Five days into free agency, the Detroit Lions have made some key moves — adding help on the offensive line, losing a defensive leader, and taking a gamble at running back. These three decisions could end up having the biggest impact on Detroit’s 2026 season.
Day five of NFL free agency is here, and from a Detroit Lions fan’s perspective, it’s been a bit of a mixed bag. The Lions have made a handful of moves while also watching several familiar faces leave for other teams. Some decisions have been solid roster upgrades, while others leave some pretty big shoes to fill.
Detroit hasn’t made the massive splash signing many fans were hoping for yet, but there have still been moves that will shape the team heading into the 2026 season. Between reinforcing the offensive line, losing a defensive leader, and adding a potential bounce-back running back, here are the three moves that will likely impact the Lions the most so far in free agency.
Cade Mays signs a 3-year, $25 million deal
After the struggles the Lions had at center last season, it was obvious something needed to change. Graham Glasgow had a rough year, and the front office clearly felt the same way. Detroit addressed that need by signing former Panthers offensive lineman Cade Mays to a three-year, $25 million contract.
At 6-foot-6, Mays will become the tallest center in Lions history. His size alone gives the offensive line a unique presence in the middle, and with him now slotted into the starting lineup, the average height of Detroit’s starting offensive line jumps to around 6-foot-5. That physical size fits perfectly with the gritty identity Dan Campbell wants this team to have.
Looking at his 2025 PFF grades, Mays finished with a 62.4 overall grade, ranking 24th among 40 centers. His pass-blocking grade of 69.4 ranked 13th, which is encouraging considering how important it is to keep Jared Goff upright. His run-blocking grade of 58.4 ranked 33rd, which is definitely an area where Detroit will hope to see improvement.
Statistically, Mays played 726 snaps, the 29th most among centers. He allowed zero sacks, committed just two penalties, and gave up 11 total pressures, which ranked ninth among centers. He also allowed three QB hits. Those numbers show he’s a solid pass protector, even if his run blocking still needs work.
From a fan’s point of view, this is a move that makes sense. It may not be flashy, but stabilizing the center position was necessary, and if Mays improves in the run game he could end up being a very solid addition.
Alex Anzalone signs with the Buccaneers
This one is going to sting for a lot of Lions fans.
Alex Anzalone wasn’t just another linebacker on the roster—he was a captain, a leader, and one of the emotional voices of the defense. Ever since Dan Campbell arrived in Detroit, Anzalone became a key piece of the culture that helped change the direction of the franchise.
Now he’s headed to Tampa Bay, and that leaves a major hole in the middle of the defense.
During his five seasons in Detroit, Anzalone started 73 games and recorded 490 total tackles, 26 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and three interceptions. His leadership and consistency were a big part of why the defense improved over the last few seasons.
Last year he became the only player in the NFL to record 80+ tackles, five tackles for loss, five pass deflections, and three sacks in a season. During his time with the Lions he also logged 27 pass deflections, tied for the second-most by a Lions linebacker since at least 1994.
In 2023 he recorded five or more tackles in 18 straight games, one of the longest active streaks in the league and the second-longest by a Lions player since 2000.
Right now it appears Malcolm Rodriguez will step into that starting role. Rodriguez plays with great energy and effort, but there’s no denying that losing Anzalone means losing experience, leadership, and production.
And for many fans, it’s also going to feel weird not seeing that flowing blonde hair flying around the field on Sundays.
Isiah Pacheco signs a 1-year, $1.8 million deal
After trading David Montgomery to the Texans, the Lions suddenly found themselves needing another running back to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs. Detroit answered that need by signing former Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco to a one-year, $1.8 million deal, making it one of the more affordable moves of the offseason.
Pacheco’s last two seasons have been slowed by injuries, including a broken fibula and a sprained MCL. Because of that, his role in Kansas City shrank in 2025 as the Chiefs began leaning more on Kareem Hunt.
But Lions fans should remember how good Pacheco looked in 2023, when he truly broke out. That year he posted an 82.3 overall PFF grade, ranking 10th among running backs, along with an 83.7 rushing grade and a 70.8 receiving grade.
He finished that season with 205 carries for 935 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, and scored seven rushing touchdowns. He also contributed as a receiver with 44 catches on 50 targets for 244 yards.
Over his career, Pacheco has played 51 games, rushing 576 times for 2,537 yards and 14 touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry. As a receiver he’s caught 88 passes on 105 targets, an impressive 83.8% catch rate.
Even more exciting for Lions fans was his reaction after signing. When he spoke with Dan Campbell on the phone, his response reportedly was: “Let’s F**** go.”**
That type of attitude fits perfectly with Detroit’s culture.
Final thoughts
While the Lions haven’t made the massive splash signing many fans hoped for, these moves will still play an important role in shaping the roster. Cade Mays helps address a clear need on the offensive line, losing Alex Anzalone leaves a leadership gap on defense, and adding Isiah Pacheco could turn into a great value move if he returns to his 2023 form.
Free agency isn’t over yet, and Lions fans are still waiting to see if Brad Holmes has a big move up his sleeve. But for now, these three moves are already among the most impactful decisions Detroit has made this offseason.