Lions free agency tracker: After suffering injuries the previous season, depth will be a top concern for the organization.

The Detroit Lions’ 2024 season proved to be one of both promise and setbacks. While there were flashes of brilliance and improvement from previous years, injuries ravaged key positions and left the team vulnerable. As the Lions head into the offseason, the front office faces the delicate balancing act of addressing these weaknesses through free agency while managing their salary cap and long-term goals.

A major area of focus for Detroit this year will be adding depth across several positions. Whether it’s bolstering the defensive line, shoring up the secondary, or adding playmakers to support Jared Goff, the Lions will need to be smart and strategic with their free-agent signings. In this tracker, we’ll break down the latest updates on Detroit’s free agency moves, the positions of greatest concern, and how the team is shaping its roster for the 2024 season.

Overview of the Lions’ 2024 Free Agency Situation

As the offseason rolls on, the Detroit Lions are currently in a relatively strong position with cap space, especially compared to some other teams in the league. With a projected cap space of over $20 million, the team can be aggressive in free agency if they choose to, although they’ll still need to balance the financial considerations of signing key players and building long-term depth. Given the team’s current trajectory—coming off a near playoff berth—it’s crucial to make smart, targeted acquisitions rather than just splashing big money.

The Lions’ depth issues in 2023 were compounded by a significant number of injuries to important players. These injuries, coupled with an overall lack of adequate depth at certain positions, meant that the Lions often found themselves stretched thin across multiple positions on both sides of the ball.

Key Positions of Concern

While there are a variety of positions that could use improvement or depth, the Lions have several critical needs that will influence their decisions in free agency. Here’s a breakdown of the areas where Detroit needs to make the most significant upgrades:

1. Defensive Line (Edge Rusher and Interior Defensive Line)

The Detroit Lions’ defensive line was a focal point of their offseason efforts last year, but the injury bug struck once again. Starting edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson had a stellar season, but the team struggled to generate consistent pressure opposite him. James Houston, a promising young edge rusher, was sidelined for a portion of the year with an injury, leaving the Lions thin in the pass rush department.

Additionally, the interior defensive line was an area of weakness in 2023. Although the Lions did a decent job against the run, their ability to generate pressure up the middle was lacking. The team will need to address this by bringing in a reliable veteran or potentially adding depth in the draft.

Free Agency Targets:

• Jadeveon Clowney – A former No. 1 overall pick who’s never quite lived up to expectations, Clowney would be an interesting target for Detroit, offering a veteran presence on the edge and the ability to disrupt plays when healthy.
• David Montgomery (DT) – While not a flashy name, adding a reliable defensive tackle with the ability to anchor the middle and offer additional pass rush would be a solid addition.
• Marcus Davenport (EDGE) – Another edge rusher with loads of potential who has struggled with consistency and injuries throughout his career. Davenport could come on a relatively affordable contract but provide the team with much-needed depth and explosiveness on the edge.

2. Secondary (Cornerback and Safety)

The Detroit Lions’ secondary was arguably their most vulnerable unit in 2023. While Jeff Okudah flashed moments of brilliance, injuries to key players like Amani Oruwariye, and the inconsistent play of the other cornerbacks left the secondary exposed. The team also struggled to generate turnovers, and the safety position was often caught out of position.

The Lions will need to address the cornerback position, where they lack depth behind Okudah, and add a safety who can make plays in the backfield. A veteran corner could provide stability opposite Okudah, while a new safety would help round out the back end.

Free Agency Targets:

• James Bradberry (CB) – A former Pro Bowler with experience in both man and zone schemes, Bradberry would be a perfect complement to Okudah on the outside. His physicality and ball skills would be a huge upgrade for Detroit’s secondary.
• Jesse Bates (S) – One of the top safety options in free agency, Bates is a ball-hawking safety who can play both in the box and deep coverage. His ability to read quarterbacks and disrupt plays would be invaluable to the Lions’ defense.
• Byron Murphy (CB) – A solid cornerback with experience in multiple systems, Murphy could be a great fit in Detroit’s defense, adding another reliable corner and providing leadership in the secondary.

