The Detroit Lions, owned by the legendary Ford family, may have found the perfect addition to their defense in the form of defensive tackle Poona Ford. After five solid years with the Seattle Seahawks, “Model P” is set to hit the open market and provide much-needed help to a Lions defense that struggled mightily in 2022.

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The Detroit Lions had a mixed 2023 season. They showcased a potent offense that scored 36.6 points per game, but a struggling defense allowed 37.7 points per game, the worst in the league. Despite the promising rookie campaigns by Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston, the defense as a unit simply did not perform to the level expected.

Given these results, it’s clear that the Lions’ top priority in the coming year must be to fortify their defense. Improving the defensive line should be at the forefront of their plans. The Lions can no longer afford to rely solely on their offense to carry the load. It became evident this past season that the defense must step up to compete at the highest level.

As a versatile and productive interior defender, Ford would bring a wealth of experience and production to the Detroit Lions.

Over the past three seasons, he has averaged 42.6 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 6.7 tackles for loss, and 12.0 quarterback pressures. At just 27 years old and with a projected market value of $9.2 million annually, Ford is ready to cash in on his success.

Despite going undrafted, Ford has made a name for himself as a tenacious and disruptive force on the field. Weighing in at 310 pounds, he uses his quickness, leverage, and hand usage to cause havoc for opposing offensive lines. Built in a similar mold to established star Javon Hargrave, Ford offers the Lions a cost-effective alternative should they not want to break the bank for Hargrave or Payne this offseason.

Ford would bring a boost to a defense that struggled to stop the run and rush the passer in 2022. Ford’s ability to disrupt opposing offensive lines, is exactly what the Lions need to free up Hutchinson and Houston. He would be the ideal start to their free agency, bringing experience and production to a position of great need. So, as the Lions look to add some fire to their defense, do they go for a defensive tackle? Perhaps they should take a closer look at “Model P” – Poona Ford.

Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

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