Detroit Lions Make Big Moves as Free Agency Approaches: A Deep Dive into the Team’s Strategy

As the NFL enters its offseason and free agency approaches, the Detroit Lions find themselves at a pivotal moment in their franchise’s history. After years of underperformance, the Lions have shown significant improvement under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, culminating in a season that ended with a 9-8 record and a playoff berth just out of reach. As they head into the 2025 season, the team is in a prime position to capitalize on its young talent, strong leadership, and financial flexibility to make meaningful upgrades to their roster through free agency.

The Lions’ Offseason Philosophy

The 2025 offseason represents a critical juncture for the Detroit Lions. In the past, the team has been stuck in a cycle of mediocrity, unable to break free from its historical struggles. However, the tides have begun to shift. The Lions’ philosophy is centered around building a strong, balanced team with a mix of young, hungry talent and veteran leadership. General manager Brad Holmes, who was hired in 2021, has been building the team through a combination of smart draft picks and savvy free-agent acquisitions. This has allowed the Lions to assemble a roster that is more competitive than it has been in recent years, with key players such as quarterback Jared Goff, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown emerging as the faces of the franchise.

However, the work is far from over. The Lions are still looking to fortify certain positions, particularly on defense, to become a legitimate contender in the NFC. With an eye toward long-term success, they are expected to be active participants in free agency, pursuing players who can immediately impact the roster while also fitting into the team’s overall vision.

Cap Space and Financial Flexibility

One of the most significant factors in the Lions’ ability to make noise during free agency is their financial flexibility. Unlike many teams in the NFL, the Lions are in a relatively strong position when it comes to cap space. As of March 2025, Detroit is projected to have over $40 million in cap space, one of the highest totals in the league. This gives the Lions ample room to make moves without needing to make major sacrifices or gut their roster. Brad Holmes and the front office will likely use this cap space to target players who can address key needs while also building toward the future.

Key Needs Heading into Free Agency

While the Lions have made strides in recent years, there are still several areas where the team needs to improve if it hopes to take the next step in its development. Free agency presents a prime opportunity to address these needs and set the foundation for a deeper playoff run.

1. Defensive Line and Edge Rushers

One of the Lions’ most glaring weaknesses in 2024 was their lack of a consistent pass rush. Despite having solid pieces in the secondary, the defense struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which led to inconsistencies and breakdowns in coverage. The team’s edge rushers failed to create enough disruption on passing plays, which ultimately limited their overall defensive success.

Heading into free agency, the Lions are expected to target high-impact pass rushers. The defensive line is one of the team’s biggest needs, and adding a proven veteran pass rusher would immediately improve the defense. Players like Chase Young (Washington Commanders), Jadeveon Clowney (Cleveland Browns), and Frank Clark (Kansas City Chiefs) are likely to be on the Lions’ radar. Each of these players has had a solid career as a disruptive force off the edge and could provide the kind of veteran presence and talent the Lions need to upgrade their pass rush.

Chase Young has shown flashes of being a dominant edge rusher when healthy. His size, athleticism, and ability to disrupt the pocket make him a prime target for the Lions. If the Lions can get him on a reasonable contract, he could be a difference-maker.

2. Cornerback

The Lions have made significant improvements in their secondary over the past few seasons, but cornerback remains a position of concern. Despite the solid play of Jeff Okudah, Detroit needs more consistency on the outside. In 2024, Okudah showed flashes of his potential, but he has struggled with injuries throughout his young career. The team needs to add depth and high-level talent to the cornerback room in order to bolster the defense as a whole.

James Bradberry (Philadelphia Eagles) is a name that could be a potential target for Detroit. A seasoned corner with strong coverage skills and a track record of success, Bradberry could provide the Lions with the kind of lockdown corner that is needed in a pass-heavy NFC. Bradberry’s experience would also be invaluable to a young, developing secondary.

Another cornerback option could be Byron Murphy Jr. (Minnesota Vikings). Murphy is a physical corner with good ball skills, and while he may not be as established as Bradberry, he has the potential to become a reliable starter for the Lions.

3. Linebacker

While the Lions have some young, promising talent at linebacker, the group is still relatively unproven. Malcolm Rodriguez, a 2022 draft pick, emerged as a solid contributor in his rookie season, but Detroit will likely look to add another impact player at this position to create more depth and increase competition.

One linebacker that could be a fit for the Lions is Bobby Wagner (Los Angeles Rams). The future Hall of Famer continues to play at a high level, and his leadership and intelligence would be a perfect fit for a young defense looking to make a leap. While Wagner is on the older side, he still has the ability to be an every-down linebacker and could help mentor the younger players in Detroit’s linebacker corps.

Potential Draft Strategy and How It Impacts Free Agency

As free agency kicks off, it is crucial to consider how the Lions will approach the 2025 NFL Draft. The Lions hold a strong position in the draft, particularly with the #6 overall pick, thanks to trades and strategic moves made by Brad Holmes. While the team will likely focus on improving their defense with this pick, the draft will also influence their free-agent strategy.

For instance, if the Lions select a high-end defensive player in the draft, such as an elite pass rusher or a top cornerback, it could impact their pursuit of veterans in free agency. Conversely, if they choose to add to their offense, they may focus on defensive free agents to balance out their roster. The draft is likely to be focused on addressing needs that have already been identified during the free-agent process.

Veteran Free-Agent Acquisitions

While the Lions are focused on building through the draft, free agency remains a critical avenue for improving their roster. Adding veteran players who have experience and success in the league can provide immediate impact and leadership, particularly for a young team that is still learning how to win consistently.

One player the Lions may consider is DeAndre Hopkins (Arizona Cardinals), a proven veteran wide receiver with elite hands and route-running ability. Although the Lions have a solid group of young receivers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, adding Hopkins would provide a valuable weapon in the passing game, especially for quarterback Jared Goff.

Another potential target is Javon Hargrave (Philadelphia Eagles), a powerful defensive tackle who can disrupt the interior of the offensive line. Hargrave’s ability to rush the passer from the interior would help alleviate some pressure on the edge rushers and provide much-needed depth in the defensive line rotation.

The Lions’ Culture and Long-Term Vision

Under head coach Dan Campbell, the Detroit Lions have begun to establish a winning culture, one built on toughness, accountability, and a blue-collar mentality. This shift in culture has been crucial in the team’s development, and the front office understands the importance of continuing to build upon it through smart personnel decisions.

As the Lions look ahead to 2025 and beyond, they are committed to creating a well-rounded roster that can compete at the highest levels. Free agency provides the Lions with an opportunity to add immediate contributors while also maintaining the long-term vision for sustained success.

Ultimately, the Lions’ strategy in free agency will focus on smart investments—bringing in players who are not only talented but also fit the team’s culture. With their financial flexibility, strategic leadership, and clear sense of direction, the Detroit Lions are poised to make big moves as free agency approaches. The 2025 offseason could mark the beginning of an exciting new era for this historic franchise.