Detroit Lions Biggest Remaining Needs/Best Free Agent Options

The first wave of free agency in the NFL has come and gone. Players across the league have cashed in everywhere. Teams have mostly made their “big” moves and are turning their attention towards next month’s draft. The Detroit Lions have been predictably quiet when it comes to splashy additions. Detroit’s big get was Cade Mays, who replaces Graham Glasgow at center. Roger McCreary was signed to replace Amik Robertson as the Lions’ new nickelback. Other than that, GM Brad Holmes chose to focus on depth signings. That strategy has left many question marks all over the roster. Luckily, there are still plenty of solid players available. Here are the Detroit Lions’ biggest remaining needs/best free agent options still on the market:

1. Left Tackle

Longtime LT Taylor Decker was released by Detroit after the two sides couldn’t agree on a reworked contract. Swing tackle and fan favorite Dan Skipper retired and is now a member of Dan Campbell’s coaching staff. Many expected Brad Holmes to make an aggressive move in free agency to find Decker’s successor. He did not, only signing Larry Borom from the Miami Dolphins.

Borom makes for a fine third tackle. However, left tackle on a team expecting to contend for a Super Bowl title is too important not to find an upgrade. I have the Lions selecting Alabama LT Kadyn Proctor in the first round of my latest mock draft. While I fully expect the position to be addressed early in the draft, there are still options available in free agency should Holmes choose to add one.

Best Free Agent Available

Cam Robinson, Cleveland Browns

If we’re being completely honest, the best free agent available to replace Taylor Decker is…Taylor Decker. However, it seems extremely unlikely that a reunion will happen. After Brad Holmes missed out (or just passed) on the best tackles available, Cam Robinson is the best of what’s left.

I included Robinson on my list of best remaining free agent targets for the Lions after the first week of free agency. Admittedly, there were several better tackles for Brad Holmes to sign. Unfortunately, none of them is on their way to Motown. 

Robinson is coming off a down year in Cleveland. His PFF overall grade of 48.2 placed 83rd out of 88 qualifying tackles, making him a reclamation project. However, Robinson possesses the physical tools to be successful and has over 100 career starts under his belt. The longtime Jacksonville Jaguars tackle should be available on a relatively cheap one-year deal. At minimum, Robinson, Borom, and a high draft pick can compete for the Lions’ starting LT spot. If Robinson wins the battle, he would serve as a placeholder until the rookie is ready. If the rookie or Borom win, Robinson’s experience makes him a solid backup who can fill in as a starter if necessary.

2. Edge Rusher

After losing Al-Quadin Muhammad to Tampa, the Lions’ need for an edge rusher had never been greater. Holmes did well to sign D.J. Wonnum from Carolina. Former first-round pick Payton Turner has also been brought into the fold. Turner is a no-risk signing and is worth taking a shot on to see if he can finally show the talent that made him a first-round selection. Wonnum is a decent player, but might be a better rotational piece than a starter. More is needed if the Lions want to reach their goals in 2026

Best Free Agent Available

Jadeveon Clowney, Dallas Cowboys

Even at 33 years old, Jadeveon Clowney is still a highly productive player. The Lions still need a lot of help at edge, and Clowney could be the guy to provide it. At this point in his career, the former top overall pick is a mercenary. Detroit should be the next team to acquire the hired gun’s services.

The Lions still should draft an edge rusher with one of their first two picks in next month’s draft. Even with a highly-touted rookie in tow, Clowney would still be the favorite to start opposite Aidan Hutchinson. His presence would allow the rookie to develop before being thrust into such a pivotal role. 

There are other productive edge options in Joey Bosa and Cam Jordan still on the market. However, I believe Clowney’s overall game makes him the best fit in Detroit. An edge group of Hutchinson, Clowney, Wonnum, Turner, plus a highly regarded rookie, would transform the position from a desperate need to a strength for the Lions’ defense.

3. Safety

The Lions are entering 2026 with much uncertainty at the back of their defense. Brian Branch is set to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season after tearing his Achilles. Branch’s partner in crime, Kerby Joseph, is dealing with a chronic left knee injury that cost him much of the 2025 campaign. It is still unknown how much Detroit will be able to rely on Joseph in 2026 and beyond. The Lions have gone from having the best safety duo in the NFL to needing immediate help at the position.

Best Free Agent Available

Avonte Maddox, Detroit Lions

Fortunately for Brad Holmes, the best option available isn’t too far away. Avonte Maddox exceeded all expectations, filling in for both Branch and Joseph in 2025. Holmes should do everything in his power to keep Maddox in-house for 2026. Frankly, it is somewhat shocking that re-signing Maddox hasn’t been more of a priority for the Lions. 

Maddox, who will turn 30 at the end of March, was PFF’s 10th-highest rated safety in 2025. The eight-year veteran also has plenty of experience at cornerback. Versatility like that makes a player very valuable, especially for a team like Detroit. The Lions’ secondary is always a work in progress, and retaining Maddox brings stability to the group. Maddox can either start or provide excellent depth at multiple positions. He has certainly earned a raise over his $1.42 million salary in 2025, but he still won’t break the bank. Maddox is an extremely valuable player who should have already been locked up for 2026.

If Maddox does not return to Detroit, former Lion Ifeatu Melifonwu is still out there. Watching him on his patented safety blitzes would be a welcome sight for Lions’ fans.

4. Linebacker

Alex Anzalone’s departure has left big shoes to be filled. Anzalone has been a productive leader for Detroit’s defense since his arrival in 2021. That void needs to be filled before it is too late. The biggest (and most expensive) linebackers have already found their new homes, but there are still solid ones left. Holmes was smart to bring back Malcolm Rodriguez, but “Rodrigo” is at his best as the team’s top reserve LB. Unfortunately for the Lions, they currently only own two picks in the top 100 of the 2026 draft. With other positions expected to be his early targets, it is unrealistic to think Holmes will be able to draft a day-one starter at LB.

Best Free Agent Available