As the Detroit Lions enter the second week of the 2025 free agency period, they currently have 66 players under contract, leaving 24 open spots on their 90-man roster. To predict how the Lions might fill these remaining positions, we analyzed their last four years of roster-building strategies.
The Lions possess seven draft picks and have historically signed 12-17 undrafted free agents, meaning they could still add a few more free agents or simply shift their focus to the draft.
To refine our projections, we examined past OTAs, minicamps, and training camps, comparing past position group totals with the current roster. This provides insight into which areas are set and which might need reinforcements.
Here’s how the rest of the Lions’ offseason could unfold.
With four quarterbacks already signed, the Lions have sufficient depth for camp without overburdening Jared Goff. Since both Goff and Hendon Hooker are under contract beyond 2025, the Lions likely won’t feel pressured to add another unless they find an upgrade.
Since the Lions are bringing back their four running backs from last season, they will probably still add two more for camp, which is their usual approach to distribute workloads while scouting young talent.
This year’s draft class is particularly deep at running back, with around 30-32 prospects graded as draftable. Free agency additions seem unlikely, but the Lions could target a late-round selection to secure a specific player.
Logical move: Add one or two undrafted rookie running backs.
The Lions return their top four wide receivers from last year, but they will likely add more depth for camp, as they usually carry around 12 receivers into the preseason. That suggests they could sign up to five more wideouts for competition.
Although five may seem excessive, there is no clear WR5 or WR6 on the current roster. Antoine Green struggled last year, Tom Kennedy has been productive but lacks special teams value, and Ronnie Bell has minimal experience. Additionally, Tim Patrick is 32 years old, has an injury history, and is in his contract’s final year.
Logical move: Draft a WR-X as insurance for Patrick and add undrafted depth.
The Lions typically bring six to eight tight ends into camp, but they currently only have three. Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright are set as TE1 and TE2, leaving an open competition for TE3.
Recently signed Kenny Yeboah will compete, but Shane Zylstra, last year’s TE3, remains an unrestricted free agent and could return. Even if he does, they still need at least two more tight ends for camp. The Lions have evaluated several blocking tight ends in this draft class, including Thomas Fidone (Nebraska), Jackson Hawes (Georgia Tech), CJ Dippre (Alabama), and Robbie Ouzts (Alabama).
Logical move: Re-sign Zylstra, draft a blocking TE on Day 3, and add an undrafted prospect.
The Lions have six offensive tackles, which is sufficient for a team rotating three offensive lines in camp. They could enter camp with this group, but none of the current depth players are proven spot starters.
Logical move: Keep options open for an upgrade, but also consider undrafted depth.
At guard, the Lions should feel comfortable with Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany as starters but could benefit from additional competition.
If they are selective in free agency, adding a veteran guard should be a priority. Potential targets include Brandon Scherff, Will Hernandez, and Teven Jenkins. The Lions may also look to the draft, as at least five plug-and-play guards are available.
Logical move: Invest in a veteran and draft competition, ensuring the offensive line remains a strength.
The Lions have eight interior defensive linemen, which is enough for camp, but Alim McNeill and Mekhi Wingo are dealing with injuries. Adding another player could provide depth and a long-term solution.
Logical move: Draft a pass-rushing interior lineman for immediate and future needs.
Detroit usually brings six to nine edge rushers to camp, so they will likely add at least one more to challenge for a role while developing young talent.
The Lions cut Za’Darius Smith for cap reasons but retained Marcus Davenport, who was a starter before injury. He, Josh Paschal, and Aidan Hutchinson lead the group, but both Hutchinson and Davenport are coming off season-ending injuries.
With limited long-term depth, the Lions could add a veteran pass rusher and draft an early-round edge defender.
Logical move: Draft an edge rusher early, sign a veteran, and possibly double-dip in the draft.
The current linebacker group is at 10 players, which is typical for the Lions’ camp roster. However, only Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes are under contract beyond this season, so adding a linebacker for the future is possible.
Logical move: Draft a linebacker only if the right opportunity arises.
Over the past four years, the Lions have carried nine to twelve cornerbacks into camp. With only five on the roster, they will likely add at least four more in the coming months.
D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, and Amik Robertson lead the group, while Ennis Rakestraw is expected to compete. Detroit may still add a veteran for depth, but they will also look for developmental talent in the draft.
Logical move: Sign a veteran, draft a corner, and add undrafted talent.
The Lions generally bring seven to nine safeties to camp, meaning they need at least two more.
Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are the established starters, while Morice Norris and Loren Stickland gained experience last year. The Lions might look for a replacement for Ifeatu Melifonwu, as having a versatile third safety is valuable.
With Joseph as the veteran presence, the Lions could add another experienced safety but might also look to the draft.
Logical move: Explore free agency, monitor draft prospects, and consider undrafted safeties.
The Lions’ special teams unit appears set, but will they bring in extra competition?
Punter: Jack Fox has never faced competition, and that likely won’t change.
Kicker: The Lions typically bring in two to three kickers, though Jake Bates won the job last season without competition.
Long Snapper: Detroit has carried two long snappers in camp most years, but Hogan Hatten had a solid rookie season, so they may not add another.
Logical move: Stand pat, allowing their young kicker and long snapper to gain valuable reps.
This projection reflects how the Lions’ depth chart may shape up based on historical trends and the analysis above.