NFL free agency: Jets are winners, Raiders are losers. The Broncos? Who knows?

With Aaron Rodgers ready to depart Green Bay, the Lions are in pole position to win the NFC North. They overhauled a shoddy secondary during the early days of free agency, adding CJ Gardner-Johnson, Cameron Sutton, and Emmanuel Moseley.

They snatched Gardner-Johnson from the Eagles, reuniting him with Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, both of whom worked with the player in New Orleans. Gardner-Johnson is just 25. He plays the invaluable wherever-you-need-me, nickel/safety/corner/box defender spot on the defense. Last season, he was the league’s co-leader in interceptions. He entered the offseason looking for a mega-money, multi-year deal. Instead, the Lions were able to snag him for a one-year, $8m, prove-it deal.

They also retained a batch of underwhelming players who fit Campbell’s rah-rah culture. Could they have found upgrades? Sure. Is there value in retaining players you know, in trying to develop pieces that you know fit your scheme and culture? Absolutely.

The Lions have preached patience. It would have been easy to splurge early in free agency, given Rodgers’ impending announcement and how the team finished last season. But the Lions’ brain trust instead took the long view. They’re building to compete with a frisky-looking Chicago Bears side over the next 10 years, rather than chasing the next 10 months.

Questions remain over quarterback. Should they take a big swing in the draft? Should they sign Lamar Jackson to an offer sheet? Is there another disgruntled star quarterback they could acquire? How does Tom Brady feel about Detroit in the fall? All are interesting paths. The Lions should examine them. But don’t try telling that to general manager Brad Holmes, who ranks second behind only Mrs