Key stat: Opponents converted on 3rd & long (six yards or more) 27.4 percent of the time, which ranked 23rd in the NFL. Opponents faced 3rd & 10 or longer 58 times this season and converted 16 for a 26.7 percentage. Only Cincinnati (29.8) and Carolina (31.0) allowed a higher percentage on those third-down plays.
Free agents: Maddox (unrestricted), Jalen Mills (unrestricted), Thomas (unrestricted)
Maddox turned out to be one of the better free agent signings last offseason for general manager Brad Holmes. The Lions like versatility on their roster and Maddox’s experience and ability to play both cornerback and safety was huge. Maddox turns 30 in March but could be a good re-signing for depth at both safety and cornerback.
There are question marks about Joesph’s long-term health and how Branch will come back from a major injury. Holmes said after the season he expects Joseph to be able to play in 2026 with time, rehab and treatment this offseason. It still seems likely the Lions could add a veteran and youngster to the mix at safety.
There is a pretty large and experienced group of safeties scheduled to become free agents this spring including Coby Bryant (Seattle), Kamren Curl (Los Angeles), Jaylinn Hawkins (New England), Bryan Cook (Kansas City), Julian Blackmon (New Orleans), Alohi Gilman (Baltimore) and Donovan Wilson (Dallas) to name a few.