3. Offensive Line (Depth and Health)

The Lions’ offensive line has been one of their strengths in recent seasons, but injuries still affected the unit in 2023. While Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell remain staples at tackle, the interior line saw inconsistency and injuries. Frank Ragnow is a top-tier center, but backup depth was tested throughout the season.

The front office will likely look to add depth on the interior line to ensure they’re prepared in case of injuries. Additionally, a reliable swing tackle could provide security in case one of the starting tackles goes down.

Free Agency Targets:

• Rodger Saffold (OG) – A veteran guard with a wealth of experience, Saffold could provide both depth and leadership to the interior of the Lions’ offensive line.
• Isaiah Wynn (OT) – A former first-round pick who has battled injuries but has shown promise when healthy. Wynn could be a low-risk, high-reward signing for Detroit, providing depth at tackle.
• Ben Jones (C) – A veteran center with solid experience, Jones could serve as a reliable backup or even a starter if Ragnow were to go down for any period.

4. Wide Receiver (Supporting Jared Goff)

Jared Goff had a solid year in 2023, but his success was often tied to the performance of his receiving corps. Amon-Ra St. Brown emerged as one of the best wideouts in the league, but the Lions still need additional weapons to complement him. Injuries to players like Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond limited the offense at times, and while rookie Josh Reynolds flashed, more depth is needed.

To give Goff the best chance to succeed, the Lions will likely target a veteran wide receiver or two who can create separation, contribute to the deep ball, and stretch defenses vertically.

Free Agency Targets:

• D.J. Chark (WR) – A familiar face in Detroit, Chark could rejoin the Lions after a brief stint with the team. His speed and ability to stretch the field would give Goff a much-needed vertical threat.
• Juju Smith-Schuster (WR) – A steady, reliable receiver with a diverse skill set, Smith-Schuster could bring experience and leadership to the locker room, while also providing a reliable target for Goff in the intermediate game.
• Julio Jones (WR) – A long-time superstar who has seen his production dip due to injuries, Jones could be an affordable, high-reward signing if he’s healthy. His leadership and ability to make big plays could be invaluable in the right role.

5. Running Back (Backing Up Jahmyr Gibbs)

Jahmyr Gibbs showed promise in his rookie season, but with David Montgomery’s free agency status uncertain, the Lions may need to add more depth to the backfield. They need a reliable backup who can spell Gibbs and potentially split carries when needed. Given that the running back position is rarely prioritized in free agency, the Lions may be able to get a solid contributor on a reasonable deal.

Free Agency Targets:

• Damien Harris (RB) – A physical running back with experience in both the power and zone running schemes, Harris would complement Gibbs well and give the Lions a solid one-two punch in the backfield.
• Kareem Hunt (RB) – Hunt offers a combination of power and receiving ability that would make him a versatile option for Detroit’s offense, providing insurance behind Gibbs.

Potential Moves and Predictions

As of March 2024, the Lions have yet to make any blockbuster moves in free agency, but that doesn’t mean they’re not quietly laying the groundwork for a few impactful signings. Given their cap space and need for depth, expect the Lions to target one or two high-profile defensive players, as well as a veteran receiver to add another layer of support for Jared Goff.

Key Predictions:

• James Bradberry (CB) will be one of the Lions’ biggest targets to help solidify their secondary.
• Juju Smith-Schuster (WR) could be the key wide receiver acquisition, adding a steady presence alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown.
• Marcus Davenport (EDGE) will likely be a low-risk, high-reward signing to add depth to the defensive line.

The Lions’ free agency strategy in 2024 will likely be focused on one thing: depth. Injuries in 2023 showed just how fragile a roster can be, and the team needs to bolster its reserves across the board. While they may not make any headline-grabbing moves, expect Detroit to add solid, versatile players who can provide immediate help and long-term stability. This will help ensure that the Lions are not only prepared to make a playoff push but also that they can weather the inevitable injury storm that all NFL teams face throughout the season. With the right moves, Detroit could be poised for a successful 2024 campaign.