Day four of free agency brought more roster shakeups for the Detroit Lions. Detroit re-signed key depth pieces, added a versatile defensive back, cut a former second-round pick, and watched several players walk—including a pass rusher who just had a career year.
Day four of NFL free agency brought more movement for the Detroit Lions. The team saw players leave, cut ties with others, and also re-signed and added a few names. Here’s a breakdown of everything that happened.
Re-Signings
Tom Kennedy, WR
The longest-tenured Lion is staying in Detroit. Tom Kennedy signed a one-year deal to remain with the team he’s been with since 2019.
Kennedy has appeared in 30 regular-season games for Detroit, including six last season. Over his career, he has recorded 18 receptions for 231 yards. While his offensive production has been limited, Kennedy has carved out a valuable role on special teams.
Last season he averaged 16.7 yards per punt return and 27.9 yards per kickoff return. With Kalif Raymond no longer on the roster, Kennedy now has a strong opportunity to take over as the Lions’ primary kick returner heading into next season.
Trevor Nowaske, LB
Linebacker Trevor Nowaske will be entering his third season with Detroit after re-signing with the team. The former Saginaw Valley State standout has gradually carved out a role for himself on the Lions’ defense and special teams units.
Nowaske has totaled 46 tackles, including 25 solo tackles, along with three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception during his time with Detroit. Last season he appeared in 15 games, recording nine solo tackles and one sack.
With Alex Anzalone no longer on the roster, Nowaske could have an opportunity to compete for increased playing time in 2026.
Player Cut
Josh Paschal, DE
The Lions released former second-round pick Josh Paschal after an injury-plagued tenure in Detroit.
Paschal, a former Kentucky standout, is also a cancer survivor after battling stage 3B acral lentiginous melanoma in 2018. He underwent multiple surgeries and immunotherapy before successfully returning to football.
However, injuries continued to derail his NFL career. Paschal missed seven games during his rookie season and five more the following year, recording just one sack during that stretch. In 2024 he played most of the season but managed only two sacks before a lingering back injury surfaced.
He underwent back surgery during the 2025 offseason and was placed on the Non-Football Injury list to start the year. Paschal ultimately did not recover in time to play during the season, leading to his release.
Player Signed
Christian Izien, S/Nickel CB
The Lions added defensive back Christian Izien on a one-year deal after three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Izien has appeared in 45 career games with seven starts. During that time he has recorded 165 total tackles, including 111 solo tackles, along with three interceptions and three forced fumbles.
His versatility is what likely attracted Detroit. Izien can play both safety and nickel corner, giving the Lions valuable depth at multiple positions in the secondary.
Former Lions Who Signed Elsewhere
Tyrus Wheat, DE
Tyrus Wheat signed with the Dallas Cowboys after previously beginning his career there before spending two seasons in Detroit. Wheat appeared in 15 games last season and recorded 1.5 sacks.
Grant Stuard, LB
Stuard signed with the Los Angeles Rams after spending time with the Lions as a depth linebacker and special teams contributor. Stuard wasn’t a full-time starter, but he brought energy and physicality whenever he was on the field and played an important role on special teams. His departure leaves Detroit needing to replace some of that depth at the linebacker position.
Al-Quadin Muhammad
Muhammad signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.
This move was surprising considering the production he provided last season. Muhammad recorded 11.5 sacks and posted strong advanced metrics according to PFF, including a 74.3 overall grade and a 71.9 pass-rush grade. He also produced 32 quarterback hurries and 53 total pressures on 457 snaps.
At 30 years old, he was still highly productive, which makes the Lions’ decision not to bring him back somewhat puzzling. With Detroit currently only having Aidan Hutchinson and Ahmed Hassenien at defensive end, Muhammad’s departure could end up being a move the team regrets.
Conclusion
The decision not to re-sign Al-Quadin Muhammad is the biggest head-scratcher from day four of free agency. Considering his production and the Lions’ current depth at defensive end, letting him walk raises some questions about the front office’s strategy.
Brad Holmes has built a strong reputation in Detroit, but this is one move that could come back to haunt the team.
After day four of free agency, I’m slightly lowering my overall grade for the Lions’ offseason so far—from a B to a B-.