The 2024 season has just ended, and on March 12, the 2025 campaign will open its doors. Touchdown news therefore takes the opportunity to offer you an overview of different franchises during the offseason. Which players keep and cut? Which free agents extend? What recruits observe? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight, today, the Detroit Lions. You will find the sheets of each team on this page.
The 2024 exercise will leave a bitter taste on the side of Detroit. Despite one of the best regular seasons in the history of the franchise, the end arrived faster than expected. Yet largely favorite, the lions have returned arms in Divisional Round Faced with sparkling commanders. The disappointment is immense, obviously, especially as number 1 of the forecasts to win the Super Bowl.
But Detroit still has one of the best numbers in the league. And with a few shots well felt during the offseason, the Lions could start again in September 2025.
The tauliers of the Detroit Lions
- Penei Sewell (RT)
- Frank Rugnow (C)
- Aidan Hutchinson (de)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR)
There is no shortage of talent in the team. But if the Detroit Lions have a strong point, it is their offensive line. Or at least in the center and right. Penei Sewell and Frank Rugnow are two references from the League to their post. The two players are all-pro and largely contribute to the offensive compressor roller that has become Detroit. Jahmyrr Gibbs (RB) is one of the first beneficiaries. He could also soon appear in the list of tauliers if he confirms what he did in 2024.
Also in attack, Amon-Ra St-Brown is a safe bet in NFL. All-Pro too, he is not the most flashy Receivers but it is very precious for Jared Goff and the offensive system. Physically solid, work model, St-Brown has everything of a boss.
On the other hand, however, the team has several good (even very good) players but only one seems to have the fabric of the older ones. Aidan Hutchinson had gone on the basics of defender of the year before undergoing a serious injury to the left leg. Detroit will need to be completely recovered physically to hope to do better.
The undesirable
- DJ Reader (DT)
- Graham Glasgow (OG)
- Amik Robertson (CB)
It may seem a little difficult to talk about undesirable for these players, already because Hormis Graham Glasgow (and still not entirely), none has guaranteed salary. Nevertheless DJ Reader is preparing to count for $ 13 million in the Lions payroll. Far too much for a player far from the best in the league at his post. Detroit can and must find better.
Same thing for Graham Glasgow, who will count him for $ 7.5 million. If Detroit finds a replacement for the draft for example, he will be one of the unwanted teams.
Finally, Amik Robertson, who will receive $ 6.4 million, does not have the fabric of a holder in a team that goes far.
The man of summer
Jared Goff – Quarterback
Jared Goff crystallized criticism after a more than mixed performance against Washington. His three interceptions have largely sealed his team. And if he is not the only culprit, he is in any case the one who is obvious. Often criticized not to be a quarterback “which saves”, Goff will be keen to prove to all his detractors that he is definitely the man of the situation.
A major element is to be taken into account nevertheless. He will have to deal with a new offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson having moved on the side of Chicago. It is an additional pressure on his shoulders. He will thus have the opportunity to prove that it was not only the system that made him one of the best launchers in the league in 2024. Goff is good, very good, in the regular season. But if there is a moment in his career when he must show that he can also perform in playoffs, it is now. If everything will not be based on him, Detroit needs him to be at the level to go to the end.
The main free agents of the Detroit Lions
- Kevin Zeitler (OG)
- Carlton Davis III (CB)
- Tim Patrick (WR)
- Marcus Davenport (de)
The others: Khalil Dorsey (CB), Ifeatu Melifonwu (S), Derrick Barnes (LB), Levi Onwuzurike (DT), Dan Skipper (LT), Allen Robinson (WR), Teddy Bridgewater (QB)
The Detroit Lions have several holders who are preparing to test the Liber agents market. This is particularly the case of Kevin Zeitler, holder at the post of Guard Right. At 34, he is always a solid player that Detroit must try to keep, at least time, to find him a potential replacement. Then, Carlton Davis is not all risks insurance but it is also a good holder corner. For lack of better, Detroit could try to bring it back in 2025.
More anecdotal, Tim Patrick is also free. The recipient has rebuilt a little youth after Denver and had some good times. If he does not ask too much money, the Lions could keep it in rotation. Finally, Marcus Davenport seems at the end of the race in Michigan. Lions must seek better, whether in draft, from free agents or via exchange.
Behind, they are rather rotation players that Dan Campbell might want to keep, especially Dorsey and Melifonwu in a sector needed for lions.
The top 5 needs of the Detroit Lions
- Defensive End
- Corner
- Defensive Tackle
- Linebacker
- Offensive line
Lions have a very complete workforce. However, some positions still lack depth, consistency and sometimes talent. This is particularly the case of the DEFENSIVE END position in contrast to Aidan Hutchinson. It is imperative for Detroit to bring a second major threat to make this line more unpredictable and dangerous. By staying on the first curtain, the lions must also fill the interior. Alim McNeill is doing a good job but DJ Reader disappoints, so it is necessary to strengthen the position as a whole.
Always in defense, the last curtain and the corner station remain a weak point despite investments. The lions are fifth in yards collected at the pass despite a good number of interceptions, compensated by the position of Safety rather well supplied. Carlton Davis is free and Terrion Arnold may find himself a little alone.
Same bell for the second curtain. Despite a first round of Draft invested on Jack Campbell, the post remains weak. Alex Anzalone does not deserve but he is not a major player either. And the rotation behind remains very low too
Finally, the offensive line, although being a strong point, risks losing a little breath between the free agency, age and injuries. The lions must bring new blood to give a boost to the squad and keep it at the top.
The target
Josh Sweat – De – Eagles
By staying on pure and simple free agents, Josh Sweat (de) seems to be a very good option. Lions must at all costs find something to balance the balance opposite Aidan Hutchinson. And preferably with an experienced player. Which is better than sweatshirt that is just out of a super bowl victory with the Eagles. He also distinguished himself in the big match with 2 and a half sacks. At 27, he therefore entered theory in the best phase of his career and ticks all the boxes for Lions.
Another scenario to explore is to be strengthened via an exchange. And with this in mind, Detroit must (almost) do everything to get their hands on Myles Garrett. Recovering the best player in the league at his post would instantly switch the lions and their defense in a higher dimension. And as the felines are in order to win in the very short term, they must try everything to take advantage of their window before it closes.
Another possibility: Myles Garrett (DE, Browns)
New blood
Tyler Booker – OG – Alabama
Lions have a very good offensive line. But you should never wait to bring back talent and renewal in the squad, especially with some small possible improvements. And at the end of the first round, Tyler Booker seems to be the man of the situation. Very versatile, he can hold from the first day.
If they make no exchange, the number one choice seems to be the offensive line if Booker is still available. Otherwise, Detroit could turn to the defensive line, who does not lack talented candidates this year.
Other possibilities: James Pearce Jr (DL), Shemar Stewart (DL), Tyleik Williams (DT)
