Contract details for the recently signed free agents by the Detroit Lions

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Contract details for the recently signed free agents by the Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have been active in free agency this offseason, making strategic moves to bolster their roster ahead of the 2025 NFL season. With a focus on improving their defense and adding depth across key positions, the Lions have signed several free agents while also retaining some of their core players. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the team’s most notable free-agent signings, their contract details, and what they bring to the team.

Major Free-Agent Signings

D.J. Reed – Cornerback

  • Contract: Three years, $48 million
  • Previous Team: New York Jets
  • Expected Role: Starting cornerback
  • Analysis: The Lions addressed their secondary by signing D.J. Reed, a proven defensive back who brings experience and consistency to the unit. In 2024, Reed tallied 64 tackles and 10 pass breakups with the Jets. His addition helps mitigate the loss of Carlton Davis III, who signed with the New England Patriots.

Roy Lopez – Nose Tackle

  • Contract: One year, $3.5 million (fully guaranteed), with up to $1.15 million in incentives
  • Previous Team: Arizona Cardinals
  • Expected Role: Defensive line depth and rotational player
  • Analysis: Lopez is a strong run-stopper who will help fortify the Lions’ interior defensive line. He will likely split snaps with DJ Reader, adding another physical presence to the front seven.

Grant Stuard – Linebacker

  • Contract: One year, $1.7 million (fully guaranteed)
  • Previous Team: Indianapolis Colts
  • Expected Role: Special teams standout and linebacker depth
  • Analysis: Stuard is expected to contribute significantly on special teams while providing depth at linebacker. His signing also saved the team $300,000 in cap space compared to retaining Jalen Reeves-Maybin.

Kyle Allen – Quarterback

  • Contract: Undisclosed
  • Previous Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Expected Role: Backup quarterback
  • Analysis: Allen provides veteran depth at the quarterback position. He is expected to serve as a backup while mentoring younger quarterbacks on the roster.

Kenny Yeboah – Tight End

  • Contract: Undisclosed
  • Previous Team: New York Jets
  • Expected Role: Depth tight end
  • Analysis: Yeboah’s addition strengthens the tight end group, offering versatility in both the passing and blocking game.

Rock Ya-Sin – Cornerback

  • Contract: Undisclosed
  • Previous Team: San Francisco 49ers
  • Expected Role: Competing for a starting role in the secondary
  • Analysis: A physical and aggressive cornerback, Ya-Sin adds depth to a unit that needed reinforcements after key departures.

Avonte Maddox – Cornerback

  • Contract: Undisclosed
  • Previous Team: Philadelphia Eagles
  • Expected Role: Nickel cornerback
  • Analysis: Maddox is expected to play a crucial role in sub-packages, specializing in slot coverage.

Re-Signed Players

  • Derrick Barnes (LB) – Extended through 2027
  • Marcus Davenport (DE) – Retained to bolster the pass rush
  • Khalil Dorsey (CB), Pat O’Connor (DT), Levi Onwuzurike (DT), Tim Patrick (WR), Anthony Pittman (LB), Craig Reynolds (RB), and Shane Zylstra (TE) – All re-signed to provide depth across various positions

Notable Departures

  • Carlton Davis III (CB) – Signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the New England Patriots
  • Ifeatu Melifonwu (S) – Joined the Miami Dolphins
  • Kindle Vildor (CB) – Signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Jonah Williams (DE) – Moved to the New Orleans Saints
  • Kevin Zeitler (G) – Signed with the Tennessee Titans

Lions’ Strategy Moving Forward

The Lions’ free-agency moves indicate a clear focus on strengthening their defense while maintaining financial flexibility. The signings of D.J. Reed and Roy Lopez suggest that Detroit aims to shore up its secondary and defensive line, while depth additions like Stuard and Yeboah will play key supporting roles.

Additionally, re-signing several core contributors ensures roster continuity, a crucial factor for a team looking to build on its recent playoff success. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the Lions may still look to address remaining gaps, particularly on the offensive line and at wide receiver.

The Detroit Lions have made calculated moves in free agency, prioritizing defensive upgrades and depth signings. While some key players have departed, the team has successfully brought in experienced replacements and retained essential contributors. With these additions, Detroit appears poised to compete for a deeper playoff run in the upcoming season.

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