Lions considered possible landing spot for Packers free agent projected for $81M deal

As we enter the fifth day of free agency, the Detroit Lions still have a gaping hole at left tackle.

That's because the Lions released their long-time left tackle Taylor Decker after he requested one following a failed negotiation to restructure his contract.

Of course, the Lions could shift Penei Sewell over to left tackle, but they would then have an opening at right tackle to fill.

In order to remedy the situation, ESPN's Bill Barnwell thinks Detroit could sign former Green Bay Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker.

Barnwell said the following about Walker staying in the NFC North with the Lions:

The Lions released Taylor Decker earlier this offseason, leaving a hole at left tackle. Detroit could move star right tackle Penei Sewell to the left side, where he played at Oregon, but there's something to be said for keeping a superstar in the position where he has excelled. Remember that Lane Johnson was a star left tackle in his final year at Oklahoma, but he has stuck on the right side for the Eagles as a pro. A one-year deal with the Lions would give Walker a shot at proving himself in a great offense. Two games against the Packers wouldn't hurt, either.

Walker entered free agency widely viewed as one of the best offensive linemen available, and he figured to have a strong market as a starting-caliber left tackle.

However, it has been quiet for Walker, so perhaps that market isn't as strong as we thought.

The biggest downside to Walker is he doesn't excel as a run-blocker, which is bad news for a Lions team that likes to run the football.

But Walker is a good pass protector, as evidenced by his 70.0 Pro Football Focus grade in that area last season.

The biggest roadblock to the Lions signing Walker will be his price.

Spotrac projects Walker will land a four-year, $81 million contract and we doubt Detroit will be willing to pay that much considering Decker was cheaper and Detroit cut him anyway.

That said, the lack of movement on Walker could indicate he's going to be paid a lot less than that projection. If so, he could be in play for the Lions.

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