Lions free agency tracker: After a season marred by injuries, depth will be a top goal.

The Detroit Lions had a roller-coaster 2024 season, marked by both moments of promise and frustration. While the team showed significant improvements in certain areas, they were ultimately derailed by an injury-plagued roster that stifled their full potential. As the Lions head into free agency for 2025, one thing is abundantly clear: depth will be the primary focus moving forward.

Recap of the 2024 Season: Injuries and Their Impact

The Lions entered the 2024 season with high expectations after a promising 2023 campaign. With key players like Jared Goff leading the offense and a developing defense spearheaded by Aidan Hutchinson, there was an optimism that Detroit might finally be able to make a significant playoff push.

However, injuries quickly became a major factor. Several key players, including wide receiver Jameson Williams, running back David Montgomery, and cornerback Jeff Okudah, missed multiple games. The impact was felt across the roster, affecting not only individual performances but the team’s overall chemistry and continuity. As a result, Detroit was unable to consistently field their best lineup, which significantly hurt their chances in crucial games down the stretch.

With the lack of depth on the roster exposed, the Lions missed the playoffs by a narrow margin. The injury bug also exposed some other weaknesses in the roster, such as lack of consistency in the secondary and limited depth behind key offensive playmakers. This underscored a critical lesson: building depth is just as important as having star players.

The Lions’ Current Roster: A Look at the Depth Chart

Before delving into specific free-agent targets, it’s important to take stock of the Lions’ current roster situation.

Quarterback (Jared Goff)
Goff proved himself to be a capable starter in 2024, throwing for over 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns, despite the absence of top targets for much of the season. The Lions have stability at quarterback, which gives them the flexibility to focus on other areas in free agency, knowing their most important position is secure.

Running Back (David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs)
David Montgomery was solid in his first year with the Lions, but he dealt with some injuries. Meanwhile, Jahmyr Gibbs flashed promise as a change-of-pace back. This duo should continue to be a significant part of the offense, but Detroit could look for more depth here, either in free agency or the draft, to ensure that injuries don’t derail the running game again.

Wide Receiver (Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams)
Amon-Ra St. Brown emerged as a top-tier receiver, but injuries to Williams and others hindered the unit’s potential. Detroit must invest in additional depth at receiver, as the position has been somewhat thin in terms of high-end contributors beyond St. Brown. It will be critical to add more talent here to keep defenses from keying in on the star wideout.

Offensive Line (Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow, Taylor Decker)
The Lions’ offensive line is one of the better units in the NFL. With Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow, and Taylor Decker forming a strong core, the Lions should be able to maintain a top-tier offensive line, but they will need to add depth behind these starters. Injuries to key linemen in the past few seasons have shown that having reliable backups is crucial for a successful offensive line.

Defensive Line (Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Isaiah Buggs)
Aidan Hutchinson showed signs of becoming an elite pass rusher, and Alim McNeill emerged as a reliable presence in the interior. But like the offensive line, injuries and inconsistent play from others along the defensive front made it clear that Detroit needs more depth at defensive tackle and edge rusher. This is one area where they could look to make a big move in free agency.

Linebackers (Malcolm Rodriguez, Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes)
The linebacker position was another spot where the Lions struggled due to injuries. While Malcolm Rodriguez and Alex Anzalone played well when healthy, there was a drop-off when key players missed time. Detroit will need to focus on bolstering this group, as depth at linebacker is paramount to any defensive success.

Secondary (C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Jeff Okudah, Jerry Jacobs)
Injuries to Okudah and inconsistent play from others in the secondary exposed the weaknesses in the Lions’ defense. Though they have some good pieces, the secondary is arguably the weakest link on the defense. Detroit needs to add depth and perhaps a top-tier player here to become more competitive in the NFC North and beyond.

The Importance of Depth in the NFL

In the modern NFL, depth is often the difference between a playoff contender and a team that misses out on the postseason. Injuries are inevitable in football, but how a team responds to those injuries can determine its fate. The Lions’ injury woes in 2024 illustrated just how important it is to have capable backups who can step up when starters go down.

For the Lions, this means addressing multiple positions in free agency, with an eye toward ensuring that they have competent depth across the roster. The lack of depth in key areas like wide receiver, defensive line, and secondary left the Lions vulnerable last season. Moving forward, Detroit must address these issues to be more resilient to injury and more competitive in the NFC North.

Key Areas to Address in Free Agency

Wide Receiver
The Lions’ receiving corps, while talented, is still thin after Amon-Ra St. Brown. Injuries to Jameson Williams limited his impact, and Detroit’s other receivers didn’t consistently step up in his absence. The Lions could target a proven veteran in free agency to complement St. Brown and provide a reliable target opposite him. A player with experience and a proven track record could give the offense a reliable third option.

Defensive Line
While Aidan Hutchinson is a promising star, Detroit could use more depth at both defensive end and defensive tackle. The team needs to ensure that they have a rotation that can pressure the quarterback effectively, even if injuries strike. This could be a major target area in free agency, with names like Marcus Davenport (edge rusher) or Javon Hargrave (interior lineman) potentially on the radar.

Linebacker
Detroit’s linebacker group, while decent, lacks star power and depth. While Malcolm Rodriguez and Alex Anzalone are solid, the Lions could look to sign a veteran to provide both leadership and more stability at the position. A versatile linebacker who can cover, blitz, and stop the run would be ideal.

Cornerback
Jeff Okudah has shown flashes but remains inconsistent, and the Lions’ secondary as a whole has been a weak point. With C.J. Gardner-Johnson locking down one safety spot, Detroit may look to target a veteran cornerback who can start opposite Okudah, providing stability and improving the overall coverage unit.

Offensive Line Depth
Detroit’s starting offensive line is among the best in the league, but injuries have shown how quickly things can unravel. Adding depth, particularly in the interior, will be crucial. A versatile lineman who can play multiple positions would provide much-needed insurance in case of injury to any of the starters.

Potential Free Agent Targets

Given their need for depth, here are some potential free-agent targets the Lions could pursue:

1. DeAndre Hopkins (WR) – A seasoned veteran with elite skills, Hopkins would provide an instant upgrade to Detroit’s receiving corps.
2. Marcus Davenport (DE) – An edge rusher with significant upside, Davenport would add a much-needed pass-rushing presence opposite Hutchinson.
3. David Montgomery (RB) – If Detroit opts to add a running back through free agency, Montgomery could provide a reliable option.
4. Tremaine Edmunds (LB) – One of the top linebackers available, Edmunds would provide a physical presence and add a dynamic element to the defense.
5. Jamel Dean (CB) – A physical corner who could start opposite Okudah, strengthening Detroit’s secondary.
6. Ethan Pocic (OG/C) – Pocic would give the Lions much-needed depth along the interior of the offensive line.

The Detroit Lions find themselves at a crossroads. After a season filled with promise but ultimately hindered by injuries, the front office must prioritize adding depth across the roster to compete in 2025. Key areas like wide receiver, defensive line, linebacker, and cornerback need immediate attention. Through free agency, the Lions can strengthen their squad, ensuring that injuries don’t derail their hopes again.

With a strategic approach to free agency, the Lions can build a more resilient and well-rounded roster capable of weathering the challenges of a long NFL season. Depth is the key to unlocking their true potential and finally getting over the hump in a competitive NFC North.