Five Remaining Free Agents The Detroit Lions Should Sign

The first week of free agency has not disappointed. Players all across the NFL have found new homes and earned plenty of money. Some have stayed with their current teams. One huge blockbuster trade fell through before becoming official, sending shockwaves across the league. The Lions have had several of their own players leave town for other opportunities. GM Brad Holmes has brought in a few new faces, as well as retaining a couple of Detroit’s own free agents. While the first wave of free agency has seen big names flying off the board, there is a lot of talent still available. The Lions still have holes scattered throughout the roster. Holmes has a lot of work left to do in making Detroit a legitimate Super Bowl contender. After picking five free agents I wanted the Lions to sign before free agency started, here are the five remaining free agents the Detroit Lions should sign.

1. Jadaveon Clowney, EDGE, Dallas Cowboys

Jadaveon Clowney has become a hired gun at edge rusher over the past few years. It just so happens that the Detroit Lions are short on guns at edge rusher. Clowney can fix that problem as soon as he signs on the dotted line. The former number one overall pick has played for four different teams over the past four seasons. The Lions should become number five.

Clowney is everything Detroit wants in an edge rusher. He is big, strong, and a plus defender against the run. After a season in Dallas, which saw Clowney amass 8.5 sacks, it is clear he still has plenty in the tank. Brad Holmes should be doing everything he can to bring Clowney to Detroit. Aidan Hutchinson needs a new running mate, as Al-Quadin Muhammad left the Lions for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

While other suitable options, such as Joey Bosa and Cam Jordan, are available, Clowney should be Detroit’s top target. Clowney will be available on a one-year deal, giving the Lions freedom to draft a top-end edge next month for the future. There is no remaining free agent at EDGE who would make a greater impact for the Lions.

2. Cam Robinson, OT, Cleveland Browns

With Taylor Decker longtime Lions’ LT, having been released, it is surprising that Detroit has not done more to find his replacement. Brad Holmes has only brought in Larry Borom from Miami, but he would be better suited as Detroit’s swing tackle. As of now, the Lions don’t have a starting-caliber player to man Jared Goff’s blindside. That is not an enviable position to be in come draft time. Needing a position so badly forces teams to reach, instead of being able to take the best player available.

Cam Robinson can start for the Lions at LT, if needed. He would at least be solid competition if the Lions do select a tackle high in next month’s draft, as expected. Robinson, while unspectacular, could stabilize the position temporarily. After a down 2025 season with the Cleveland Browns, Robinson could sign a one-year “prove it” deal as he tries to reinvigorate his career. His addition to the Lions would in no way prevent Brad Holmes from drafting a tackle early in the 2026 draft.

3. Ifeatu Melifonwu, S, Miami Dolphins

With serious injuries to both Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, the Lions’ safety group is in dire straits. Why not turn to a familiar face for reinforcements? Melifonwu spent his first four seasons in Detroit after the Lions selected him in the third round in 2021.

Melifonwu struggled with injuries during his time in Detroit. When healthy, however, he made a strong impact on the field. The versatile safety was able to stay healthy in 2025 and could help a Lions’ secondary that is facing uncertainty. He is already familiar with Detroit’s defense. Melifonwu could step right back in and fill a large role in Detroit for 2026. Holmes should be going after a safety, and Melifonwu’s ability to cover, help against the run, and also be an effective blitzer, make him a very attractive option.