The Detroit Lions just freed up $32 million in cap space after restructuring Jared Goff’s contract. With money to spend and a few key holes still on the roster, here are four free agents who could help Detroit at edge rusher and safety.
The Detroit Lions made a significant financial move this week by restructuring the contract of quarterback Jared Goff. Detroit converted $40 million of Goff’s base salary into a signing bonus and added a void year to the deal, creating roughly $32 million in cap space for the 2026 season. The move immediately gives the Lions much more flexibility as they continue building their roster for another playoff push.
According to Spotrac’s estimated cap totals, Detroit now sits with the eighth-most cap space in the NFL. That flexibility could prove valuable as the team continues addressing roster needs during free agency.
So far, the Lions have already begun filling several holes on the roster. Detroit added depth along the offensive line and addressed the backup running back position following the departure of David Montgomery. The team also brought back veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to serve as QB2 behind Goff.
Even with those moves, the roster still has areas that could use reinforcement. Two of the biggest positions that stand out are edge rusher and safety. Detroit could benefit from adding another pass rusher to rotate along the defensive line, and injuries in the secondary have made safety a position worth monitoring.
Here are four players who could make sense for Detroit to pursue.
Edge Rushers
Cam Jordan
Jordan may be 36 years old, but he continues to produce at a high level. The longtime New Orleans Saints defensive end posted strong numbers during the 2025 season, earning a 76.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. His 82.1 run-defense grade ranked fourth among edge defenders, showing he remains one of the league’s most reliable players against the run.
Jordan also recorded 10 sacks, one forced fumble and two batted passes across 589 snaps. Even at this stage of his career, he remains a disruptive presence along the defensive line.
If the Lions were to pursue Jordan, the contract would likely be a one-year deal. He also has familiarity with head coach Dan Campbell from their time together in New Orleans. Jordan’s leadership, durability and pass-rushing ability could make him an appealing short-term addition for Detroit.
Over his 15-year NFL career, Jordan has built an impressive résumé that includes eight Pro Bowl selections and one first-team All-Pro honor. He is also known as one of the league’s iron men, missing just two games throughout his career.
Al-Quadin Muhammad
Another potential option for Detroit is a familiar face. Muhammad previously spent time with the Lions and could be a strong candidate to return.
The 30-year-old edge rusher is coming off a breakout season in which he recorded 12 sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, Muhammad earned a 74.3 overall grade along with a 71.9 pass-rush grade. He finished the year with 32 quarterback hurries and 53 total pressures across 457 snaps.
Muhammad’s productivity and familiarity with the Lions’ defensive system could make him an attractive depth piece along the edge. Bringing him back would give Detroit another capable pass rusher without requiring a long-term commitment.
Safeties
Kevin Byard
Veteran safety Kevin Byard is another player who could make sense for Detroit. The 32-year-old spent the 2025 season with the Chicago Bears and remained one of the most productive safeties in the league.
Byard led the NFL with seven interceptions, finishing two ahead of the next closest player. He also recorded eight pass deflections and 68 solo tackles while playing 1,070 snaps.
Pro Football Focus graded Byard at 74.2 overall, ranking 15th among 98 safeties. His coverage grade came in at 72.5 (20th) while his run-defense grade was 76.4 (24th). Opposing quarterbacks completed just 24 passes in his coverage.
Detroit’s safety situation could make a veteran addition worthwhile. Kerby Joseph missed 11 games last season, and star defensive back Brian Branch suffered a torn Achilles injury. Adding a proven veteran like Byard would provide stability and experience on the back end of the defense.
It also wouldn’t hurt that signing him would mean taking a key contributor away from a division rival.
Avonte Maddox
A slightly younger option at safety is Avonte Maddox. The 29-year-old defensive back played a smaller role last season but performed well when given opportunities.
Maddox logged 342 total snaps and finished with three pass breakups, one interception, one forced fumble and 32 total tackles. He allowed just 10 receptions throughout the season.
His Pro Football Focus grades were particularly strong. Maddox earned a 79.1 overall grade, ranking 10th among safeties. His coverage grade came in at 75.0 (12th) while his run-defense grade was 75.7.
Because he played a limited number of snaps, Maddox could potentially be available on a team-friendly contract. That type of signing would allow Detroit to add depth and versatility to the secondary while maintaining financial flexibility.
Final Thoughts
The Lions have already taken steps to improve their roster this offseason, but the work likely isn’t finished. With the additional cap space created through Jared Goff’s contract restructure, Detroit has more room to explore the free-agent market.
Whether the team chooses to add a veteran pass rusher, reinforce the secondary, or pursue both options, there are still opportunities for the front office to strengthen the roster before the start of the season.
Players like Cam Jordan, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Kevin Byard and Avonte Maddox represent just a few possibilities. If the Lions want to continue building a contender, adding help at edge rusher and safety could be the next logical step.