The Detroit Lions are facing a critical offseason with several key players heading into free agency, as well as many depth pieces. Which unrestricted free agents should the Lions consider re-signing for 2025?
To continue their success from a strong regular season and bounce back from a disappointing postseason, the Lions will need to reload this offseason. Under general manager Brad Holmes, the team has focused on building through the draft and acquiring low-cost free agents. Along with starters hitting free agency in 2025, some players from Holmes’ first draft class in 2021 are also up for discussion, which will raise questions about their value to both the Lions and other teams around the league.
As the offseason begins, the Lions had 22 unrestricted free agents. After offensive lineman Netane Muti signed a new deal last week, that number dropped to 21. Among the remaining players, which ones are likely to return to Detroit, and which might move on to other teams?
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Which unrestricted free agents should the Detroit Lions re-sign?
Here’s my breakdown into three categories: likely to return, unlikely to return, and toss-up.
Likely to return:
- WR Tim Patrick: After letting Josh Reynolds go in 2024 and failing to replace him, the Lions should prioritize keeping their WR3. Adding a receiver in the draft is a good move, but having Patrick back wouldn’t hurt.
- OT Dan Skipper: Skipper is a cost-effective veteran with valuable familiarity. Even if the Lions upgrade their tackle depth, re-signing Skipper is a low-risk option. Players like Giovanni Manu or Colby Sorsdal may eventually take his place, but a training camp competition could be beneficial.
- DE Al-Quadin Muhammad: A successful midseason signing for depth on the defensive line, Muhammad is unlikely to command a big contract in free agency, making him a solid option for the Lions.
- DL Pat O’Connor: Like Muhammad, O’Connor proved to be a dependable depth piece during the season and is a low-risk re-sign.
- LB Derrick Barnes: After starting before a knee injury, Barnes is valued by the coaches. His injury history may reduce his market outside Detroit, making him likely to return.
- CB Khalil Dorsey: Dorsey, who shined in limited defensive action and excels on special teams, should be brought back as there’s little reason not to.
Toss-up:
- QB Teddy Bridgewater: His future hinges on whether he decides to retire or continue playing. If he chooses to play, Detroit is a likely destination for him.
- OG Kevin Zeitler: The decision here comes down to age and cost. Ideally, Zeitler stays with the Lions, but they may hesitate to overpay for a guard nearing the end of his career.
- DL Levi Onwuzurike: After a breakthrough season following several injury-riddled years, Onwuzurike’s market may be influenced by his 2024 performance versus his injury history. The Lions are familiar with him, but he could price himself out of Detroit.
- DL Jonah Williams: Williams is a depth player, and re-signing him at a low cost could make sense for the Lions.
- DL John Cominsky: Detroit may choose to bring back one of Cominsky, O’Connor, or Williams. Cominsky has struggled since 2022 and hasn’t played since 2023, so he may be less likely to return, though the coaching staff knows him well.
- DT Kyle Peko: Peko, who was brought in as nose tackle depth, had a significant role early in the season. His re-signing is cost-effective, but Detroit may opt for younger alternatives.
- LB Ben Niemann: While Niemann is not a starter, his value on special teams makes him a potential return candidate.
- LB Ezekiel Turner: Like Niemann, Turner is not a starter but has contributed on special teams, which could warrant a return.
- CB Carlton Davis: A key free agent, Davis has struggled with injuries throughout his career. While he’s a talented corner, his injury history raises concerns about how much teams (including the Lions) are willing to invest in him.
- CB Kindle Vildor: Vildor, who received criticism in 2023, was more serviceable in 2024. He is unlikely to be more than CB4 or CB5, but he could be a useful depth piece.
- DB Ifeatu Melifonwu: Melifonwu has dealt with injuries but had a healthy 2023 season, starting late in the year. The Lions may take a chance on him as a buy-low option, though they might prefer a more reliable player.
Unlikely to return:
- WR Allen Robinson: Robinson played sparingly in 2024, and with his age (32), the Lions have little reason to bring him back.
- DE Marcus Davenport: After an injury-plagued season following a risky signing, Davenport could be brought back at a reduced rate, but it’s unlikely Detroit will try again with him.
- CB Emmanuel Moseley: Moseley’s injury history is too concerning. After tearing his ACL in 2023 and missing much of 2024, the Lions should move on from him.
- K Michael Badgley: With Jake Bates secured as the kicker, there’s no need for Badgley, even as a camp body.
The Lions face tough decisions with their impending free agents, as both starters and depth players could see changes this offseason.
