A tumultuous week of NFL free agency cost the Lions an unusually large number of talented teammates. However, Brad Holmes made some cost-effective, savvy moves that significantly strengthened the Lions’ secondary and offensive line.

Grading The Detroit Lions’ and Brad Holmes Free Agency Moves 

The avalanche of losses in Detroit began even before free agency started, with the trade of David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. The same day, the Lions released offensive line veteran Graham Glasgow.  Shortly thereafter, Taylor Decker requested his release. Presumably, Detroit’s front office couldn’t meet his salary demands, and a talented foundational player was sacrificed for much-needed salary cap dollars. Injury-plagued DE Josh Paschal soon became another cap casualty.

Then, as soon as the Legal Tampering period opened, the team’s highest-value free agents, Alex Anzalone and Al-Quadin Muhammad, were quickly snapped up by competing teams. Other free agent losses, including Amik Robertson, Kalif Raymond, Roy Lopez, Kyle Allen, Grant Stuard, and Tyrus Wheat, quickly followed.

The Lions’ Offensive Line, The Number One Free Agency Priority 

One of the biggest areas of need was bolstering the Lions’ injury-laden offensive line. Without the elite strength of Pro Bowl talent Frank Ragnow and the remaining players constantly dealing with injuries last year, the line was mired in dysfunction. Missed assignment, verbal miscues, and inadequate protection resulted. An ever-shifting roster of inexperienced players and rotational backups couldn’t replicate what had previously been one of the NFL’s top offensive lines.

Holmes Begins Rebuilding the Lions’ Offensive Line 

Holmes’s immediate priority in free agency was acquiring a proven starting center. But he needed to do so without breaking the bank. His acquisition of Carolina Panthers Cade Mays fit the Lions’ most pressing need and checked all the boxes. Furthermore, it allows promising second-year player Tate Ratledge to continue developing his skill set at guard rather than forcing him to become an NFL center.

In signing Mays, the Lions have a ready-made impact player with superior pass protection skills who will stabilize the gap at center. In addition, the Houston trade for Montgomery brought the addition of Juice Scruggs, a versatile lineman who can play guard and be a backup center. 

After signing Mays, Holmes signed Miami Dolphins’ offensive lineman Larry Borom. Drafted by the Chicago Bears, the 6’5″, 325 lb., Detroit native has experience playing both tackle positions and should pair nicely with Pro Bowl tackle Penei Sewell. 

Grading Lions’ Free Agency Offensive Line Acquisitions 

As expected, the Lions’ salary cap issues prevented Holmes from targeting the premier free agents. While other teams were splashing out a lot of cash to acquire the biggest names, Detroit’s front office was very quiet early on. 

Nonetheless, when Holmes did make a move, it was an impressive one. In acquiring Mays, he addressed the team’s biggest need while adhering to the budget. Now, with all three offensive line players joining Ratledge and Sewell, Detroit’s offensive line is significantly improved. Holmes got the biggest bang for his buck in signing Mays to a multi-year deal while acquiring Scruggs and Borum on low-cost one-year deals.  

Free Agency Offensive Line Grade: B+

The Lions’ Injury-Depleted Secondary

One of the biggest issues facing the Lions this offseason is the injury-depleted secondary. When the NFL’s top safety duo, Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, succumbed to serious injuries this past season, along with second-year starter Terrion Arnold, it signaled the end of Detroit’s postseason dreams. The simultaneous absence of all three starters created a gap the Lions’ roster couldn’t adequately cover. 

Now, looking ahead to 2026, Branch’s return from IR isn’t expected till November. The nature and severity of Joseph’s injury have not been revealed. Arnold is facing potentially serious legal issues. The roster availability of all three is in jeopardy. Therefore, Holmes must come up with an alternate plan.  

Holmes, Rebuilding the Lions’ Depleted Secondary

Re-signing cornerback Rock Ya-Sin to a one-year contract and providing Nick Whiteside with an ERFA tender, Holmes began by rewarding the reserves who stepped up admirably last season.

Far down the depth chart behind Arnold, D.J. Reed, and Amik Robertson, Ya-Sin wasn’t expected to be a starter. However, in the wake of injuries to Arnold and Reed, he became the next man up. Finishing the year with 45 tackles (36 solo), nine pass defenses, and three pressures, Ya-Sin proved to be more than a competent backup. Surrendering one touchdown, he earned a 62.8  PFF grade in 611 snaps.

