Crucial Question: What Are the Lions’ Post-Free Agency Gaps?

As the NFL enters the offseason following the conclusion of free agency, teams across the league are reassessing their rosters, addressing key needs, and strategizing for the draft. For the Detroit Lions, a team that is in the midst of an exciting rebuild, this offseason has been one of notable activity. The team’s front office has made moves to strengthen key areas, but with free agency now behind us, there are still gaps to address before the 2025 season.

The Lions had a productive 2024 offseason, with multiple key signings aimed at addressing glaring weaknesses from the previous year. Detroit’s front office worked to bolster the defense, which had been a significant concern in the past seasons. The team also focused on improving its offensive line depth and securing additional weapons for Jared Goff. However, despite these moves, certain areas remain a focus for the team going forward. To better understand what those gaps are and how the Lions can fill them, it’s crucial to examine their current roster, what they accomplished during free agency, and what remains to be addressed as they head into the NFL Draft.

1. Defensive Line Depth

One of the most significant gaps for the Detroit Lions post-free agency is on the defensive line. While the Lions made strides in improving their defensive unit by signing players and making strategic acquisitions, there is still much work to be done on the defensive line, particularly in terms of depth and pass rush.

In 2024, the Lions made the bold move of signing former Kansas City Chiefs standout, defensive tackle Chris Jones, in an attempt to shore up their interior defensive line. Jones was an immediate impact player, and his presence helped transform the Lions’ defense, but there is still a pressing need for complementary players who can create pressure up front. Specifically, the Lions still lack a true elite pass rusher off the edge, someone who can consistently disrupt the opposing quarterback. While veteran players like Charles Harris and Aidan Hutchinson have shown flashes of potential, none have established themselves as consistent, top-tier pass rushers.

The Lions’ defensive line needs more than just rotational players. They need someone who can come in on third downs, push the pocket, and force quick throws to help the secondary. The Lions did make improvements with the addition of a few defensive tackles and edge players, but they are still lacking an elite disruptor. A high draft pick or a trade for an established player could help to address this void.

2. Cornerback Depth and Quality

While the Lions were active in improving their defense during free agency, their cornerback group still remains a significant concern. The team added a few players in the secondary to strengthen their defense, but cornerback remains one of the most pressing needs on the roster.

In 2024, the Lions brought in former Seattle Seahawks cornerback, Jamel Dean, to help solidify the starting outside corner spot. Dean has the physical tools to succeed, but there are still questions about his consistency and ability to match up with elite receivers. Behind Dean, the Lions have a mix of developing players, but they still lack depth and a true No. 2 cornerback who can consistently match up against top-tier receivers. Additionally, the slot cornerback position is an area where the Lions could use more competition and depth, as well as an upgrade in overall playmaking ability.

While Jeff Okudah remains a promising young player with potential, his injury history has hampered his growth, and the Lions can’t afford to rely solely on him. Another year of development for younger players like Ifeatu Melifonwu and Jerry Jacobs is essential, but the team would be wise to add more veteran talent or invest in a high-end cornerback prospect in the draft.

The Lions’ defense will continue to struggle if they don’t strengthen the cornerback position. In a pass-heavy league, the ability to lock down wide receivers is paramount to defensive success. Detroit will need to make cornerback a priority heading into the draft or even look for another signing in the coming months to shore up the position.

3. Linebacker Depth and Coverage Ability

The linebacker position is another area where the Lions need to make improvements. While they have some talent at the position, it remains one of the weaker spots on the roster. In particular, coverage ability and the lack of a true difference-maker at linebacker have left the Lions vulnerable in certain situations, especially in passing downs.

An issue with linebacker depth has plagued the Lions for several seasons now, and while they have some solid players in Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes, neither has emerged as a standout playmaker capable of changing the course of a game. The Lions’ linebacking corps lacks a true game-changing presence. They are missing a player who can handle coverage responsibilities in passing situations while also being able to contribute as a tackler in the run game.

Furthermore, Anzalone’s limited ability to cover in space has made it difficult for the Lions to neutralize athletic tight ends and running backs in the passing game. As more and more offenses look to use versatile players in the passing game, the Lions need a linebacker who can step up and take away that threat. The addition of a rangy, athletic linebacker with coverage ability could significantly improve Detroit’s defense and provide better balance across the unit.

4. Wide Receiver Depth

While the Lions have an impressive starting wide receiver duo in Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, the depth behind them is still an area of concern. The Lions did sign veteran wideout D.J. Chark in free agency, but he is still recovering from injuries, and there’s no guarantee he can stay healthy for the entire season.

The Lions need to develop additional talent at wide receiver to complement their two star players. If either St. Brown or Williams were to go down with an injury or experience a drop in production, the Lions would be left with limited options. While some younger receivers like Josh Reynolds and Quintez Cephus have shown flashes of potential, they have not been consistent enough to be relied upon as starters.

Moreover, the Lions need to find a reliable third option who can take pressure off their top two targets. Whether this is through the draft or another veteran acquisition, adding another reliable playmaker at wide receiver would provide stability and give Jared Goff more options in the passing game.

5. Safety Depth

Safety is another area where the Lions could improve, particularly in terms of depth and playmaking ability. The starting safety tandem of Tracy Walker and Kirby Joseph has shown promise, but both players are still developing, and the Lions lack experienced depth behind them.

The Lions’ safeties have not been particularly impactful in coverage, and while Walker has been a steady presence in the box, his ability to cover deep routes has been inconsistent. Joseph, on the other hand, is still a bit raw but has the tools to be a very effective player if he can take the next step in his development. Behind these two, the Lions do not have much proven depth, and it remains an area of concern.

The Lions could look to add a veteran safety who can provide leadership and help to shore up the secondary, particularly in coverage. Additionally, investing in a safety prospect in the draft who has the potential to contribute right away could improve the defense significantly.

6. Special Teams

While special teams often get overlooked in discussions about roster needs, it’s a unit that the Lions should not ignore. Detroit has made some moves to improve their special teams, but it still remains a weaker area compared to other parts of the roster. Issues with the kicking game and coverage units have occasionally plagued the team in recent years, and it’s something that could cost them valuable field position or even points during the regular season.

Adding depth and consistency to special teams will help Detroit solidify a complete roster. They’ll need to add competition for their kicking game, as well as make improvements to their return and coverage units.

While the Detroit Lions have made notable strides this offseason, particularly in free agency, several key gaps remain that need to be addressed before the start of the 2025 season. The defensive line, cornerback, linebacker, and wide receiver positions all require further attention, either through additional signings, trades, or the draft. Improving depth at safety and strengthening special teams are also areas to focus on.

If the Lions want to take the next step in their rebuild and truly compete in the NFC North and beyond, they will need to continue to address these gaps. The upcoming draft presents a golden opportunity to fill some of these voids, and the Lions’ front office will need to be strategic in how they approach these areas of weakness. As they continue to develop under head coach Dan Campbell, the 2025 season could be a turning point for this young and promising franchise.