Lions Free Agency Tracker: Depth Will Be a Priority for a Team Devastated by Injuries Last Season

The Detroit Lions are entering the 2025 NFL offseason with high expectations following a season of significant improvement. The team made strides under head coach Dan Campbell, but injuries once again ravaged their roster, particularly at key positions. As they look toward the upcoming season, the Lions are focused on addressing their depth, an area that became increasingly important as the injuries piled up in 2024. The offseason offers a crucial opportunity to strengthen their roster, but the Lions must carefully navigate the free agency market to find both immediate contributors and quality depth pieces.

A Look Back at the 2024 Season

The Detroit Lions showed promise during the 2024 season. Their offense, spearheaded by quarterback Jared Goff, was one of the most efficient in the league, and the defense, although still a work in progress, showed improvement under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. However, the season was marred by injuries that left the team scrambling to maintain its competitive edge. Key players such as wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, running back David Montgomery, and cornerback Jeff Okudah were sidelined for significant portions of the season, throwing a wrench into their playoff aspirations.

One of the most glaring issues the team faced was depth. The Lions had starters who could perform at a high level, but when injuries hit, there was a noticeable drop-off in production. As a result, the front office, led by general manager Brad Holmes, will have to prioritize bolstering their depth across the board. The good news is that the Lions are in a relatively strong position cap-wise and have the flexibility to make some key acquisitions in free agency.

Key Areas of Focus for the Lions in Free Agency

1. Wide Receiver Depth
   • The Lions’ wide receiver corps, led by Amon-Ra St. Brown, was solid but thin in 2024. After St. Brown, the Lions struggled to find consistent production from their second and third options. Injuries to players like Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond further underscored the need for additional depth. Williams, who was a high draft pick in 2022, showed flashes of his potential but has yet to establish himself as a consistent threat. Adding more talent to the wide receiver room would provide Goff with more weapons and give the offense the flexibility it needs to be successful.
   • Potential Targets:
     • Jakobi Meyers (Las Vegas Raiders) – A reliable target with the ability to operate in the slot, Meyers would provide the Lions with a consistent possession receiver. His ability to move the chains and be a security blanket for Goff would be invaluable.
     • Allen Lazard (Green Bay Packers) – Lazard offers a strong physical presence and would be a nice complement to St. Brown. His ability to stretch the field and block on the outside makes him a good fit for the Lions’ run-first offense.
     • Darius Slayton (New York Giants) – A deep threat who has shown the ability to stretch the field, Slayton could provide Goff with a vertical option opposite St. Brown, allowing the Lions to diversify their passing attack.
2. Running Back Depth
   • The Lions’ running back room was also hit hard by injuries in 2024. David Montgomery’s season was derailed by multiple injuries, and while Jahmyr Gibbs showed promise as a dynamic playmaker, the Lions could still use additional depth in the backfield. Free agency could present an opportunity to bring in a veteran who can step in if needed but also contribute in a complementary role to Gibbs.
   • Potential Targets:
     • Kareem Hunt (Cleveland Browns) – A versatile back who can both run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield, Hunt could be a dynamic addition to the Lions’ offense.
     • Samaje Perine (Denver Broncos) – Perine is a solid power back who can grind out tough yards and provide depth behind Montgomery and Gibbs. His physical running style would fit well in Detroit’s aggressive, run-heavy offense.
     • Raheem Mostert (Miami Dolphins) – A speedster who can take the top off defenses, Mostert would be a good complement to Gibbs in a change-of-pace role. His ability to break off long runs would add another element to Detroit’s offense.
3. Offensive Line Depth
   • While the Lions’ starting offensive line has been one of the team’s strengths in recent years, injuries to players like Frank Ragnow and Taylor Decker highlighted the need for better depth up front. Detroit needs to add quality backups who can step in if needed without sacrificing too much in terms of performance. Depth along the offensive line is especially crucial for a team that wants to continue running the ball effectively and protect its quarterback.
   • Potential Targets:
     • Mike McGlinchey (San Francisco 49ers) – A right tackle who excels as a run blocker, McGlinchey would be a strong addition to Detroit’s offensive line, adding depth and a physical presence.
     • Ben Powers (Baltimore Ravens) – Powers is a versatile guard who can start in a pinch but also provide solid depth. He would be a great addition to a Lions team looking to maintain its dominance in the running game.
     • Ethan Pocic (Cleveland Browns) – Pocic offers versatility as both a center and guard and would be a valuable backup who can step in and start if injuries hit the offensive line again.
4. Defensive Back Depth
   • The Lions’ secondary showed flashes of promise in 2024, with players like Jeff Okudah and Amani Oruwariye playing at a high level. However, injuries and inconsistent play at times left the defense exposed, particularly at cornerback. Adding depth to the cornerback and safety positions will be crucial for the Lions as they attempt to shore up a secondary that was often a liability.
   • Potential Targets:
     • Jamel Dean (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – A big, physical cornerback who can play press coverage and match up with top receivers. Dean would provide an immediate upgrade to Detroit’s cornerback room and offer depth if injuries arise.
     • Marcus Peters (Baltimore Ravens) – A veteran who is still capable of being a ball hawk, Peters would add experience and depth to a secondary that needs it. His playmaking ability could help the Lions’ defense create turnovers.
     • Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles) – A safety who can play multiple positions, Gardner-Johnson would add versatility to Detroit’s secondary. His ability to cover both tight ends and running backs, as well as play in the box, would be a huge asset.
5. Edge Rusher Depth
   • The Lions’ pass rush was inconsistent in 2024, and the team lacked a true edge rusher who could consistently generate pressure. While the Lions do have players like Aidan Hutchinson who can create disruption, the lack of depth behind him was evident at times. Adding an experienced pass rusher would allow the Lions to rotate more effectively, keeping fresh legs on the field while ensuring a consistent pass rush.
   • Potential Targets:
     • Yannick Ngakoue (Indianapolis Colts) – A proven edge rusher with the ability to get after the quarterback. Ngakoue would be an excellent addition to Detroit’s defense, providing an immediate pass rush presence across from Hutchinson.
     • Frank Clark (Kansas City Chiefs) – Clark is a veteran who knows how to perform in big moments. His ability to generate pressure in key situations would be a welcome addition to a Lions defense in need of more firepower.
     • Clowney (Cleveland Browns) – A physical edge rusher who can set the edge in the run game and apply pressure to quarterbacks. While not as prolific as some other pass rushers, Clowney still has the ability to disrupt plays.

The Importance of Building Depth

The importance of building depth for the Lions cannot be overstated. In 2024, injuries were a major factor in preventing Detroit from reaching its full potential, and they lost games that could have been won with more reliable backups. In order for the Lions to compete in a tough NFC North division and make a legitimate playoff push, they need to build a roster that can withstand the inevitable injuries that come throughout a season. By adding depth to multiple positions, the Lions will improve their chances of success in 2025.

Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell are not just looking to improve the starting lineup but also to ensure that when injuries do strike, they have the personnel to continue competing at a high level. In free agency, the Lions need to focus on signing players who can step into starting roles if necessary while also providing valuable contributions in less crucial situations.

As the Detroit Lions approach the 2025 free agency period, their focus will be on building a deeper, more resilient roster. The team has the pieces in place to contend for the playoffs, but they must add depth to key positions like wide receiver, running back, offensive line, defensive back, and edge rusher to ensure they can weather the storm of injuries that has plagued them in recent seasons. By making calculated moves in free agency, the Lions can continue their ascent and put themselves in a strong position for sustained success. The offseason will be a critical time for the Lions to ensure they are not only prepared for the start of the season but also for the inevitable challenges that come with it.