Detroit Lions Free Agency Day One Recap

What a day. The NFL’s “legal tampering” period started with a bang. Dozens of players agreed to terms with new teams. Deals were pouring in at ludicrous speed. For better or worse, the Lions stuck to their recent pattern of not being overly active on the first day of free agency. That said, Detroit still had a busy day. A handful of Lions are now former Lions, and a couple of new faces are on their way to Motown. If anyone needs to catch up on the day’s events, here is my Detroit Lions’ free agency day one recap:

Whirlwind Day Across The NFL

Once the clock struck noon, the NFL’s annual free agency feeding frenzy was off to the races. All 32 teams started their roster construction for the 2026 season. Whether adding fresh newcomers or saying goodbye to familiar faces, each franchise began its march toward Super Bowl LXI.

That includes the Detroit Lions, who are looking to put last season’s disappointment in the rearview mirror. With a team expected to contend for a championship, Brad Holmes is facing his most important offseason to date as GM. Lions’ fans wondered if he would attack the holes spread out across the roster? Would he aggressively pursue the biggest names available? Or would he choose to wait until the market settles and prices come down? Would he allow the Lions’ own free agents to walk, or would he spend enough to keep them in Detroit?

True to form, Holmes did not sign any marquee players on day one. That doesn’t mean the Lions didn’t have an eventful day. Holmes was able to snare two new players who can be difference makers. Detroit also saw several of its own free agents move on. Let’s see what moves the Lions made.

Lions’ Notable Signings

1. Cade Mays, Center

The Lions have their new center, inking former Carolina Panther Cade Mays to a three-year, $25 million deal, including $14 million guaranteed. Mays is a big, powerful addition at 6’6 and 325 pounds. His addition addresses the Lions’ biggest positional need, as Frank Ragnow’s retirement before last season left a gaping hole in the middle of Detroit’s offensive line.

Mays is still young. He will only be turning 27 in April. Already an impressive pass blocker, Mays’ traits can be effective in the Lions’ gap-scheme-oriented running game. In the run game, Mays has the upside to be above-average. Once he becomes better at operating in space, Mays will be a complete center. Lions’ offensive line coach Hank Fraley will go to bed happy tonight.

Detroit’s signing of Mays is a big step for the offensive line to get back to controlling games. Although I had hoped that Holmes would open up the checkbook for Tyler Linderbaum, who is set to join the Las Vegas Raiders, Mays is a smart, cost-effective alternative who brings stability to the center position. This move will also allow Tate Ratledge to remain at right guard and not be forced into a position change after a strong rookie campaign.

2. Larry Borom, Offensive Tackle

Holmes was also able to secure much-needed help at tackle when he reached a deal with Larry Borom. After spending his first four seasons with the Chicago Bears, the 2021 fifth-round pick spent the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins. Starting 11 games for Miami, Borom only allowed two sacks in his 404 pass blocking snaps, per PFF. The financial details of Borom’s deal with Detroit have not yet been disclosed, but his one-year deal with the Dolphins in 2025 was for $2.5 million.

Borom has mainly been a right tackle during his NFL career, but he also has experience playing both left tackle and guard. Boron should be able to compete for the Lions’ currently vacant left tackle spot. With Detroit expected to take a left tackle early in the 2026 NFL Draft, Borom provides the Lions with an excellent option to be their swing tackle. Another solid find for Holmes that doesn’t break the bank.

Lions’ Notable Departures

1. Alex Anzalone, Linebacker

Alex Anzalone’s departure marks the end of an era in Detroit. One of the original Lions of the Brad Holmes/Dan Campbell regime, Anzalone is leaving the Motor City to sign a two-year, $17 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Upon his arrival in 2021, the former New Orleans Saint became a fixture in Detroit’s defense. Originally the Lions’ MIKE Linebacker, Anzalone seamlessly transitioned to WILL LB to make way for 2023 first-round pick Jack Campbell to take over in the middle. Even at a new position, Anzalone maintained his production while providing important leadership to a rebuilding unit. Now a Buc, Anzalone’s absence leaves a mammoth hole at a vital position in Kelvin Sheppard’s defense. Expect the Lions to go shopping for a new WILL LB as free agency continues and/or use a premium draft pick in 2026 to fill the void.