Playing a rotational role up front, Lopez finished as the highest-graded interior defensive lineman on the Lions by PFF, delivering steady production and physicality in the trenches. But for Lopez, the impact went beyond the stat sheet.
"This place has been great for me… it's changed my career," Lopez said, pointing to what he learned from veterans like DJ Reader, Alim McNeill, and Aidan Hutchinson.
Now heading into free agency again, Lopez made it clear, he'd like to stay, as long as the fit is right. His family loves Detroit, the role made sense, and the growth was real.
For a defense built on depth, toughness, and trust, bringing Lopez back feels like more than just continuity, it feels earned
DJ Reader Replacement 💯 bring him back.
24 comments
One of the few bright spots on the D for ’25-’26.
Not every contract is a prove it deal. His contract with Detroit was already the highest he has ever been paid so based on that he already “proved it”
This sub has attached that phrase to nearly every player these days
We could do worse for sure
Would like to see him come back, but it wouldn’t be to replace Reader. They drafted Reader’s eventual replacement in rd 1 last year with Tyliek.
Was our best interior dlineman this year.
I thought he did well. I’d love to have him back
I think it’s an easy decision to bring him back.
It also helps justify letting Reader and probably Levi walk.
Alim, Tyleik, and Lopez is a solid rotation.
Actually fuck that: Alim is about to have his best year yet, Tyleik is getting better every game and will be a full blown stud next season. Lopez will keep it rolling. Our interior d-line will be elite next year.
I’d be ok with it for the right number
This pickup was great. Really excited for Roy Lopez and tyliek williams, alotta potential in both of em
He was great. Bring dude back
He was the best Dt on the roster
One of Brad’s home-run free agent signings. A very gritty player.
He played better than Reader
Love this guy’s chess opening
depends on the money
He clearly likes it in Detroit, both the team and city, but it’s not if we should bring him back. It’s how much is he willing to come back for?
Also, he clearly wasn’t on a prove it deal. When we faced Arizona two years ago, Frank mentioned to the higher ups about how this rotational piece that they didn’t plan for, was giving him so much trouble. So, they gave him a mercenary contract to ball out too.
As with almost any player that to be brought up for resigning… if it’s a team friendly deal then yes absolutely.
I saw a bunch of people mad about Brad paying our players so imma have to pass on this one dawg.
Can we do two year prove it deals so they don’t just walk free and we have potential trade capital?
I’ll take a one-year to put together the best season of my career, technically.
Was it quiet? His pass rushing was jumping off the screen when I was watching.
Yeah he needs to come back. With dj reader probably gone he would be a decent replacement.
Lopez looked really good this year for what he is and I would like to have him back to rotate in with Tyliek and sometimes Alim. Hoping we can get him on a deal at least similar in cap hit to what we had him on this year
I thought he was excellent. Increase the money and send the contract for him to sign.