The Detroit Lions have strengthened their defense with the signing of Roy Lopez to a one-year, $4.65 million deal. The four-year veteran agreed to the contract on Tuesday, according to Tom Pelissero on X, formerly Twitter.
Lopez, a former Cardinals nose tackle, tallied 70 tackles (six for loss), four QB hits, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble over the past two seasons as a key player on Arizona’s defense.
The Lions add Lopez to assist Aidan Hutchinson on the defensive line, following the release of Za’Darius Smith and the expected absence of defensive tackle Alim McNeill due to a torn ACL. Lopez provides solid depth and pass rush support.
“Holmes mentioned at the NFL combine that the Lions would ‘probably’ not be able to add a top-tier pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson and McNeill once he returns from his ACL injury,” Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press wrote. “Two of those top players have already signed extensions, with Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett securing new deals with their teams.”
The Lions have also made other strong free-agent moves. The team signed former New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed to a three-year, $48 million contract on Monday and re-signed Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes, though they are likely to continue adding depth via the draft next month, even if with late-round picks.
There is still room for another signing as the new league year begins at 4 PM on Wednesday, and the Lions could target one of the top remaining free agents.