Roundtable: Surprise Free Agency Signing Lions Could Make

The Detroit Lions have had an exciting and promising few years under head coach Dan Campbell, who has implemented a tough, physical brand of football. With Brad Holmes at the helm as general manager, the Lions have made significant strides toward becoming a legitimate contender in the NFC. The team has made some impressive moves in recent seasons, and as we approach the 2025 NFL season, the Lions are in a position to continue building their roster with key free-agent signings.

The Lions’ 2024 season showcased a marked improvement, and while the team is certainly on the rise, there are still areas of their roster that could use a boost. Whether it’s adding depth in the secondary, improving the pass rush, or finding another weapon for Jared Goff in the passing game, the Lions will likely be active in free agency. While it’s expected they will pursue top-tier players to address these needs, we also need to look at the potential for some surprise signings that might fly under the radar but could make a significant impact.

In this roundtable discussion, we will explore a few surprise free agency signings the Lions could make, evaluating the rationale behind these potential moves and how each player could fit into the team’s long-term goals. Whether through veteran leadership or young talent, these signings could be the difference between a playoff team and a Super Bowl contender.

1. James Bradberry, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

Why It Makes Sense: One area the Lions have worked to improve over the years is their secondary. Although Jeff Okudah has shown flashes of brilliance, he hasn’t consistently lived up to the expectations of a top-5 draft pick. Adding a cornerback like James Bradberry could solidify the Lions’ defensive backfield, offering leadership and stability at a key position.

Bradberry is coming off an impressive season with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was a key part of their top-ranked defense. His ability to cover both big and fast receivers, combined with his physical style of play, would be an ideal fit for a Lions team looking to improve their pass defense. Bradberry is a veteran presence, and with his Super Bowl experience, he could be the type of player who elevates the entire secondary. His size, ball skills, and football IQ would be invaluable as the Lions look to build a defense capable of competing with top NFC teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles.

The signing of Bradberry would likely allow Okudah to slide into a more comfortable role, potentially as a No. 2 corner or even in a hybrid position to maximize his strengths. It would also give the Lions an experienced cornerback capable of making plays when the game is on the line, a crucial component for any defense hoping to go deep into the playoffs.

Possible Impact:

• Provides a reliable starting cornerback.
• Helps strengthen a defense that has been inconsistent in recent years.
• Adds leadership and Super Bowl-caliber experience to a relatively young roster.

Bradberry may be an expensive signing, but if the Lions are looking to take the next step in their development, bringing in a proven veteran could be the kind of surprise move that makes all the difference.

2. Leonard Floyd, OLB, Los Angeles Rams

Why It Makes Sense: The Lions’ defense has struggled at times to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback, particularly in key moments. While Aidan Hutchinson has shown tremendous promise as a pass rusher, the Lions could use a complementary player on the other side of the defensive line to form a dynamic duo that can disrupt opposing quarterbacks.

Leonard Floyd is a veteran outside linebacker who has been effective in creating pressure on the quarterback for several years, including during his time with the Chicago Bears and most recently with the Los Angeles Rams. Floyd has a history of being a strong presence in both the run game and pass rush, making him an ideal candidate to pair alongside Hutchinson.

Given that the Lions have a relatively young defense with some up-and-coming players, bringing in a player like Floyd could be a game-changer. Floyd’s experience as a 3-4 outside linebacker in Los Angeles would also give the Lions defensive flexibility, as they could shift to multiple defensive fronts, depending on the matchup.

Possible Impact:

• Adds an established edge rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson.
• Provides additional depth and flexibility in defensive formations.
• Brings leadership and experience to a defense still learning to maximize its potential.

Floyd could provide a much-needed spark to the Lions’ defense and help them evolve into one of the top units in the NFC.

3. Dalton Schultz, TE, Dallas Cowboys

Why It Makes Sense: The Detroit Lions have a promising tight end in Sam LaPorta, but a second, reliable receiving option at tight end could elevate their offense to new heights. This is where a player like Dalton Schultz could be a surprise signing that makes perfect sense.

