Lions' addition of former Cardinals nose tackle Roy Lopez could lead to Detroit adjusting their depth chart.

The former sixth-round pick out of Arizona has been in the league since the 2021 season and he has been a starter the entire time. He started out with the Houston Texans and then signed with the Cardinals in 2023. He played two seasons there and started every game he played. 

Lopez specializes in run stuffing and he is instantly going to be a big part of the Lions' interior defensive line. At 27 years old, he gives the Lions a shot at a long-term future at the position with DJ Reader being 31 years old when the 2025 season starts and also being in the last year of his deal. 

There's also a chance that the Lions could decide to move on from Reader early as they would save themselves almost $8 million if they move on from him this offseason. This move seems a little early to make, but for a team that has a lot of players to extend soon, extra money is a good thing. 

Lopez does offer some pass rush ability, he had 18 pressures and a sack in 2024, but the reality is that you're really looking for Lopez to be a space eater much like Reader, but with the ability to be a little more athletic. At 6-foot-2 and 318 pounds, Lopez certainly has the size. 

This signing isn't likely to be one that gets Lions fans super excited, but it should because it helps shore up the interior and brings some strength to the line. Honselty, don't be surprised if this guy starts Week 1. Also, do yourself a favor and don't pay attention to the PFF grades on this one. They are historically really hard on all nose tackles and nobody understands why.