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Cromartie among Lions' possible targets

Josh Katzenstein
The Detroit News

The Lions and general manager Martin Mayhew have had success filling holes through free agency.

■ In 2013, they signed free safety Glover Quin, defensive end Jason Jones and running back Reggie Bush.

■ In 2014, they signed wide receiver Golden Tate and strong safety James Ihedigbo.

What's more impressive is the Lions signed all those players despite being strapped financially.

So, with about $18 million in cap space — if Ndamukong Suh leaves — they could fill a few holes this year at defensive tackle, cornerback and offensive line.

"Darius Slay is nice and he's starting to come along, but they need another complementary piece there on the corner, especially coming out of that division where teams are going to be able to throw the football around," ESPN analyst and former Eagles personnel executive Louis Riddick said. "If they want to dethrone the Packers, they better have another corner other than Darius Slay."

The Lions, who finished 28th in rushing and allowed a career-high 45 sacks of Matthew Stafford, also need a long-term solution at left guard.

With that in mind, here's a look at some possibilities.

Top tier

Byron Maxwell, CB, Seahawks

Maxwell, 27, stepped in as a starter in his fourth season and played well enough to be considered by many to be the top cornerback on the market.

Bryan Bulaga, OT, Packers

Bulaga, 25, has played mostly right tackle, but could be an option on either side for the Lions. He's at the top of a lackluster tackle group in free agency.

Orlando Franklin, OL, Broncos

Franklin, 27, played left guard after moving from right tackle. He could be the kind of versatile lineman the Lions seek.

Mike Iupati, OG, 49ers

One of the top run-blocking left guards, Iupati, 27, will have plenty of options.

Antonio Cromartie, CB, Cardinals

Cromartie, 30, is an aggressive, consistent cornerback the Lions could target to pair with Darius Slay. He's had at least three INTs in six straight seasons.

Dan Williams, DT, Cardinals

Often overlooked, Williams, 27, has been a key cog in Arizona's defense. He's a run stuffer.

Jared Odrick, DT, Dolphins

Odrick, 27, has the size and athleticism to fill in as a starter up front, and though he's been better, his one sack last season could keep his price down.

Good values

Tramon Williams, CB, Packers

Williams, 31, could be a bargain. He's started at least 15 games the past five seasons and was the No. 8 cornerback in 2014, according to Pro Football Focus.

Stephen Paea, DT, Bears

No longer needed with the Bears switching to a 3-4, Paea, 26, played well last year with six sacks and two forced fumbles.

Clint Boling, OG, Bengals

Another left guard option, Boling, 25, is a solid run blocker.

Kendall Langford, DT, Rams

A guy the Lions already worked out, Langford, 29, lost his starting job to rookie Aaron Donald, but is a capable rotation player.

Corey Peters, DT, Falcons

Peters, 26, still has plenty left, and proved last year he still could play after a quick recovery from an Achilles tendon tear late in 2013.

jkatzenstein@detroitnews.com

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