Detroit Lions Adding Veteran Quarterback in Free Agency: A Move to Elevate the Franchise’s Future

The Detroit Lions are one of the NFL teams that has long been in pursuit of a franchise-altering quarterback. Despite flashes of talent from various quarterbacks over the years, the Lions have failed to find sustained success in the NFL playoffs, let alone a Super Bowl appearance. In 2025, the franchise made a bold move to strengthen their quarterback position by adding a seasoned veteran via free agency. This strategic decision is part of a larger effort by the Lions’ front office and coaching staff to elevate the team’s potential and build around a solid quarterback who can lead them to success in the upcoming seasons.

A Franchise in Transition

Detroit’s football team has been in a state of flux for much of the past two decades. From 2000 to 2020, the team only managed to win one playoff game, and it remains one of only a handful of teams to never have reached a Super Bowl. Despite individual successes from legendary players like Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, and, in more recent years, Matthew Stafford, the team has not found consistent team-wide success.

The Lions entered the 2020s with renewed optimism following the hire of head coach Dan Campbell in 2021, who brought in an energized, hard-nosed approach to the team. Alongside Campbell, General Manager Brad Holmes made significant moves to reshape the roster, focusing on younger players and building for the long term. As the team showed some signs of life in 2022, fans started to believe that the Lions were on the right path. However, the most glaring question remained: the quarterback position.

Jared Goff’s Performance and Uncertainty

In 2021, the Lions acquired quarterback Jared Goff from the Los Angeles Rams in a trade that sent Stafford to LA. At the time, the move was considered a short-term solution for a rebuilding team. Goff had some success in Los Angeles, making a Super Bowl appearance in the 2018 season, but struggled to replicate that success during his final seasons with the Rams.

With Goff in Detroit, the Lions hoped to give him a fresh start, but after two seasons in the Motor City, it became apparent that Goff, while capable, was not a franchise-changing quarterback. He showed some flashes of brilliance, but there were also instances of inconsistency and missed opportunities. Despite his leadership and the improvements around him, Goff’s lack of elite traits kept him from truly leading the team to a higher echelon.

The Quest for Stability at Quarterback

As the 2025 offseason approached, the Lions’ front office understood that if they wanted to compete for a playoff spot and potentially beyond, they would need to improve at the quarterback position. Goff’s ceiling appeared to be limited, and with the NFC North being a highly competitive division with teams like the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, the Lions knew they needed an upgrade.

There were a number of options for the team, including drafting a quarterback or signing a free-agent veteran. After careful deliberation, the decision was made: the Lions would look to bolster the quarterback position by signing a seasoned veteran through free agency.

Why a Veteran Quarterback?

While drafting a quarterback is always a possibility, the Lions recognized that they were in a window where immediate success could be within reach. With a solid roster on both sides of the ball, including a young and talented group of receivers, offensive line stability, and a promising defense, the Lions felt that adding a veteran quarterback would expedite their chances of success.

Veteran quarterbacks bring not only skill and experience to the table, but also leadership. They are battle-tested, with the ability to handle the pressures of the NFL and guide a team through high-stakes situations. The team wanted a player who could step in immediately and help elevate the roster to new heights, as opposed to the uncertainty and learning curve that comes with a rookie quarterback.

Free Agency Targets

The 2025 free agency period brought a number of veteran quarterbacks onto the market, some of whom had been long-term starters for their respective teams, while others were experienced backups looking for an opportunity to lead a new team. The Lions had a few different options to choose from, each with its own set of pros and cons.

1. Aaron Rodgers: A Bold Move

The most high-profile veteran quarterback to enter free agency in 2025 was none other than Aaron Rodgers. After an illustrious career with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers had hinted at retirement in recent years and struggled with injuries in the 2024 season. However, his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game made him an intriguing option for any team.

Rodgers’ skill set and experience would bring immediate credibility to the Lions’ offense. His ability to read defenses and execute high-level throws would elevate the play of his receivers, and his leadership would undoubtedly have a positive impact on the locker room. However, there were also concerns about his age and injury history. Rodgers was coming off a challenging season, and there were questions about whether he could continue to play at an elite level for multiple seasons. Despite these concerns, Rodgers remained one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the free-agent market.

