As free agency begins to slow across the NFL, the Detroit Lions remain among the league’s most active teams. General manager Brad Holmes has added 10 new players while re-signing five of Detroit’s own. At the same time, nine former Lions have departed for other teams. Despite that turnover, Detroit appears to have improved in several key areas, turning potential losses into upgrades through a combination of youth, versatility and scheme fit.

While the Lions have not made a splashy, headline-grabbing signing, their approach has focused on strengthening depth and raising the overall floor of the roster. Here is a closer look at three of the most notable upgrades Detroit has made this offseason.

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1. Cade Mays, Center

One of the most significant changes comes at center, where Cade Mays steps in following the departure of Frank Ragnow. Last season marked Detroit’s first without Ragnow anchoring the offensive line, and the results were uneven. Veteran Graham Glasgow filled in but struggled to produce at a high level.

According to Pro Football Focus, Glasgow posted a 56.8 overall grade, ranking 33rd out of 40 qualifying centers. His run-blocking grade ranked 36th, while his pass-blocking grade came in at 28th. Those numbers highlighted inconsistency in both phases of the game.

Mays, meanwhile, offers both youth and upside. At eight years younger than Glasgow, he brings developmental potential along with encouraging production from last season. Mays did not allow a single sack and earned a 62.4 overall PFF grade, ranking 24th among centers. His 69.4 pass-blocking grade ranked 13th, a notable improvement over Glasgow’s performance, while his 58.4 run-blocking grade placed him 33rd.

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Though Mays is not yet an elite option, his trajectory suggests growth. For a Lions offense built around protecting quarterback Jared Goff and sustaining an efficient passing attack, improved interior protection could prove critical.

2. DJ Wonnum, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker

The addition of DJ Wonnum may not stand out at first glance, especially when compared to the production of Al-Quadin Muhammad, who recorded 11.5 sacks last season. However, a deeper look suggests Wonnum could provide more consistent value.

Muhammad’s 2025 campaign appears to be an outlier. Prior to last season, he had only one year with more than four sacks in his first seven seasons. Wonnum, on the other hand, has demonstrated steadier production. In six NFL seasons, he has recorded at least four sacks four times and posted two separate seasons with eight sacks.

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Beyond pass rushing, Wonnum’s versatility strengthens his case as an upgrade. He is capable of playing both defensive end and outside linebacker, giving Detroit more flexibility in defensive packages. His contributions against the run are also notable. Wonnum logged 271 run-defense snaps last season, compared to just 83 for Muhammad, indicating a more complete skill set.

For a Lions defense looking to improve consistency and adaptability, Wonnum’s ability to contribute in multiple phases could be more valuable than a single season of elevated sack production.

3. Teddy Bridgewater, Quarterback

The return of Teddy Bridgewater is less about on-field production and more about leadership. Detroit attempted to bring Bridgewater back last season, but he instead spent time coaching high school football in Florida before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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While Bridgewater may not represent a significant upgrade over Kyle Allen purely from a performance standpoint, his presence in the locker room carries weight. He has built a reputation as a steady veteran and mentor, particularly for younger players.

One example is wide receiver Jameson Williams, who benefited from Bridgewater’s guidance during challenging stretches early in his career. Following Bridgewater’s return, Williams publicly expressed excitement, highlighting the quarterback’s impact beyond the field.

Bridgewater is unlikely to see significant playing time, especially with Goff having started every game over the past four seasons. However, his experience and leadership provide valuable insurance and stability at the position.

Outlook

Detroit’s offseason strategy has centered on incremental improvement rather than blockbuster moves. While some fans may have hoped for a major acquisition, Holmes has instead prioritized depth and long-term roster health.

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If the Lions can remain healthy, particularly on offense, they have the foundation of a team capable of competing at the highest level. With parity across the NFL, a strong draft class could further elevate Detroit into true Super Bowl contention. The Lions also remain one of the youngest teams in the league, positioning them well for sustained success in the years ahead.