• Sun. Feb 9th, 2025

Evaluating the 21 unrestricted free agents for the Detroit Lions

ByGbemiro Timmy

Jan 27, 2025

ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions have 21 unrestricted free agents this offseason as they attempt to refocus and meet their lofty expectations.

 

There are several important defensive players featured prominently in our rankings, including a few who were selected in this regime’s initial draft class in Detroit. Below is MLive’s list ranking the Lions’ unrestricted free agents.

 

1, CB Carlton Davis III

 

Carlton Davis III played a crucial, consistent role whenever he was fit this season. Davis probably earned some money in the open market. Although he ranks first among our unrestricted free agents, it appears that the Lions may be beyond his reach after proving himself as a clear, starting-caliber corner.

 

Pro Football Focus placed him 21st among all cornerbacks last season, and they estimate his upcoming contract at $42 million over three years, which positions him fourth among cornerbacks set to become free agents.

 

2. LB Derrick Barnes

 

Derrick Barnes is one of those locally developed talents who began showcasing more in 2023, then aimed to elevate his performance before a season-ending knee injury occurred. Barnes certainly attracted some attention in the market. However, the Lions enjoy retaining their players, and Barnes has been present since the start.

 

Kelvin Sheppard, who has been the team’s linebackers coach for the past four years and is now the defensive coordinator, has closely collaborated with Barnes and his growth. Regarding providing the new defensive coordinator with some support? Barnes would make a lovely gift beneath that tree. Before his injury, Barnes was involved in multiple positions, playing linebacker, SAM, slot cornerback, and various roles within the box.

Barnes’ adaptability and capacity to play every snap from multiple positions have him nearing the top position on this list.

 

3. DL Levi Onwuzurike

 

Talking about locally produced items. The Lions demonstrated remarkable patience with their previous second-round selection here. Levi Onwuzurike returned to the field in 2023 and played a significant role while enhancing his performance this season. It’s been a challenging journey, as back injuries and surgeries have rendered him either unproductive or sidelined for his initial three seasons. However, Onwuzurike stabilized the defensive line and became a crucial player at the significant defensive end as injuries began to pile up.

 

Onwuzurike’s 12.5% pass-rush win rate placed him in the top 15 for interior defensive linemen, and he is likely to attract interest from teams across the league. He’s returned to his solid playing weight and appears to be the dominant pressure generator that made him a key focus in Brad Holmes’ initial draft. PFF anticipates his upcoming contract will be worth $16.5 million over two years, leading to increased attention on his rise from individuals beyond those in Allen Park.

4. RG Kevin Zeitler

 

One can easily envision Kevin Zeitler securing a comparable one-year agreement worth over $6 million to keep playing. The Lions have stated that their offensive line is still a key focus and “the entire matter,” so reintroducing Zeitler alongside Christian Mahogany and Graham Glasgow would be a wise move.

 

PFF acknowledged this last season as the second-best in Zeitler’s 13-year career. He ranked as the second-best run blocker among all starting guards. Zeitler embodied a fit in every possible way.

 

5. DB Ifeatu Melifonwu

 

When Ifeatu Melifonwu is present and playing, he enhances versatility with a tough mindset and a knack for critical situations. The challenge over the past four years has been getting him onto the field, however. The player is an obvious match for this system. Nevertheless, there are certain risks linked to missing 31 games over four seasons.

 

During the last season, he appeared in just four games, which included the playoff defeat. Melifonwu has demonstrated his skills at cornerback, in the slot, and at safety, with his capability to generate pressure on the blitz rivaled only by Brian Branch at that level in Detroit. Melifonwu expressed to MLive that he would consider a return if the circumstances are right.

 

6. WR Tim Patrick

 

Tim Patrick filled the team’s WR3 position for 16 games during his first healthy season since 2021. The WR3 position isn’t the most prominent in Detroit, as the Lions focus their offense around Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, and David Montgomery.

