The Detroit Lions have been busy over the last 24 hours, making several key moves that could shape their roster heading into 2026. From bringing back a veteran quarterback to adding a former Super Bowl running back and creating major cap space, Detroit isn’t standing still.
The Detroit Lions have been busy over the last 24 hours. The team re-signed several players, watched others depart in free agency, added new faces and completed an important contract restructure. Here’s a breakdown of everything Detroit has done so far.
Free-Agent Signings
Teddy Bridgewater, QB
The Lions announced they are bringing back quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who spent two seasons with the team before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year.
Detroit needed a backup quarterback after Kyle Allen signed with the Buffalo Bills earlier this week. Bridgewater brings veteran experience and is widely known as one of the best locker-room presences in the league.
Wide receiver Jameson Williams already showed his excitement on Instagram, posting about how thrilled he is to have his friend back. Bridgewater was known as a mentor to Williams when the young receiver dealt with off-the-field issues earlier in his career. His leadership and experience should once again provide stability behind Jared Goff.
Isiah Pacheco, RB
The Lions signed running back Isiah Pacheco to an incredibly team-friendly one-year contract worth $1.81 million. He is expected to help fill the role previously held by David Montgomery.
Pacheco quickly earned his opportunity with the Kansas City Chiefs, beating out first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the starting job during his rookie season. He had his breakout year in 2023, totaling 1,179 yards from scrimmage while ranking among the top 12 running backs in Pro Football Focus grades.
Injuries slowed him down afterward. Pacheco suffered a broken fibula in 2024 and played in just seven games. Then in 2025, he dealt with an MCL sprain that caused him to miss five games and eventually lose his starting role.
Last season was the worst of his career, but that likely stemmed from lingering injury effects. One area where Pacheco still excels is pass protection, which is something Detroit values heavily in its running backs.
Among running backs with at least 25 pass-blocking snaps, Pacheco ranked:
• 2025: 67.2 grade (17th of 90 RBs)
• 2024: 66.9 grade (14th of 92)
• 2023: 67.4 grade (21st of 93)
If Pacheco can fill that role, the Lions won’t need him to carry a heavy workload or produce explosive runs. Instead, he can serve as a reliable complementary piece in the backfield.
Re-Signings
Malcolm Rodriguez, LB
A fan favorite since appearing on Hard Knocks, Malcolm Rodriguez will remain in Detroit for at least another season.
While this move is primarily about depth, Rodriguez could carve out a larger role following the departure of Alex Anzalone. He has been a valuable special teams contributor and is coming off a torn ACL suffered during the 2024 season.
Now fully recovered, Rodriguez will have the opportunity to prove he deserves a bigger role in the defense.
Rock Ya-Sin, CB
Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin also returns after stepping up during a stretch when the Lions were dealing with injuries in the secondary.
Detroit signed him to a one-year, $4 million deal, keeping at least one of their free-agent cornerbacks after Amik Robertson departed for the Washington Commanders.
Ya-Sin finished the 2025 season with 47 tackles, nine pass breakups, a 51% completion rate allowed and a 74 passer rating allowed. Those numbers make him a respectable depth option for a Lions cornerback room that still needs reinforcements.
Lost in Free Agency
Kalif Raymond
Wide receiver and return specialist Kalif Raymond joins the list of Lions players leaving for other teams this offseason.
Raymond signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Chicago Bears, reuniting with former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
During his time in Detroit, Raymond became one of the league’s most reliable return men. He leaves the franchise as the Lions’ all-time leader in kick return yards.
Raymond had been with the team since 2021, when general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell first arrived. A well-liked locker-room presence, he finishes his Lions career with 2,185 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
Restructured Contract
Jared Goff
One anticipated move finally became official when the Lions restructured quarterback Jared Goff’s contract.
Detroit converted $40 million of Goff’s base salary into a signing bonus and added a void year to the deal, clearing approximately $32 million in 2026 cap space.
The move pushes the Lions into the top eight in available cap space across the NFL, giving them roughly $37.5 million to work with. That figure is an estimate based on current agreements that still need to be finalized.
Despite already adding two offensive linemen, a backup quarterback, running back, linebacker and cornerback, Detroit may not be finished spending.
The Lions still have needs at defensive tackle, safety and potentially another cornerback, which means the front office could remain active as free agency continues.
Overall Grade: B
Overall, Brad Holmes has done a solid job so far.
Many expected Detroit to avoid making a massive splash in free agency, and that’s largely been the case. However, Holmes has addressed several needs and added depth across the roster, particularly along the offensive line.
Nothing about these moves jumps off the page as a blockbuster signing, but the Lions have patched some holes while maintaining financial flexibility.
For now, Detroit’s work during the free agency tampering period earns a B grade — solid, practical moves that improve the roster without overspending.