith to a younger Zeitler, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox actually wants the Lions to go for the latter.

"A return to Detroit, where Zeitler played in 2024, would make plenty of sense. The Lions struggled across the offensive line this past season, with Jared Goff taking a career-high 38 sacks."

The guard started his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012 and has since registered 15 tackles (13 solo) in 163 games. He played with the Lions in the 2024 season.

While his stats are underwhelming at a glance, he is exceptionally well-built to get injured easily. It is his reliability that makes him a viable option even at 36.

So, what do you think of Breer's opinion? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Monika Khatai

Edited by

Sayantan Gayen