The Detroit Lions must take a stand this offseason. In 2019, injures took hold of the team and never let go. Matthew Stafford was lost on the offensive side and the team suffered. However, the defense is where the Lions took their fair share of criticism. The Lions finished the season ranked 26th in yards allowed. If Stafford can come back healthy and the offense finds its groove, then the Lions could be a team worth respect.

But it will still come down to the defensive side of the ball. The Lions will need to revamp the secondary first and foremost. Adding quality players will not be a problem as the free agency crop is loaded. But will they pull the trigger on some of the bigger names or elect to go through the 2020 NFL Draft? Here are 3 free agents the Detriot Lions should look into.

Chris Harris (CB-Denver Broncos)

The Detroit Lions are looking to rebuild a secondary that caused too many issues in 2019. While the draft is a great way to get young and cheap talent, are the lions willing to take that risk with other holes in need of a repair? One of the top CB's on the market is Chris Harris of the Denver Broncos.

For his career, Harris has been a force in the Broncos' secondary. Could a change of scenery be a saving grace for him and the Lions? Harris could be the cornerstone needed to salvage a defense that ranked 32nd in passing yards allowed while also ending the season ranked 30th in INT's.

The issue that the Lions will have to deal with is the Market Value for Chis Harris. While the Lions have some wiggle room, they will need to patch more holes than what Harris can do.

Ronald Darby (CB- Philadelphia Eagles)

The Detroit Lions are not one of those teams who can sit back and wait for top-tier talent to come to them. In a division where they have three possible playoff representatives, the Lions will need to play it smart and hope for the best. This is where a player such as Ronald Darby could pay dividends.

Finding a shutdown corner in the NFL is hard. And finding one that fits within the salary cap structure is even harder. Darby is a vet. He's been in the trenches, has a Super Bowl ring to his name and has played well and bad while taking criticism from the die-hard Philadelphia Eagles' fans. Darby will be a great fit in Detroit.

But he has had his issues. The Eagles' secondary has been one of the worst over the last two years and Darby has played a role in that. Over his career, he has accumulated 251 tackers but just eight interceptions. If the Lions can place Darby and Harris together this offseason, it will be a great improvement from 2019. The best part is, Darby can be had on the cheap.

Timmy Jernigan (Defensive Tackle-Philadelphia Eagles)

The Detroit Lions should be going all-in on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. Defensive Tackle is one area where help is definitely needed. With the uncertainty surrounding Damon Harrison and the possible departure of A'Shawn Robinson and Mike Daniels, the Lions will be shorthanded here. Going after Timmy Jernigan is a wise decision.

Over his career, Jernigan has accumulated 132 tackles, 17.5 sacks and 47 QB hits while playing for the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles. Just six years in the league, Jernigan still has enough gas in the tank to explode and anchor a rebuilt defensive line.

In 2019, Jernigan played in just 10 games for the Eagles with 10 tackles and two sacks. The Eagles may look to bring him back as Jernigan was not a high-contract grab. He earned just $1.5M which is another reason the Lions should make that call.