Detroit has been aggressive in free agency, but two veteran additions could still take this roster to another level. If the Lions want to make a true Super Bowl push, these are two names to watch.
The Detroit Lions have been very active so far in free agency, adding depth across multiple positions while also re-signing several of their own players. Even with all the moves they have already made, I still believe there are a couple more signings left in them before the offseason is over. Two veterans in particular could help the Lions immediately, both on the field and in the locker room, by bringing leadership, experience and quality depth at important positions.
The two players I believe the Lions could still have on their radar are veteran defensive end Cam Jordan and defensive back Avonte Maddox.
Starting with Cam Jordan, he is obviously on the back end of his career, but he is still playing at a very high level for his age. According to PFF, Jordan finished the 2025 season with a 76 overall grade and an outstanding 82.1 run defense grade, which ranked fourth among edge defenders. He also recorded 10 sacks, one forced fumble, two batted passes and played 589 total snaps. Those are very solid numbers for a player who is now 36 years old.
Because of his age, this would almost certainly be a one-year deal if the Lions were to sign him. However, the connection with head coach Dan Campbell could make this move make a lot of sense. Campbell and Jordan spent time together with the New Orleans Saints, so there is already familiarity there. Campbell clearly values culture, toughness and leadership, and Jordan checks every one of those boxes.
Jordan is an eight-time Pro Bowler and a one-time All-Pro, and he has built a reputation as one of the most durable players in the NFL. He is known as an iron man, missing just two games in his entire 15-year NFL career. That kind of durability, leadership and production would be extremely valuable for a Lions defensive line that already has talent but could still use more depth and veteran presence.
Even if Jordan was not an every-down player, he could still contribute as a rotational edge rusher and run defender, while also mentoring younger players in the room. For a team trying to make a Super Bowl run, adding a respected veteran like Jordan could be a smart move.
The other player I think the Lions could still be looking at is defensive back Avonte Maddox. Maddox is the ripe young age of 29 years old, and he showed last season that he can still be a very effective player when given opportunities.
Maddox only played 342 total snaps last season, but when he was on the field he was productive. He finished the season with three pass breakups, allowed just 10 receptions, recorded one interception, one forced fumble and had 32 total tackles. Those are solid numbers considering his limited playing time.
His PFF grades were also very impressive. Maddox finished with a 79.1 overall grade, which ranked 10th among players at his position. He also had a 75 coverage grade, which ranked 12th, and a 75.7 run defense grade. Those grades show that he is a well-rounded defensive back who can contribute in multiple areas.
Maddox would provide valuable depth in the secondary and could play both nickel and safety if needed. The Lions have improved their secondary this offseason, but you can never have too many defensive backs, especially with how often teams use three and four wide receiver sets in today’s NFL.
Overall, both Cam Jordan and Avonte Maddox make a lot of sense for the Lions if the price is right. Jordan would bring leadership, toughness, run defense and pass rush ability, while Maddox would add versatility and depth to the secondary. The Lions are clearly in win-now mode, and adding a couple experienced veterans like these two players could help push Detroit even closer to being a true Super Bowl contender.