Former UFL cornerback Nick Whiteside, an Auburn Hills, MI native, made his NFL debut in Week 7. Playing in front of friends and family, against Tampa Bay, he caused quite a sensation with the “Legion of Whom.” Brilliantly defending an end zone pass along with two other pass defenses, and two solo tackles, Whiteside earned a locker room game ball from Dan Campbell.  

Jan 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Christian Izien (29) reacts after a missed field goal by the Carolina Panthers in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Holmes Signs Free Agency Players For Lions’ Secondary

Holmes made a great find with Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ safety Christian Izien. With his ability to play multiple positions and “do it all,” the Bucs fan-favorite is likely to become an immediate impact player. At 5’10” and 197 lbs., Izien has heard the commentary that he’s “undersized.” But he lets his performance speak for itself. Appearing in 31 games for Tampa Bay with 14 starts, he recorded 165 tackles, three interceptions, five pass defenses, and three forced fumbles. 

At his introductory press conference on Friday, Izien stated confidently, “Anytime I am close to the football or close to the line of scrimmage, I can have an impact. Whether that’s blitzing, covering, playing zone, playing man, being close to the football is always a plus for somebody like me. I’m not the biggest guy on the field, I know that, so I have to find ways to be effective by using my speed, my athleticism to be able to affect the game.”      

Next, Holmes added Los Angeles Rams’ cornerback Roger McCreary. Drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2022, he started all 17 games at cornerback. In his impressive rookie campaign, McCreary recorded 84 tackles, one interception, and eight PDFs. In 2023, he was moved to nickelback, where he appeared in 15 games with 11 starts. Posting 86 tackles, two sacks, six pass defenses, one interception, and a forced fumble, McCreary demonstrated another strong performance.

Last October. McCreary was traded to the Rams. Playing a limited role in L.A., he injured his hip in late November. Placed on IR, McCreary missed several weeks.  

Grading Lions’ Free Agency Secondary Acquisitions

Facing a situation where he needed to fill a major gap in the secondary, Holmes made a couple of solid pickups. Izien appears to be a strong starting player, and McCreary offers veteran depth to compete alongside Reed and safety Dan Jackson. 

Additionally, the Lions have Thomas Harper and Ennis Rakestraw. The concern with Rakestraw is his ongoing litany of injuries. Entering his third year at cornerback, Rakestraw only appeared in a handful of games for Detroit with zero starts. He remains an unknown entity. Unrestricted free agents Arthur Maulet and Avonte Maddox are also possibilities who can provide further depth.

While Holmes found low-risk, potentially high-reward options with Izien and McCreary, the Lions’ secondary still feels weaker than it was heading into the 2025 season with Joseph and Branch on the roster. Detroit is still in need of a quality first-round draft prospect like Dillon Thieneman.  

 Free Agency Secondary Grade: B
Final Thoughts On Lions Free Agency Period:

In re-signing quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, Holmes brought back a reliable team leader who is familiar with the Lions’ offense. Additionally, the signing of tight end Tyler Conklin provides potential starting depth, with both Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright’s return dates from injured reserve uncertain. Bridgewater and Conklin are talented, reliable players who provide security and depth.

Losing David Montgomery in free agency still stings. However, he deservedly wanted a bigger role. Isiah Pacheco is a talented power running back who could pair well with Jahmyr Gibbs. His frequent injury history is a concern. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see what Drew Petzing can do to re-establish Detroit’s superior two-back ground game.   

Overall, Holmes did well in securing some much-needed depth pieces and improving the roster in key areas. Except for Mays, all of the free agency signings were low-cost one-year contracts that won’t adversely impact the Lions’ salary cap. However, one head-scratching move that still doesn’t make sense is the loss of EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad. Muhammad was a proven talent who paired exceptionally well with Aidan Hutchinson. To lose him in free agency for a one-year contract valued up to $6 million feels like a mistake. Hopefully, it’s one that Holmes will rectify in the draft. The good news is that there is a lot of potential with one of the deepest EDGE classes in recent years.