Free agency is one week away, and the Lions’ Super Bowl window is wide open. If Detroit wants to keep pace in the NFC, this is the offseason to be bold — and these three free agents could change everything.
The NFL offseason is officially in full swing, and the countdown to free agency has begun. With the new league year set to open next week, front offices across the league are positioning themselves for major roster upgrades. Trades have already reshaped the landscape, including the Los Angeles Rams acquiring All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, betting markets list the Chicago Bears as favorites to land All-Pro pass rusher Maxx Crosby, adding further intrigue to the NFC arms race.
For the Detroit Lions, this is a pivotal offseason. Detroit remains firmly in its Super Bowl window, but last year’s free-agent class delivered mixed results. The Lions’ biggest addition, cornerback DJ Reed, did not consistently perform at the level expected. If Detroit intends to take the next step, it must be aggressive and precise in free agency.
Here are three free agents who could elevate the Lions from contender to championship favorite.
1. Trey Hendrickson
Trey Hendrickson is expected to hit the market after the Cincinnati Bengals informed him he will not receive the franchise tag. One of the league’s most productive pass rushers over the past several seasons, Hendrickson has established himself as a consistent double-digit sack threat.
Over the past three seasons, Hendrickson has totaled 39 sacks, including 17.5 in 2023 and 14 in 2024. He has also consistently ranked near the top of the league in quarterback pressures and pass-rush win rate. His relentless motor and ability to convert speed to power make him one of the most disruptive edge defenders in football.
Pairing Hendrickson with Aidan Hutchinson would instantly give Detroit one of the NFL’s most feared pass-rushing duos. Offensive lines would be forced to choose their poison, limiting double teams and creating favorable one-on-one matchups. While Hendrickson has reportedly drawn interest from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit should explore every avenue to make the pairing happen.
2. Tyler Linderbaum
Tyler Linderbaum, currently with the Baltimore Ravens, is widely viewed as one of the top offensive linemen available. At 6-foot-2 and 305 pounds, the 25-year-old center combines mobility, leverage and elite run-blocking ability.
In 2025, Linderbaum earned an 80.3 overall PFF grade, ranking third among centers. His 83.7 run-blocking grade ranked fourth, reinforcing his value in a physical ground attack. He logged 1,007 snaps, the 14th most among centers, including an NFL-high 471 run-blocking snaps. He allowed just two sacks and one quarterback hit all season while committing five penalties.
Though his 63.4 pass-blocking grade ranked 22nd at the position, his durability and dominance in the run game stand out. Linderbaum won the Rimington Trophy at Iowa in 2021 as the nation’s top center and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2023.
For Detroit, adding Linderbaum would solidify the interior offensive line and further empower its rushing attack. His athleticism would mesh well with the Lions’ zone concepts while maintaining the physical identity that has become the team’s trademark.
3. Jamel Dean
Jamel Dean has already been linked to Detroit in early offseason projections, and the fit makes sense. Dean is coming off one of the strongest seasons of his career in 2025, posting an 80.6 overall PFF grade, third among qualifying NFL cornerbacks. His 75.9 coverage grade underscores his effectiveness in limiting big plays.
Dean allowed a league-best 46.9 passer rating when targeted and held opposing quarterbacks to a 43.1% completion percentage. He recorded three interceptions, including a pick-six, along with two forced fumbles and 46 tackles.
Entering his eighth NFL season with 96 career games played and a Super Bowl championship on his résumé, Dean brings veteran leadership and reliability. For Detroit, he would immediately upgrade the outside cornerback position, allowing the Lions’ aggressive pass rush to operate with greater confidence on the back end.
Landing all three players would be difficult given market value and salary cap considerations. However, if Detroit secures even two of these premier free agents, it would represent a significant step toward building a championship-caliber roster. In a competitive NFC, bold moves may be required — and this is the time for the Lions to strike.