2017 NFL Power Rankings: Where Do Los Angeles Rams Stand After Free Agency Signings?

13. Detroit Lions

For years, protecting Matthew Stafford has always been one of the top priorities for the Detroit Lions, and even though the team is coming off an impressive 2016 campaign in which they made the playoffs, the offensive line was a major reason for concern heading into free agency. But after seeing the moves made by the Lions over the last two seasons, Stafford has every reason in the world to be thrilled over what’s in store for the team heading into next season.

Not only does Detroit deserve credit for stealing T.J. Lang away from the Green Bay Packers, but Rick Wagner‘s $47.5 million deal was a huge move for the offensive line as well. With these two key additions for the Lions on the offensive line, Stafford has to be thrilled on the improvements considering he’s been sacked 126 times over the last three seasons.

Detroit turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the 2016 season, and even came close to winning the NFC North title before letting it slip away to the Green Bay Packers in the final weeks. Stafford has always been the type of quarterback that makes the players around him better, and thanks to the Lions coming out strong in free agency, the extra protection will hopefully continue that trend in 2017.