Prioritizing the Detroit Lions’ roster requirements as free agency gets underway
The Detroit Lions are heading into the 2025 NFL free agency period with a lot of optimism and potential. After a solid 2024 season, where they showed growth in key areas, the Lions are poised to make another leap in their quest for sustained success in the NFC North. However, they still have several roster needs that they must address to ensure they are competitive both now and in the future.
As free agency begins, the Lions’ front office, led by General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell, will be evaluating potential acquisitions in order to address those needs. With the draft also on the horizon, the Lions have the opportunity to make a significant impact on their roster through both avenues.
In this piece, we will rank the Detroit Lions’ roster needs heading into free agency based on the team’s current state, the talent available in free agency, and how these positions can impact the team’s success in 2025 and beyond.
1. Defensive Tackle
Why It’s the Top Need:
The Detroit Lions’ defense took a significant step forward in 2024, but their defensive line, particularly at defensive tackle, remains a position of concern. While the team has a few promising young players, such as Alim McNeill, the interior of the defensive line is still lacking in terms of elite playmakers.
One of the biggest challenges for the Lions in 2024 was stopping the run, especially in short-yardage situations. The defensive tackle position is crucial for plugging up running lanes and disrupting the opposing offense’s rhythm. While McNeill is a solid player, the Lions are in need of a difference-maker alongside him. Adding a veteran presence to complement McNeill could allow the Lions to better control the line of scrimmage.
Free Agency Options:
Several veteran defensive tackles are expected to be available in free agency, and the Lions should target players who can provide immediate help in terms of stopping the run and generating interior pressure. Some potential targets include:
- David Montgomery (Detroit Lions): Montgomery was a standout for the Lions, offering a balanced game with a great combination of power, vision, and speed. His reliability could be crucial as he fills an important role of keeping the Lions offense in great shape.
- Javon Hargrave (Philadelphia Eagles): Hargrave is a true difference-maker. His ability to disrupt both the run and pass makes him an ideal addition to a defensive front that could be much more dynamic with a top-tier interior lineman.
2. Cornerback
Why It’s a Critical Need:
Cornerback is another key position for the Lions heading into free agency. While the team has some young talent in place, including Amani Oruwariye and Jeff Okudah, the secondary as a whole still needs a significant upgrade.
In particular, the Lions struggled against top-tier receivers in 2024, allowing big plays and not having enough reliable options on the outside to shut down elite wideouts. The team needs a true No. 1 cornerback who can consistently cover the opposition’s best receivers and provide stability for the entire defensive backfield.
Free Agency Options:
The free agent cornerback market is often volatile, with several talented players expected to hit the open market. The Lions should aim to sign a player who can immediately come in and be a leader for the secondary. Some potential targets include:
- Jamel Dean (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Dean has been a standout corner for the Buccaneers, known for his speed, physicality, and ability to lock down wide receivers. His addition to the Lions defense would significantly bolster the pass coverage.
- James Bradberry (Philadelphia Eagles): Bradberry is one of the top cornerbacks available in free agency. His experience and proven ability to shut down top-tier wideouts could be exactly what the Lions need to compete at the highest level.
3. Wide Receiver
Why It’s a Need:
Despite having some solid contributors in the wide receiver room, such as Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions still lack a true game-changing No. 2 receiver. St. Brown is an elite option, but the team needs another playmaker who can take the pressure off of him and provide Jared Goff with more weapons in the passing game.
The wide receiver position is vital to the Lions’ offensive success, and they need a reliable player who can stretch the field, create separation, and provide Goff with a dependable option in both the short and long game.
Free Agency Options:
In a year with several dynamic wide receivers available, the Lions could benefit from adding a player who has the ability to be a reliable No. 2 option. Some potential free-agent targets include:
- D.J. Chark (Jacksonville Jaguars): Chark has the speed and playmaking ability that could complement Amon-Ra St. Brown very well. He can stretch the field and add another dynamic element to the Lions’ passing attack.
- Jakobi Meyers (New England Patriots): Meyers is a reliable and steady wide receiver who can operate in the short to intermediate passing game. He has good hands and would provide a solid complement to St. Brown’s skill set.
4. Offensive Line (Right Guard/Right Tackle)
Why It’s a Need:
The Detroit Lions have one of the most talented offensive lines in the league, but they still have some issues to address on the right side. The right tackle and right guard positions are somewhat unsettled, with players such as Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Taylor Decker battling injuries and inconsistency in 2024.
To take the next step offensively, the Lions need to ensure that the right side of their line is fortified. A consistent and reliable offensive line is key to helping Jared Goff stay upright in the pocket and, just as importantly, create running lanes for their running backs, particularly for a running back like David Montgomery who excels when he has good blocking up front.
Free Agency Options:
With several veteran offensive linemen likely available in free agency, the Lions have a chance to upgrade their right-side protection. Some potential targets include:
- Mike McGlinchey (San Francisco 49ers): McGlinchey has been a standout right tackle for the 49ers and would be an excellent fit for the Lions. His ability to anchor the right side of the line and protect Goff’s blindside is exactly what Detroit needs.
- Ben Powers (Baltimore Ravens): Powers is an experienced interior lineman who would provide stability at the right guard position. His tough, physical style would help improve the Lions’ offensive line immediately.
5. Edge Rusher
Why It’s a Need:
The Lions’ pass rush was solid in 2024, but it was inconsistent at times. They need a true game-wrecking edge rusher to complement the efforts of players like Aidan Hutchinson, who has been a rising star. A second dynamic pass rusher would allow the Lions to apply more pressure on quarterbacks, especially in key moments.
Edge rusher is an area where the Lions could see immediate returns if they sign a player who can disrupt the quarterback and help increase the team’s sack total.
Free Agency Options:
The edge rusher market is always filled with high-impact players, and this year is no different. Some potential free-agent targets include:
- Yannick Ngakoue (Indianapolis Colts): Ngakoue is a proven pass rusher who has had success throughout his career. His ability to disrupt the pocket and generate sacks could immediately improve the Lions’ defense.
- Bud Dupree (Tennessee Titans): Dupree has been a solid edge rusher throughout his career. While he’s been a bit inconsistent at times, his talent is undeniable. He could be a great fit alongside Hutchinson.
6. Safety
Why It’s a Need:
The Lions’ safety position is in decent shape but still leaves something to be desired. While players like Tracy Walker and Kirby Joseph show promise, the Lions lack a true playmaker at safety who can consistently impact games both in coverage and against the run.
A safety who can play in the box, provide coverage over the top, and be a difference-maker in critical moments could elevate the defense to another level.
Free Agency Options:
Some notable safeties available in free agency could provide an instant upgrade for the Lions’ defense. Potential targets include:
- Jesse Bates (Atlanta Falcons): Bates is one of the top safeties in the league and would be a tremendous addition to the Lions’ secondary. His ball-hawking skills and ability to patrol the deep part of the field would improve the overall coverage unit.
- Jordan Poyer (Buffalo Bills): Poyer is a veteran safety with experience as a playmaker in the secondary. He would be a reliable addition to the Lions’ defense, offering both leadership and skill.
As the Detroit Lions head into free agency, they have several key areas on their roster that need addressing. With a strong foundation already in place, particularly on offense and with emerging young talent on defense, the Lions are in a prime position to make the necessary moves that can elevate them to contention for a deep playoff run.
By targeting key positions like defensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver, and addressing some spots along the offensive line, the Lions can continue building a championship-caliber roster. Free agency will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future success, and the moves made here could help put the Lions in a position to be true NFC contenders for years to come.