Introduction

The Detroit Lions, under head coach Dan Campbell, have made significant strides in recent years. After finishing the 2024 season with a solid record, they have positioned themselves as one of the rising teams in the NFC. However, like every NFL team, there are still areas where the Lions could use upgrades, either through the draft or by adding a key free agent.

In this piece, we’ll assess Detroit’s potential needs and identify the top free agents at each position of need. With a mix of young talent and veteran leadership, the Lions are looking to fine-tune their roster as they push toward contending for a playoff spot and, ultimately, a Super Bowl.

1. Defensive Tackle

One of the biggest weaknesses for the Lions in 2024 was their defensive line, especially at defensive tackle. Detroit struggled to generate consistent pressure up the middle, which affected their ability to stop the run and disrupt the quarterback. While some younger players have shown promise, bringing in a high-caliber veteran would go a long way toward improving the defense.

Top Free Agents:

• Javon Hargrave (Philadelphia Eagles)
  • Hargrave has developed into one of the league’s premier interior defensive linemen. His ability to rush the passer from the interior, along with his experience and leadership, makes him a perfect fit for the Lions. Hargrave recorded 11 sacks and 58 pressures in 2024, and his ability to disrupt the pocket would give Detroit a much-needed interior pass rush.
• Dalvin Tomlinson (Minnesota Vikings)
  • A massive presence in the middle, Tomlinson is a run-stopper who can hold up well against double teams. He’s not the most explosive pass rusher, but he’s an effective anchor in the run game. Detroit could pair him with a more dynamic rusher to create a balanced defensive front.
• Fletcher Cox (Philadelphia Eagles)
  • Cox is a future Hall of Famer, and while he’s getting up there in age, he’s still a capable starter. He would bring veteran leadership and could have a year or two left of high-level play, particularly as part of a rotational defensive line.

2. Cornerback

The Lions have a solid cornerback group but could use a veteran presence to add depth and compete with the young guys. While Jeff Okudah showed flashes, he’s not yet the shutdown corner the Lions need, and the depth behind him is shaky. Adding a free agent could stabilize the secondary and give them more flexibility in coverage.

Top Free Agents:

• James Bradberry (Philadelphia Eagles)
  • Bradberry is a highly skilled cornerback who has consistently been one of the top players at his position over the past few seasons. His experience in big games and his ability to cover both outside receivers and slot receivers would be invaluable to the Lions’ defense. If Detroit is looking for a veteran presence who can still perform at a high level, Bradberry is a prime target.
• Marcus Peters (Las Vegas Raiders)
  • Peters is known for his ball-hawking skills and physicality at the cornerback position. Although he’s coming off a bit of a down year in 2024, he’s still a player who can change games with his ability to create turnovers. Peters could help mentor the younger corners while also providing a veteran presence in the secondary.
• Byron Jones (Miami Dolphins)
  • After missing the 2024 season due to injuries, Jones could be a low-risk, high-reward option for the Lions. When healthy, he’s one of the better cover corners in the league and would provide solid depth behind Okudah and the other young players in Detroit’s secondary.

3. Edge Rusher

The Lions have some talent along their defensive line, but they still lack a true elite edge rusher who can consistently create pressure off the edge. A top-tier edge rusher would make life easier for their secondary and would take pressure off the interior defensive linemen.

Top Free Agents:

• Frank Clark (Kansas City Chiefs)
  • Clark is known for his ability to step up in big moments, particularly in the postseason. While his regular-season numbers haven’t been as impressive in recent years, he’s still a highly capable edge rusher who could benefit from playing opposite a younger player who draws more attention. His experience in high-pressure games would be valuable for the Lions.
• Yannick Ngakoue (Chicago Bears)
  • Ngakoue is a proven pass rusher who can rack up sacks. He’s not as well-rounded as some other players, but his ability to rush the passer is undeniable. In a rotational role with the Lions, he could be a game-changer.
• Jadeveon Clowney (Cleveland Browns)
  • Clowney has been a polarizing figure throughout his career, but he’s still a physically gifted athlete who can disrupt the quarterback and create havoc at the line of scrimmage. If Detroit can get him to buy into a team-first role, Clowney could be a good addition to their pass rush.

