There’s nothing like football season. Significant games occurring nearly every day of the week, and it’s that season when you can see your favorite team(s) pursuing a championship.
With Super Bowl LIX behind us, the off-season has officially begun for all NFL teams. This indicates that several of your favorite players will join different teams, while NFL Draft hopefuls will strive to demonstrate why they deserve to be selected.
Before we explore the NFL Draft in detail, I’d like to compile a list of players I’d be excited to see join the Detroit Lions. These athletes are anticipated to enter the free agent pool and might possibly end up in Detroit. The likelihood of any of these players signing with Detroit is quite low. Nonetheless, let’s talk about each player, in case a few of them choose to join the Lions next season.
DL Charles Omenihu
Ever since Omenihu entered the 2019 NFL Draft, I have consistently referred to him as one of “my guys.” Fascinated by his power-to-speed ratio, versatility, and stature, Omenihu can make an immediate impact in Detroit. Furthermore, he would give the Lions an enhancement on their defensive line compared to players like Levi Onwuzurike, John Cominsky, and Marcus Davenport. All three of these players are poised to enter the open market.
Matching the 265+ pound requirement that the Lions seek in a defensive end, Omenihu might seamlessly step into an important position in Detroit. He measures 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 280 pounds, featuring 36-inch arms. In the previous season, he participated in just 6 games while recovering from a torn ACL sustained in 2023. Nonetheless, he still participated in 225 defensive snaps (57%) in 2024 and has been on the field for 54% or more of all defensive snaps in each of his past three seasons.
During his six-year career, Omenihu has participated in 78 games and made 12 career starts.
Expected Market Value from Spotrac: 4 years, $47.3 million ($11.8 million annually)
DE Josh Sweat
Including defensive end Josh Sweat on this list is likely the most unrealistic choice for the Lions. A significant part of this is attributed to his price skyrocketing following the Super Bowl. During the playoffs this season, Sweat recorded 10 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
Throughout his 7 years in Philadelphia, Sweat has recorded 54 tackles for loss and 43 sacks. In the past three seasons, he has produced 31 tackles for loss and 25.5 sacks.
Truly beginning to establish himself, Sweat exhibits excellent burst and can convert speed into power. Should he sign with Detroit, he would complement Aidan Hutchinson, Za’Darius Smith, and Josh Paschal well. It would be prudent for the Lions to add another asset to their defensive line, making it a key focus this off-season.
Estimated Market Value from Spotrac: 3 years, $56.5 million ($18.8 million annually)
CB Asante Samuel Junior
Returning to one of “my guys,” we examine Asante Samuel Jr. Before this season, Samuel was beginning to establish himself for the Chargers. He recorded six interceptions and 35 pass deflections, but this season ended prematurely because of an injury.
After experiencing a shoulder injury following four games, Samuel was put on injured reserve, effectively concluding his season. Luckily, he is expected to be ready for the beginning of the 2025 season. I want to see cornerback Carlton Davis return to Detroit, but if his cost is excessive, Samuel Jr. might be a more affordable option.
In 2023, according to PFF, he achieved a coverage grade of 75.6. In 2024, he managed to achieve a 58.6 coverage grade, but once more, his season was interrupted because of an injury. Demonstrating impressive fluidity, he has proven capable of rotating his hips and keeping pace with receivers. Moreover, he has demonstrated the necessary ball skills to consistently disrupt passes at the catch point.
Might a change of environment benefit Samuel? One can only wish, particularly if it’s a city like Detroit for him. Following the injury, it’s possible that he might be less expensive for the Lions. In the meantime, we’ve observed the Lions offering players returning from injuries these “prove-it” contracts lasting one or two years. It’s possible that this could occur here as well.
Estimated Market Value from Spotrac: 4 years, $45.85 million dollars ($11.5 million annually)
DL Morgan Fox
As we have previously mentioned, the Lions might be missing Levi Onwuzurike, John Cominsky, and Marcus Davenport in the upcoming season. All three athletes are poised to enter the free agency, and I can envision the Lions parting ways with them because of their price and injury issues.
Should that occur, the Lions would have to seek better depth alternatives for their defensive line. Improvements must be made, whether through the NFL Draft or free agency. Acquiring an experienced player like Morgan Fox would be quite logical.
In three of his past four seasons, he has participated in 50% or more of the defensive snaps for both the Panthers and Chargers. During his career, Fox has participated in 120 games, starting in 34 of them. He has accumulated 183 total tackles, including 33 tackles for loss and 27.5 sacks.
Over his 8-year career, he has played for the Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Chargers. He was with the Rams between 2016 and 2020, giving him some familiarity with Lions GM Brad Holmes. There is a possibility that the Lions might gamble with Fox on a one- or two-year contract.
Estimated Market Value from Spotrac: 1 year, $4.8 million dollars ($4.8 million annually)
S Andre Cisco
I would be a bit astonished if the Lions re-signed defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu during this off-season. He has faced too many injuries throughout his career, and the moments of productivity are insufficient to warrant an expensive extension. Throughout his four-year career, Melifonwu has participated in just 37 games, making 14 career starts.
In that situation, the Lions might shift their focus to a player like safety Andre Cisco. Clearly, the two starting safeties are Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. However, it’s evident that the Lions have sought three safeties in their defense because of Branch’s versatility.
The costly yet effective choice for the Lions might be safety Andre Cisco. Since being chosen 65th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Cisco has participated in 63 games and has 47 career starts for the Jaguars. He has logged 8 interceptions along with 24 pass deflections throughout his career. Furthermore, Cisco has recorded 229 tackles along with three tackles for loss during his four years with Jacksonville.
As per Pro Football Focus (PFF), Cisco is expected to sign a three-year deal valued at $27 million. This consists of $16 million that is guaranteed. Given that the Lions are projected to have around $45 million in cap space, this kind of agreement fits perfectly with their historical approach to significant free agent acquisitions.
Estimated Market Value according to Spotrac: 1 year, $10.775 million ($10.775 million each season)
TE Kylen Granson
Simply taking a shot at the board by including tight end Kylen Granson on the list. It seems clear that the Lions are very pleased with the performance they’re getting from tight end Sam LaPorta. Nonetheless, the shallow depth behind LaPorta can sometimes lead to issues. Particularly if tight end Shane Zylstra became available on the open market.
The Lions might seek depth at tight end through the draft, but if they want an affordable choice on a one- or two-year contract, Granson could be a logical option. At 6’1″ and 240 pounds, he’s smaller than average, yet he offers versatility in alignment and has demonstrated solid production at various times in his career.
Before 2024, he assembled back-to-back seasons featuring over 30 receptions and more than 300 receiving yards. In the past three seasons, Granson has participated in more than 40% of the Colts’ offensive snaps. Furthermore, he has also contributed to special teams with more than 620 career snaps. He will turn 27 years old in March, but he might be an affordable pass-catching choice for the Lions, offering special teams skills if required.
Expected Market Value from Spotrac: 1 year, $2.3 million