The Detroit Lions’ season officially ended with the Seattle Seahawks crowned Super Bowl champions, shifting attention across the league to an offseason that will shape the franchise’s next push. With roster decisions, free agency and the draft all approaching quickly, several key dates will define Detroit’s spring.
February 17th–March 3rd: Window to use franchise tags
The first major decision point arrives with the franchise tag window, which allows teams to retain control of key players scheduled for free agency. Detroit has rarely used the franchise tag under general manager Brad Holmes, preferring long-term extensions instead, but this year presents notable possibilities.
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Tight end Sam LaPorta stands out as the most prominent candidate. An NFL insider and ESPN reporting have floated LaPorta — along with safety Brian Branch — as potential tag options if the Lions choose to delay a full extension. The tight end franchise tag has typically landed between $13 million and $14 million in recent seasons, with a modest increase expected as the salary cap rises. While Holmes has historically avoided the tag, LaPorta’s emergence as one of the league’s elite tight ends could force a tougher conversation if contract negotiations stall.
Branch also remains a theoretical option. Safety franchise tags generally range from $18 million to $20 million annually. Branch is coming off a torn Achilles injury, which could influence negotiations, but teams are permitted to use the franchise tag on injured players if they choose to do so.
February 23rd–March 2nd: NFL Combine
The NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis serves as one of the most critical evaluation periods of the offseason. More than 300 prospects are expected to attend, with upwards of 335 players invited this year.
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While drills such as the 40-yard dash, bench press, broad jump and vertical jump draw public attention, teams often place greater emphasis on medical evaluations and interviews. Prospects are required to disclose full medical histories, which can reveal injury concerns that may not be evident on game film. The combine also provides smaller-school prospects a chance to compete under the same conditions as players from major programs, helping teams create more accurate comparisons across draft boards.
March 9th–11th: Free agency “legal tampering” window
Free agency activity begins to accelerate with the opening of the NFL’s legal tampering window. During this 48-hour period, teams are allowed to negotiate with agents of impending unrestricted free agents, though contracts cannot be signed.
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Direct contact with players remains prohibited, and agreements reached are nonbinding until the new league year begins. In practice, however, the tampering window sets the free-agent market, with most major deals agreed to in principle before free agency officially opens.
March 11th at 4 PM: Free agency begins
When the new league year opens at 4 p.m. ET on March 11, teams are permitted to sign contracts and make transactions official. Several notable veterans could be available across the league, including center Tyler Linderbaum, cornerback Riq Woolen, safeties Kevin Byard and Kam Curl, edge rusher Khalil Mack and tight end Austin Hooper, among others.
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Detroit’s approach during the opening hours of free agency will offer insight into how aggressively the Lions plan to address roster needs versus relying on internal development and the draft.
April 23rd–25th: NFL Draft
The offseason culminates with the NFL Draft, where the Lions currently hold seven selections. Detroit owns the 17th overall pick in the first round and the 50th pick in the second round. The Lions do not have a third-round selection after trading it last year for wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, but they hold a fourth-round pick at No. 118, a fifth-round pick at No. 155, two sixth-round picks and a seventh-round pick.
How the Lions navigate these key dates will determine whether they can build on recent success and continue their push toward championship contention in the seasons ahead.