 

However, Patrick received commendation for his skill in adjusting to the circumstances and gaining Jared Goff’s trust. He made 33 receptions for 394 yards and three touchdowns after being sidelined in 2022 by an ACL injury and in 2023 by an Achilles injury. The Lions should consider bringing Patrick back to enhance the WR3 competition.

 

7. EDGE Marcus Davenport

 

The signing of Marcus Davenport has always been a gamble. He inked a performance-based one-year, $6.5 million contract, but played just two games and 89 defensive snaps before a season-ending triceps injury occurred. Davenport has participated in just six games over two seasons and has been absent from several games in all seven seasons in the league.

 

The skill is present. However, following this year of injuries and a lack of depth, it may be wiser to explore other options.

 

8. DL John Cominsky

 

John Cominksy’s injury during training camp, which ended his season, appeared to trigger the avalanche in this area this year. He’s one of those individuals who has fully embraced the process in Detroit since arriving, making the most of its wealth of opportunities to secure an extension. His performance declined in 2023, and he seemed to be competing for playing time prior to his training camp injury. He may need to compete for a position once more.

 

9. OL Dan Skipper

 

Three of those appearances were at left tackle filling in for Taylor Decker, while the other two were as the team’s frequently utilized extra offensive lineman. In the past three years, Skipper has played in 44 games with 11 starting appearances in Detroit. He’s a cherished cult figure among the team’s followers, with Ford Field erupting whenever “No. 70 is reporting as eligible” is called out during matches.

10. EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad

 

No one capitalized on the team’s injury predicament more than Al-Quadin Muhammad. The edge rusher was crucial for a competitive team and appeared to improve week by week. Muhammad, 29, recorded three sacks and five quarterback hits over nine games with the Lions.

The Lions must ensure they collect as much pass-rushing depth as possible during this offseason. Muhammad’s 24 pressures in nine games and progression within the system should encourage them to re-sign him to compete for a position in training camp.

 

11. CB/KR Khalil Dorsey

 

Khalil Dorsey sustained a fractured tibia and fibula during the team’s defeat against the Buffalo Bills late in the game. He has been with the Lions for three years, adding depth to cornerback and the return aspect. Dorsey additionally played as the gunner on special teams and was a cherished part of Dave Fipp’s unit in Detroit. His injury schedule makes things more difficult. However, the Lions have acknowledged him as one of their top special team players.

 

12. CB Kindle Vildor

 

Kindle Vildor receives a lot of criticism. Indeed, it’s difficult to erase the memory

13. DL Pat O’Connor

 

Adore something the way Pat O’Connor adores energizing the Ford Field audience. That ought to be the aim for all. The previous Eastern Michigan star was significantly contributing to the defensive line until a calf injury interrupted his season toward the end. O’Connor took many snaps, alternating between the interior and exterior for the injured Lions.

 

14. LB Ezekiel Turner

 

Kelvin Sheppard was unaware of Ezekiel Turner’s last name when the linebacker began his practice sessions with the Lions. That illustrates how lacking the team’s defensive depth was in the previous season. Turner showed potential in specific blitzing situations, but appeared more appropriate for a special teams position.

 

15. LB Ben Niemann

 

Ben Niemann also participated in numerous snaps this season, even serving as the team’s LB2 alongside Jack Campbell for a few games towards the end of the year. Niemann is one of the most reliable players on special teams and appeared to excel in Sheppard’s linebacker unit. With Sheppard stepping in as defensive coordinator, it wouldn’t be unexpected to see Niemann attempt to reprise his role with these Lions.

 

I’m sorry, but it seems there is no text provided for me to paraphrase. Please provide the text you would like me to rephrase. Defensive Lineman Kyle Peko

 

Kyle Peko was sidelined after five games due to a torn pectoral muscle. Peko was taking on some of those nose tackle and interior defensive line reps that later went to O’Connor. The veteran performed well in training camp, securing that depth position from the start.

