Here are three potential destinations for former Detroit Lions veteran safety, Tracy Walker III as he enters the competitive market next month. The Lions have officially said goodbye to their longest-tenured defensive players. According to a report, the team is releasing Walker to save about $5.5 million in cap space. Detroit drafted him in the 2018 NFL draft in the third round with the No. 82 overall pick.
Walker started 43 of 79 games for the Lions. He racked up 398 combined tackles, including 16 for a loss and seven quarterback hits. He also had 23 pass defenses, 4 sacks, 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles. In his 2023 season, he started six contests before transitioning to a special teams role in Week 14.
The Lions could have saved additional money by releasing Walker after June 1. However, Detroit wasn’t waiting since they anticipate moving into the market next month. It actually works for Walker, too, he gets the chance to sign with a new team at the start of free agency. It gives both sides the leverage so that could be why they released Walker now.
The veteran safety has suffered through some injuries in his career in the league. Walker suffered a torn Achilles tendon during Week three of the 2022 season. He began the 2023 season as a reserve safety but became a starter once C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a pectoral injury. However, there are three potential destinations for Walker as he enters the market.
Lions S Tracy Walker III releasedhttps://t.co/FO8APqMWm9 pic.twitter.com/8hRvPBKcar
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 21, 2024
3 Potential Destinations for Former Detroit Lions Veteran Safety Tracy Walker III
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are coming off the season where their defense was amongst the worst in the league. Los Angeles was hit hard with multiple injuries, which played a huge role in the defense not being strong enough against contenders. The future looks bright, though, adding a new completely new coaching staff under Jim Harbaugh. Things are expected to change drastically with this new regime and scenery, anticipating a couple of moves in free agency next month.
One of those moves could be Walker, who could help bolster the Chargers’ secondary. The 29-year-old played all 17 games with six starts and still racked up a nice stat sheet. He recorded 59 tackles, two passes defended, one force fumble and one sack. The Chargers need all the help they can get on their defense, especially in the secondary.
Los Angeles’ secondary was amongst the worst in the league, giving up 249.8 opponent passing yards per game and 7.8 opponent yards per pass. The secondary ranked 29th and 28th in those metrics last season. Walker still has a lot of gas left in the tank and he could be the spark that the Chargers need. However, they will have many options to choose from as more NFL cuts are underway.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are in high demand of safety help after dealing with Kevin Byard who’s a cap casualty. If Byard doesn’t agree to a restructured contract, then he’ll likely walk to test the market. The Philadelphia rookie Sydney Brown is likely out all next season with a torn ACL, so that means they’re slim in depth. New defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio prioritizes the safety position, but will the Eagles reach out?
New York Jets
The Jets may be on the hunt for a safety if Jordan Whitehead does not return to the team. Chuck Clark is set to hit the market as well, so they would need to start over at the position. The draft is a choice, but they’ve used that to get talents like Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed at cornerback. Walker could probably start fresh as a starter with the Jets to fill the much-needed void.
