A busy period is anticipated for the Detroit Lions as they approach the 2025 NFL free agency. Each decision they make, both in terms of incoming and outgoing signings, will be attentively recorded here. The process of player movements officially commenced with the start of the legal negotiation window at noon on Monday. Practical effectuation of new contracts and trades, however, will not be possible until 4 p.m. on Wednesday when the new league year officially kicks off.
In a significant development, right guard (RG) Kevin Zeitler is reportedly set to join the Tennessee Titans. As per NFL Network, Zeitler, an experienced and important cog of the Lions’ offensive line, has inked a one-year agreement with the Titans for a sum of $9 million. Although the void left by Zeitler’s departure is considerable, it is hoped that Christian Mahogany, a promising sophomore, should be an able replacement. Nevertheless, the Lions are expected to sign another experienced player in free agency.
There has been a productive development for the Lions as defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike has agreed to extend his stay with the team. On the first day of the free agency, Onwuzurike inked a one-year $5.5 million contract to continue his journey with the Lions. Originally drafted in 2021, he moved into a starting role in 2024, possessing a unique versatility that allowed him to switch between the inside and outside. His fitness is noteworthy as he was among the few players in his position who remained fit throughout last season.
To bolster the team’s depth, the Lions have also added defensive tackle Roy Lopez to their roster. An under-the-radar signing, Lopez was a former starting nose tackle for the Cardinals. His experience spans over 16 starts from the previous season where he also registered 28 tackles. In the late-night addition, Lopez agreed to a one-year, $4.65 million contract, as confirmed by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Continued rearrangement sees the reciprocated comeback of defensive tackle Myles Adams. Adams, who was procured from the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad late last year, has sealed a one-year deal with the Lions. Despite appearing in only four matches for the Lions, Adams managed one sack, adding much-needed strength to the Lions’ heavily affected defensive line.
However, the Lions had to contend with depth losses in their secondary. Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, plagued by injuries throughout his time in Detroit, agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins worth $4 million. Melifonwu showcased impressive potential in periods when he was active, but his inability to stay fit for a substantial period affected his contribution. His tenure in Detroit was marked by injuries, leading to significant game absences.
Offensive tackle Dan Skipper’s stay at Detroit will continue as the Lions agreed to a single-year extension with him as part of the free-agent negotiation period actions. Over the past two seasons, Skipper assumed the role of the Lions’ swing tackle. His tenure has been quite eventful, becoming a fan favorite especially after a 2023 incident where the officials mistook him for an eligible player, causing a 2-point conversion that could have won a Dallas Cowboys’ game.
In another new development, it appears the Lions are set to sign an agreement with cornerback D.J. Reed, who last featured for the New York Jets. According to reports, the contract, spanning over three years, is set to be worth $48 million. This signing seems a more economical choice when compared to Carlton Davis III, who just prior to Reed, reached an agreement with the Patriots.
Not all news revolving around the cornerback position for the Lions is as welcome though. Carlton Davis, whom many considered the Lions’ prime cornerback, agreed to a robust three-year deal worth $60 million with the New England Patriots, set to guarantee him $34.5 million.
The Lions have also decided to cut loose defensive end Za’Darius Smith. Acquired during November’s trade deadline, Smith’s release will provide the Lions with a decent $5.75 million in cap savings, as calculated by Spotrac. Smith, 32, had a year remaining on his two-year, $23 million deal, originally signed with the Browns. As part of the trade, the Lions sent both a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round to the Browns while receiving Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick in return.
There is more good news in the defensive end department for Lions’ fans as Marcus Davenport has decided to return to the pride. Davenport, signing at least a few million less than his contract from a year ago, is coming back on a one-year contract. A triceps injury unfortunately limited him to only two matches with the Lions in 2024.
Linebacker Ezekiel Turner will also be wearing the Lions jersey again after agreeing to a one-year deal. Turner was initially signed by the Lions in November last year, and his importance was felt immediately in their injury-ridden defensive set-up, aside from making his presence felt on special teams.
In further defense-related updates, Derrick Barnes, a starting outside linebacker, will be returning on a three-year, $25.5 million contract with $16 million guaranteed. In 2024, Barnes, unfortunately, suffered a significant injury, tearing both his MCL and PCL in his right knee during the third week, resulting in him not being able to take the field for the rest of the season.