2. Jimmy Garoppolo: A Proven Winner

Another veteran quarterback who caught the Lions’ attention was Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo had been a consistent starter for the San Francisco 49ers, leading them to multiple playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl appearance in 2020. Garoppolo’s experience in a system predicated on quick decision-making, accuracy, and solid fundamentals made him a strong fit for the Lions’ offense.

Garoppolo’s injury history, however, remained a major red flag. He had missed significant time over the past few seasons with various injuries, and the Lions had to weigh the risk of bringing in a player with a track record of injury concerns. Nonetheless, Garoppolo’s ability to manage games and his leadership skills were appealing traits that could help stabilize the quarterback position for Detroit.

3. Derek Carr: Consistent and Reliable

Derek Carr was another veteran quarterback available in free agency, following his release from the Las Vegas Raiders after several seasons of service. Carr was known for his consistency and ability to produce solid numbers on offense. He had the arm strength and accuracy to make all the necessary throws, and his leadership in the locker room was widely respected.

However, Carr’s play in big moments had often been questioned, as he had yet to secure a playoff win in his career. This lack of postseason success raised doubts among some critics about whether Carr could take the Lions to the next level. Nevertheless, Carr’s reputation as a reliable, steady presence under center made him a reasonable choice for the Lions, especially when considering that the team wasn’t necessarily in a position to gamble on an unproven rookie quarterback.

4. Ryan Tannehill: Experienced and Efficient

Ryan Tannehill, who had enjoyed success with the Tennessee Titans, was another option for the Lions. Tannehill had shown he could lead a team deep into the playoffs, having reached the AFC Championship Game in 2019. Known for his efficiency and his ability to manage games, Tannehill was also a viable candidate to step in and provide stability for Detroit.

Tannehill’s strengths in play-action and his ability to make quick decisions were well-suited to the Lions’ offensive system. However, similar to Garoppolo, there were concerns about Tannehill’s age and the wear and tear of his career. Would his performance continue to be at a high level, or would Father Time catch up to him sooner than expected?

The Decision: Signing Ryan Tannehill

After weighing all options, the Detroit Lions made the decision to sign Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill’s skill set, combined with his experience in high-pressure situations, made him the ideal choice for the Lions. His ability to run a balanced offense, combined with his knowledge of the league and his steady hand, would help the Lions’ offense take the next step.

Additionally, signing Tannehill allowed the Lions to maintain some long-term flexibility. While he wasn’t viewed as a long-term franchise solution, Tannehill was capable of keeping the team competitive in the short term while giving the Lions time to develop a potential future quarterback through the draft. This hybrid approach of stability with a veteran quarterback while continuing to build for the future seemed to be the perfect fit for Detroit.

The Impact of the Move

The addition of Ryan Tannehill immediately raised the expectations for the Lions. Fans were excited about the prospect of having a quarterback who could manage the offense with poise and experience. Furthermore, Tannehill’s leadership and calm demeanor would likely have a positive impact on a team full of young talent, especially the offense, which boasted several dynamic playmakers.

From a team-building perspective, Tannehill’s addition also signaled that the Lions were ready to compete now, rather than in the distant future. With a competitive roster already in place, Detroit’s front office was signaling that they were serious about turning the corner and entering playoff contention. The Lions had the pieces in place to make a deep run, and Tannehill’s experience could be the missing ingredient to push the team to the next level.

The Detroit Lions’ decision to add a veteran quarterback in free agency was one that could potentially reshape the trajectory of the franchise. By signing Ryan Tannehill, the team not only addressed a critical need at the quarterback position but also brought in a steady hand with experience in leading teams to the playoffs. With the Lions’ roster ready to compete, Tannehill’s addition ensures that the team is primed to make a serious push for the postseason.

As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on the Detroit Lions to see how Tannehill fares in a new environment and whether the team can finally break through the playoff barrier that has eluded them for so long. With a solid quarterback at the helm, the Lions’ future looks brighter than it has in years.