Football season may be officially over with Super Bowl LIX in the rearview, but the excitement for what’s next is palpable. As every NFL team enters the off-season, fans turn their attention to player moves, free agency, and the impending NFL Draft, hoping their team can make significant improvements.
Looking at the Detroit Lions, there’s a strong sense of optimism, but the work is far from over. The Lions will be eyeing several key players to potentially add to the roster, so let’s take a look at a list of free agents that could land in Detroit. While the chances of these players signing with the Lions may be slim, it’s definitely worth discussing these intriguing possibilities.
DL Charles Omenihu
One player that has long been on my radar is defensive lineman Charles Omenihu. Since his 2019 NFL Draft class, I’ve considered him one of my “guys.” His blend of speed, power, versatility, and size makes him a perfect fit for Detroit. Omenihu would instantly upgrade the Lions’ defensive line over current players like Levi Onwuzurike, John Cominsky, and Marcus Davenport—all of whom are set to hit the open market.
At 6’5″ and 280 pounds, with 36-inch arms, Omenihu fits the mold of the type of defensive end the Lions covet. Though he battled back from a torn ACL that limited him to just 6 games in 2023, he still played 225 defensive snaps (57%) last season. Omenihu brings experience, with 78 games under his belt and career totals of 101 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 19.5 sacks. Most notably, he’s shown up big in the postseason, racking up 22 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks in 14 playoff games.
DE Josh Sweat
Adding Josh Sweat to this list is a stretch, given the high cost that’s likely coming after his standout performance in the Super Bowl. The defensive end put up 10 tackles, three tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks throughout the playoffs, further solidifying his worth.
Sweat has accumulated 43 sacks and 54 tackles for loss during his 7 years in Philadelphia. Over the last three seasons, he’s been a key contributor, totaling 31 tackles for loss and 25.5 sacks. With his burst and ability to transition speed-to-power, Sweat would be a tremendous addition to the Lions’ defensive line. Pairing him with Aidan Hutchinson, Za’Darius Smith, and Josh Paschal would give the Lions another formidable pass-rusher.
CB Asante Samuel Jr.
Let’s talk about another one of “my guys,” Asante Samuel Jr., who was starting to make a name for himself before injuries derailed his 2023 season. Prior to this year, Samuel had 6 interceptions and 35 pass deflections, showing that he had the potential to become a top-tier cornerback for the Chargers. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury cut his season short after just 4 games.
However, Samuel should be healthy by the start of the 2025 season, and if Carlton Davis’ price tag becomes too steep, Samuel could be a more affordable alternative. Samuel posted a solid 75.6 coverage grade in 2023 (via PFF), but his grade dropped to 58.6 in 2024 due to the injury. When healthy, Samuel excels at flipping his hips and running with receivers, showcasing the ball skills necessary to disrupt passes. If he can return to form, Detroit could benefit from his talent at a more affordable rate—especially given their recent success with “prove-it” contracts for players coming off injuries.
DL Morgan Fox
With the potential departure of Onwuzurike, Cominsky, and Davenport, the Lions will need to bolster their defensive line. One possible addition is Morgan Fox, a veteran with experience playing for the Rams, Panthers, and Chargers. Fox has played in 120 games, starting 34 of them, and accumulated 183 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, and 27.5 sacks during his 8-year career.
Fox has played 50% or more of the defensive snaps in three of his last four seasons, and with Brad Holmes’ familiarity with Fox from his time with the Rams, a one- or two-year deal in Detroit makes sense. Fox could add experienced depth to a defensive line in need of upgrades.
S Andre Cisco
On the safety front, Andre Cisco is a name that stands out. With Ifeatu Melifonwu‘s future in question due to frequent injuries, the Lions could pivot to Cisco to add depth behind Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Cisco has been a solid contributor for the Jaguars since being drafted in 2021, starting 47 games and collecting 8 interceptions and 24 pass deflections in his 63-game career.
Cisco’s projected three-year, $27 million deal would fit well with the Lions’ current cap situation. With PFF projecting him to get $16 million in guarantees, he could be a strong, affordable addition to Detroit’s secondary.
TE Kylen Granson
Lastly, let’s throw a curveball into the mix with Kylen Granson, a tight end from the Colts. While the Lions are clearly happy with Sam LaPorta as their starting tight end, depth behind him remains a concern. If Shane Zylstra hits free agency, Granson could provide solid depth on a one- or two-year deal.
Standing at 6’1″ and 240 pounds, Granson is undersized for a traditional tight end but has shown versatility in the alignment department. He’s put together a few productive seasons, including back-to-back 30+ reception campaigns, and has contributed on special teams. At 27, Granson could provide reliable depth at a low cost.
These are just a few names to watch as the Lions head into the off-season, each with the potential to add key pieces to the team. Whether or not these players actually land in Detroit remains to be seen, but they certainly warrant attention as the Lions continue to build toward next season.
