Detroit Lions’ 2024 Season – From Dream to Reality Check
The 2024 season in Detroit was nothing short of a dream. The Lions, fueled by the NFL’s most explosive offense and a defense brimming with playmakers, surged to a 15-2 record, clinching the NFC’s No. 1 seed. With their sights set on a Super Bowl trip, everything seemed possible.
But then, injuries ravaged their defense, and a devastating four-turnover performance in a divisional playoff loss to the Washington Commanders derailed their hopes. Now, coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn have moved on to head coaching roles, leaving Detroit to pick up the pieces. The spotlight is now on Jared Goff and whether he can lead this team to a Super Bowl title, especially after his three-interception performance in that loss. So the burning question is: Can the Lions reignite the magic from 2024, or is the window of opportunity closing?
Key Free Agents
- CB Carlton Davis
- G Kevin Zeitler
- DL Levi Onwuzurike
- LB Derrick Barnes
- WR Tim Patrick
- LB Trevor Nowaske
In/Out:
Carlton Davis, once a standout in Detroit’s secondary, was sidelined by a season-ending jaw injury in December. Now, he’ll be one of the most sought-after defenders in the open market. While the Lions will likely make a push to retain him, his price tag could be too high for Detroit to keep him around.
Kevin Zeitler was a vital cog in Detroit’s dominant run game and, at 35, could be had for less than Davis. After a one-year, $6 million deal in 2024, he remains a priority—provided the price stays reasonable.
Meanwhile, Levi Onwuzurike and Derrick Barnes, two homegrown defenders, are due for significant paydays at the end of their rookie contracts. Detroit will want to keep both, but they won’t come cheap.
Key Free-Agent Needs
Why the holes? Even before Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending leg injury, the Lions needed another pass rusher. Pairing Hutchinson with a free agent like Khalil Mack or Josh Sweat would create a truly fearsome defensive line. If not, the Lions might pursue a big trade with the Cleveland Browns for Myles Garrett.
Despite Carlton Davis’ strong play, Detroit’s pass defense ranked 30th in the NFL and needs drastic improvement. Detroit is hoping for growth from first-round cornerback Terrion Arnold after a rookie season full of ups and downs. Regardless of Davis’ future with the team, cornerback help is a must.
Do They Have the Money?
The good news for Detroit is they have the cap space to work with. According to Spotrac, the Lions have about $55 million in projected salary cap space, the eighth-most in the league. The first order of business will likely be securing their own key free agents before they venture into the market.
Notable Potential Cuts
Edge Za’Darius Smith,
WR/RS Kalif Raymond
- Smith (Defensive Line) – Acquired before the trade deadline to replace Hutchinson, Smith is due a second year on his $23 million deal. As he nears 32, Detroit may find his price tag too steep, especially after his nine sacks last season. The Lions could save $4 million in cap space by cutting him or might explore restructuring his contract.
- Raymond (Wide Receiver) – Though Raymond played a key role as Detroit’s primary punt returner, his impact on offense was minimal, with just 17 catches for 215 yards last season. Releasing him would save the Lions $3.1 million in cap space.
Draft Picks
- 1st round: No. 28
- 2nd round: No. 60
- 3rd round (compensatory)
- 4th round (from Eagles)
- 6th round (from Bucs)
- 7th round (from Jets)
- 7th round (from Cowboys)
- 7th round
Good Draft Fit: Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas
With several pass rushers likely to be available in the late first round, Detroit is well-positioned to address their defensive needs. Landon Jackson could be an ideal pick, as he is projected to be an NFL starter with significant upside. Other possible options include JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer from Ohio State, as well as Mike Green from Marshall.
Fantasy Football Impact This Offseason
While Detroit’s offense, which finished first in the NFL in scoring and second in total yards in 2024, is set to return every key weapon, the team’s focus is squarely on defensive improvements. If Jared Goff can bounce back from his six-turnover postseason and new offensive coordinator John Morton doesn’t falter, Detroit’s offense should remain one of the league’s most potent forces. Expect them to continue being a fantasy football powerhouse.
As we await the next chapter, the question remains: Can the Lions overcome their defensive issues and reach the Super Bowl in 2025? The offseason moves they make—and the health of their key players—will be crucial in determining that answer.