Schultz has been a dependable target for Dak Prescott in Dallas over the past few seasons. His ability to stretch the field, create mismatches in the middle of the field, and be a reliable target on third down would be a great addition to the Lions’ offense. While LaPorta is still developing, having a proven veteran tight end like Schultz could take some of the pressure off LaPorta and give Jared Goff another weapon in the passing game.

Schultz is also known for his ability to block in the running game, which would fit well into the Lions’ run-heavy offensive scheme. His skill set would enable the Lions to have a dynamic and versatile tight end group, one that could help open up the field for the rest of the offense.

Possible Impact:

• Adds another layer to the Lions’ offense with a reliable, veteran pass-catching tight end.
• Gives Jared Goff a trusted target in the passing game, especially in critical situations.
• Bolsters the tight end group to give the Lions flexibility in both the passing and running game.

Schultz would be an unexpected but highly effective signing that could make the Lions offense even more dynamic.

4. David Montgomery, RB, Chicago Bears

Why It Makes Sense: The Detroit Lions have a talented young running back in Jahmyr Gibbs, but adding a more experienced back like David Montgomery could help balance the offense and provide a proven ground game option to complement Gibbs. While Montgomery spent time with the Chicago Bears, he’s always been known for his toughness and consistency as a runner, with the ability to carry the load when needed.

Montgomery could provide the Lions with a solid power running back, giving them a legitimate short-yardage and goal-line threat. His ability to grind out tough yards between the tackles would also help take some of the pressure off Gibbs, allowing him to focus on his more explosive, dynamic skill set.

Additionally, Montgomery’s experience in the NFC North, particularly against divisional opponents like the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers, could prove invaluable in big matchups that often come down to running the ball effectively in cold, weather-impacted games.

Possible Impact:

• Provides a reliable power back to complement Jahmyr Gibbs.
• Adds depth to the running back position, which could be crucial for a long season.
• Strengthens the offense by giving the Lions more balance on the ground.

Montgomery’s signing would be a smart, under-the-radar move that could make a significant difference in the Lions’ ground game.

5. Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Indianapolis Colts

Why It Makes Sense: Another area the Lions could stand to improve is their ability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While Aidan Hutchinson is a star in the making, the Lions could use a second established pass rusher to complement him on the defensive line. That’s where Yannick Ngakoue could come in.

Ngakoue has been one of the more underrated pass rushers in the league over the past few seasons. While he has bounced around between several teams, his ability to get after the quarterback has remained consistent. Ngakoue is particularly adept at using his speed and burst to get around offensive tackles, making him an excellent fit as a situational rusher for the Lions.

Pairing Ngakoue with Hutchinson would give the Lions a formidable duo off the edge, and Ngakoue’s ability to disrupt the quarterback could elevate the entire defensive line. His pass-rush skills could be especially valuable in key moments late in games, when a sack can shift the momentum.

Possible Impact:

• Adds another proven pass rusher to the defense, complementing Hutchinson.
• Provides depth to the defensive line, which has been a concern at times for the Lions.
• Gives the Lions an edge rusher capable of making game-changing plays.

Ngakoue would be a great surprise signing for the Lions, providing them with a more dynamic pass rush.

A Few Bold Moves Could Propel the Lions to the Next Level

The Detroit Lions are on the rise, and they have the potential to be a serious contender in the NFC in the near future. As they approach the 2025 season, adding a few surprise free agents could be the key to putting them over the top. From a veteran cornerback like James Bradberry to a pass rusher like Yannick Ngakoue, the Lions could make some unexpected moves that would instantly improve their roster.

While the team is already filled with young talent and building momentum, adding experienced players to bolster their offensive and defensive lines, as well as add depth to their running back and tight end positions, could be the difference between making the playoffs and becoming a Super Bowl contender. The Lions are headed in the right direction, and with the right free agency moves, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the NFC for years to come.