The Detroit Lions are no longer building for the future — they are building to win now, and free agency may determine whether the franchise takes its final step toward a Super Bowl.
As the Detroit Lions prepare to enter free agency, opportunities abound to reshape a roster that has come within reach of a Super Bowl. With marquee names such as Trey Hendrickson, Tyler Linderbaum and Jaelen Phillips available, Detroit appears positioned to make at least one significant move. Three players stand out as potential fits: one splash signing, one solid addition and one under-the-radar veteran who could address a key need.
The big splash: C Tyler Linderbaum
Linderbaum is expected to command a top-of-the-market contract after his team declined to pick up his fifth-year option. A deal in the range of four years and $72 million is a realistic projection for the 25-year-old interior lineman, who would instantly become one of the most coveted free agents at his position.
Linderbaum finished the 2025 season with a 79.8 Pro Football Focus grade, ranking fifth among all centers. While his pass-blocking grade of 63.4 ranked 22nd out of 37 qualifying centers, he excelled in the run game, earning an 80.1 run-blocking grade that ranked fourth at the position.
Detroit spent its first season without former All-Pro center Frank Ragnow relying on veteran Graham Glasgow, and the results were uneven. Glasgow, 33, frequently posted PFF grades in the 50s as age began to show. Linderbaum’s athleticism and strength at the point of attack would make him an ideal long-term anchor for one of the league’s premier rushing attacks and a seamless fit in Detroit’s offensive identity.
Solid acquisition: CB Riq Woolen
Woolen reached the Super Bowl with Seattle this season, though trade rumors surfaced ahead of the deadline and hinted at an uncertain future. While the Seahawks could still attempt to retain him, Woolen appears positioned to test free agency.
The 6-foot-4 cornerback is not known primarily as a turnover producer, but he excels in man coverage and consistently limits explosive plays. Woolen recorded 12 pass breakups during the 2025 season and finished with a 14.7% forced incompletion rate. He allowed just 0.7 yards per coverage snap and posted an opposing passer rating of 80.3.
Woolen was particularly effective in dime coverage, where he surrendered fewer than half a yard per snap. During the postseason, he allowed the third-lowest yards per target among qualifying cornerbacks at 5.4. His game is built on elite speed — Woolen ran a 4.26-second 40-yard dash, tied for the third-fastest time since 2003 — making him a natural schematic fit in Detroit. With the Lions already featuring elite speed on offense in Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs, Woolen’s rare athletic profile would align seamlessly with the team’s emphasis on explosiveness across the roster.
According to Spotrac, Woolen could seek a contract averaging approximately $15.7 million per year, a price tag that may initially give Detroit pause. However, injuries throughout the Lions’ secondary, including Terrion Arnold, Brian Branch’s torn Achilles and Kerby Joseph’s knee issue, could push the team to invest heavily at cornerback. Detroit did add cornerback DJ Reed in free agency last offseason, making this move less certain, but it remains a possibility.
Under-the-radar signing: S Kevin Byard
Byard, 32, quietly put together one of the league’s most productive seasons while playing for Chicago. The veteran safety led the NFL with seven interceptions, finishing two ahead of the next closest player. He also recorded eight pass deflections and 61 total tackles, showing he still has significant playmaking ability.
With Joseph missing 11 games in 2025 and Branch sidelined by a torn Achilles, safety has emerged as a potential area of need for Detroit. Adding Byard would provide immediate leadership and ball production while also weakening a division rival.l
Cap space outlook
The Lions currently sit approximately $16.7 million over the salary cap, but that figure is expected to change significantly in the coming months.
If left tackle Taylor Decker were to retire, Detroit could free up roughly $15 million in cap space in 2026, though some prorated bonus money would remain. Glasgow is also a candidate to retire or be released, which could create an additional $6 million to $8 million in savings.
The most impactful move would come from a potential restructure of quarterback Jared Goff’s contract. By converting base salary into signing bonus and adding void years, the Lions could generate approximately $40 million in cap relief for 2026. Combined, those three moves could create roughly $62 million in additional flexibility.
With the league as open as it has been in years, Lions general manager Brad Holmes appears well-positioned to push forward aggressively. After coming within striking distance of a Super Bowl, Detroit may finally be ready to push its chips to the center of the table.