4. Offensive Guard

While the Lions’ offensive line is generally one of the best in the NFL, they still need to bolster the interior. The guard position, specifically on the right side, could use a little more stability. Adding an experienced veteran could improve the overall offensive line and provide more protection for Jared Goff.

Top Free Agents:

• Ben Powers (Baltimore Ravens)
  • Powers is one of the top available guards on the market. A tough, physical lineman, Powers has been a key part of the Ravens’ dominant running game. His ability to control the line of scrimmage would make him an excellent addition to the Lions’ offensive line.
• Isaiah Wynn (New England Patriots)
  • Wynn is a versatile player who can play both guard and tackle. While his play has been inconsistent at times, his upside and ability to play multiple positions make him a good fit for a team like the Lions, who might need flexibility along the offensive line.
• Laken Tomlinson (New York Jets)
  • Tomlinson is a reliable, experienced player who can stabilize the interior of the offensive line. He’s not the flashiest guard, but he’s steady and consistently performs well. Adding him would give Detroit a veteran presence who could mentor the younger linemen and help solidify the right side of the line.

5. Wide Receiver

Although the Lions have a solid group of wide receivers, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, they could use another weapon on the outside to pair with him. Adding a high-end veteran wideout would create a dynamic receiving corps, allowing Detroit to spread the field and keep defenses on their toes.

Top Free Agents:

• DeAndre Hopkins (Arizona Cardinals)
  • Hopkins is one of the top wide receivers in the NFL and could be a game-changer for the Lions. Although he’s on the older side, his ability to make plays in critical moments, along with his elite route-running and hands, would make him a tremendous asset to Detroit’s offense. Pairing him with St. Brown could create one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the NFL.
• JuJu Smith-Schuster (Kansas City Chiefs)
  • Smith-Schuster brings versatility and a proven track record of success in high-pressure moments. He has the ability to play both inside and outside, and his experience with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City would bring a winning mentality to the Lions’ locker room.
• Odell Beckham Jr. (Baltimore Ravens)
  • Beckham is a bit of a wildcard, but when healthy, he’s one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL. Adding him to the Lions’ offense would give them a dangerous deep threat who can stretch the field and create mismatches for opposing defenses.

6. Tight End

While Detroit has solid options at tight end, they could use another receiving option who can contribute as a red-zone target. A more dynamic player at tight end would help the offense stretch the field and provide additional targets for Jared Goff.

Top Free Agents:

• Dalton Schultz (Dallas Cowboys)
  • Schultz has been a reliable target for the Cowboys over the past few seasons, and he would bring a reliable receiving option to Detroit’s offense. He’s a good route-runner who can create separation and would help open things up for other players on offense.
• Mike Gesicki (New England Patriots)
  • Gesicki is a unique tight end with excellent receiving skills and the ability to stretch the field. His athleticism would make him a strong weapon in the red zone and provide a mismatch for opposing defenses.
• Zach Ertz (Arizona Cardinals)
  • Ertz is another veteran option who could provide leadership and a solid receiving threat at tight end. Although he’s on the older side, he still has the ability to create mismatches in the passing game and provide a steady target for Goff.

The Detroit Lions are in an excellent position to continue improving their roster and make a push for a playoff spot in 2025. By targeting these free agents at positions of need, they could further solidify their roster and make the necessary moves to compete in a tough NFC. Whether it’s adding a dominant defensive tackle, improving the secondary, or bolstering the offensive line, these free agents could help elevate the Lions to the next level.

With the right moves in free agency, Detroit could be poised to make a deep playoff run and solidify themselves as a top contender in the NFC for years to come.