 

Sure! However, I need the text you’d like me to paraphrase. Please provide the content, and I’ll be happy to help! Wide Receiver Allen Robinson

 

Patrick and Allen Robinson addressed the team’s requirement for receiving depth by introducing a more vertical aspect. However, there aren’t many chances for that position in Detroit. Robinson made three receptions for 30 yards, each gaining a first down, so take that as you will. The Detroit native was not required, and it’s uncertain whether that rarely-utilized depth position will be available for him next year.

 

I apologize, but it seems that the text you wanted to be paraphrased is missing. Could you please provide the specific text you’d like me to work with? Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley

 

Emmanuel Moseley has faced one difficult setback after another. He ruptured his ACL in consecutive seasons, followed by a torn pectoral while attempting a comeback this past year. Subsequently, when it seemed he was about to receive an opportunity for a defensive position, the cornerback experienced a pre-game issue and was announced as a late inactive.

 

Moseley was placed on the non-football injury list due to an illness as the postseason approached. It appears that it’s over for the cornerback in Detroit. The Lions have provided him several opportunities with little in return. His talent has consistently been obvious whenever he’s on the field. However, it has arrived at a critical moment here.

16. Defensive Lineman Kyle Peko

Kyle Peko was sidelined after five games due to a torn pectoral muscle. Peko was taking on some of those nose tackle and interior defensive line reps that later went to O’Connor. The veteran performed well in training camp, securing that depth position from the start.

17. Wide Receiver Allen Robinson

Patrick and Allen Robinson addressed the team’s requirement for receiving depth by introducing a more vertical aspect. However, there aren’t many chances for that position in Detroit. Robinson made three receptions for 30 yards, each gaining a first down, so take that as you will. The Detroit native was not required, and it’s uncertain whether that rarely-utilized depth position will be available for him next year.

18. Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley

Emmanuel Moseley has faced one difficult setback after another. He ruptured his ACL in consecutive seasons, followed by a torn pectoral while attempting a comeback this past year. Subsequently, when it seemed he was about to receive an opportunity for a defensive position, the cornerback experienced a pre-game issue and was announced as a late inactive.

Moseley was placed on the non-football injury list due to an illness as the postseason approached. It appears that it’s over for the cornerback in Detroit. The Lions have provided him several opportunities with little in return. His talent has consistently been obvious whenever he’s on the field. However, it has arrived at a critical moment here.

19. DL Jonah Williams

 

Jonah Williams was among the practice squad players who were signed to provide depth for the injured Lions. He joined from the Los Angeles Rams and participated in two games, making one start. Williams recorded just one quarterback hit in 36 defensive snaps.

 

20 QB Teddy Bridgewater

 

This list is not a slight against Teddy Bridgewater. It’s simply that he was coaching high school football just over a month ago. Bridgewater guided his former school to a state championship, came out of retirement to return to the Lions, and then played a few snaps in the playoffs while Jared Goff was evaluated after suffering a head injury.

 

Such a legend. Hendon Hooker is the second-string quarterback going into next season. However, it wouldn’t be unexpected for Bridgewater to test how long he can maintain this coaching to backup for the playoffs strategy.

21. k Michael Badgley

 

Michael Badgley was prepared to go against Jake Bates before suffering a hamstring tear in an unusual accident. Perhaps Badgley will return to compete for a position on the practice squad. However, the Lions have discovered their future kicker in Bates.

The team’s restricted free agents include running back Craig Reynolds, tight end Shane Zylstra, linebacker Anthony Pittman, defensive lineman Myles Adams, and offensive guard Kayode Awosika.

 

They possess four exclusive-rights free agents as well, so anticipate their return, including linebacker Trevor Nowaske, offensive lineman Michael Niese, edge defender Mitchell Agude, and offensive lineman Connor Galvin. Running back Jermar Jefferson, linebacker Kwon Alexander, and receivers Maurice Alexander and Donovan Peoples-Jones are available to sign with any team since they were on the practice squad but did not get a reserve/futures contract (see James Mitchell).

 

 

 

 

 

 

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