Not every free agent deserves a reunion, and for the Detroit Lions, this offseason will be about separating contributors from replaceable parts.
As the Detroit Lions’ season begins to wind down, the focus is already shifting to an offseason full of tough decisions. General manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell will have plenty on their plates, starting with a free-agent class that includes roughly 20 unrestricted free agents. Once the new league year begins, those players are free to walk, and Detroit won’t be able to stop them.
Core Players the Lions Should Bring Back
If there’s one player who earned a return to Detroit, it’s Al-Quadin Muhammad. Muhammad turned in a career year, finishing with 11 sacks, a top-10 mark in the NFL, recording three games with at least two sacks. Before this season, his career high was six sacks, making his jump impossible to ignore. He consistently brought pressure when the Lions needed it most and emerged as a reliable edge presence. Projected to earn around $8.4 million per year, Muhammad won’t be cheap, but pass rushers who produce don’t come at a discount. Detroit should prioritize keeping him.
Roy Lopez is another player whose value goes far beyond the box score. Originally signed as a placeholder until Alim McNeill returned, Lopez carved out a meaningful role on the interior defensive line. He finished with two sacks, but his real impact came in eating up space and keeping linebackers clean. For a defense that struggled with consistency up front, Lopez quietly stabilized things and deserves another deal.
In the secondary, Avonte Maddox proved to be a valuable depth piece. When injuries hit Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, Maddox stepped in and provided steady play. At 29, his market likely won’t be overwhelming, and bringing him back would help Detroit maintain flexibility in a secondary that was tested all season.
Rock Ya-Sin also deserves serious consideration. He stepped up in multiple games and was a questionable flag away from a clutch pass breakup against Philadelphia. As a depth corner, Ya-Sin fits the Lions’ physical identity and shouldn’t command a hefty contract.
Lastly, Kyle Allen showed well in the preseason and would be a solid backup option. Jared Goff stayed healthy enough to keep Allen off the field, but quality quarterback depth matters, especially in a long season.
Players Worth Bringing Back at the Right Price
Kalif Raymond falls squarely into this category. He finished with just one touchdown and was mostly serviceable as a returner. He had a few big moments — notably against the Steelers and Commanders — but he wasn’t irreplaceable. Tom Kennedy showed similar effectiveness when Raymond missed time, making Raymond a luxury rather than a necessity.
Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone remains a leader, but his age showed at times. He’ll be 32 early next season and appeared to lose a step, most notably on a touchdown run allowed against the Steelers. He still contributed 2.5 sacks and an interception, but Detroit should only bring him back if the price reflects his declining athleticism.
Cornerback Amik Robertson endured one of the toughest seasons of his career, allowing the most receiving yards in coverage. Still, context matters. He was forced into a CB1 role that doesn’t suit his skill set. At the right price, Robertson could return as depth rather than a featured starter.
Special teams standout Grant Stuard didn’t offer much defensively but consistently contributed in the kicking game. He should be affordable and wouldn’t hurt roster depth.
Malcolm Rodriguez, who missed the first 11 weeks while recovering from a torn ACL, remains a solid depth linebacker when healthy. He’s proven he can contribute in spot roles and makes sense as a low-cost option.
Players the Lions Can Move On From
There are several players Detroit should feel comfortable letting walk. DJ Reader was a solid signing, but at 31, his age began to show. The Lions need to get younger up front.
Defensive linemen Levi Onwuzurike and Josh Paschal have reached unfortunate but fair labels as draft busts. Neither played this season, and both have struggled with injuries throughout their careers. Marcus Davenport belongs in the same category, having missed 25 games over the last two seasons despite clear talent.
Along the offensive line, Jamarcus Jones and Kayode Awosika saw limited action, and given how inconsistent the unit was overall, a clean slate feels necessary.
Linebackers Zach Cunningham and Ezekiel Turner provided minimal impact, with Cunningham showing flashes but also his age. Daniel Thomas, who appeared in just five games, is a fringe case, but with injuries to Joseph and Branch, Detroit should aim higher at safety depth.
Looking Ahead
The Lions have work to do this offseason, and free agency will play a major role in shaping the next phase of this rebuild. Trust remains high in Holmes and Campbell to make disciplined, forward-thinking decisions. Detroit doesn’t need to bring everyone back — just the right ones.