![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.profootballrumors.com\/files\/2025\/01\/USATSI_24994490-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nTogether, that trio enjoyed a strong run, with Johnson taking on offensive coordinator duties in 2022. The Lions posted an annual improvement in points allowed under Glenn, finishing seventh in that regard last season. Johnson, meanwhile, oversaw top-five scoring units in each year at the helm; Detroit led the NFL in points in 2024. Losing at least one \u2013 particularly Johnson, who jumped off the past two HC carousels to stay in Detroit \u2013 loomed as a possibility in recent years, and Campbell conceded after the season he expected both would be head coaches for the 2025 campaign.<\/p>\n
As such, it came as little surprise when Johnson and Glenn were hired. As expected, both were highly sought-after in this year\u2019s hiring cycle<\/a>, with the Jaguars, Raiders, Patriots and Saints either conducting or requesting an interview with one or both staffers before their respective decisions to join the Bears and Jets. In each case, 2025 will mark their first head coaching opportunities. While Glenn exited to an AFC rebuild, the Lions will be seeing plenty of Johnson due to his Chicago landing.<\/p>\n Campbell and the Lions did not cast a wide net in looking for replacement coordinators. No other candidate was linked to Detroit\u2019s OC gig prior to Morton\u2019s hire. Likewise, only Buccaneers LBs coach Larry Foote received an interview<\/a> before Sheppard was officially promoted. That approach was by design, as continuity was a top priority<\/a>.<\/p>\n Morton represents a new arrival after his two-year stint as the Broncos\u2019 pass-game coordinator, but he is no stranger to working alongside Campbell. In 2022, the two were colleagues when Morton served as a senior offensive assistant with the Lions. Upon returning, he will be tasked with maintaining the level of efficiency and creativity which defined Johnson\u2019s spell as offensive coordinator.<\/p>\n Morton, 55, has one season of NFL OC experience. It came with a 2017 Jets team effectively buying time until a 2018 QB investment. Todd Bowles fired Morton after that \u201917 season. Besides his 2022 Detroit stopover, Morton was on Jon Gruden\u2018s Raiders staff before landing in Denver once Sean Payton arrived.<\/p>\n His ability to keep Detroit\u2019s offense among the most productive and multifaceted in the league will be critical to the team\u2019s success moving forward. The Lions\u2019 core on that side of the ball is largely unchanged from 2024, but losing Engstrand and Randle El will deprive Morton of key assistants on the sidelines. Campbell has stepped in midseason with respect to offensive play-calling and planning in the past; Morton and Co. will certainly hope that will not be necessary in 2025. Shaw previously worked with Morton during Gruden\u2019s first Raiders stint. More recently, success occurred at the college level, including a lengthy run as Stanford\u2019s head coach. After receiving coaching interest in the pro ranks, Shaw returned to the NFL in a front office capacity with the Broncos. Johnson spoke with him about Chicago\u2019s offensive coordinator position before tapping another Denver staffer (Declan Doyle) for the gig. That paved the way for Shaw to head to Detroit and help fill the vacancy created by a notable exodus on the sidelines.<\/p>\n Given Campbell\u2019s approach to the hiring cycle, it is clear a major change in philosophy was not pursued during the efforts to replace Johnson and Glenn. If all goes according to plan, that stance could prove to be fruitful with the team managing to carry on en route to another strong season.<\/p>\n Sheppard in particular could experience growing pains in his new role, however. If that proves to be the case, concerns about further changes on Detroit\u2019s staff in the near future could increase. A defining 2025 storyline will be the team\u2019s ability to thrive with several new coaches being counted on to replicate past successes.<\/p>\n Free agency additions:<\/p>\n D.J. Reed<\/a>, CB. Three years, $48MM ($32MM guaranteed<\/a>) Throughout the 2024 campaign, it became increasingly clear Reed intended to test the open market for the second time in his career (having joined the Jets in 2022 on a three-year pact which proved to be a worthwhile investment). Naming a \u201cstable environment<\/a>\u201d as a top priority regarding his next destination, the 28-year-old hit free agency in position to once again land a multiyear commitment from a new team.<\/p>\n That proved the be the case with Reed\u2019s Lions pact, one worked out shortly after reports confirmed the Jets were not prepared to retain him<\/a>. New York already had a notable slot corner contract on the books (Michael Carter<\/a>) and, at the time, needed to budget for a massive Sauce Gardner<\/a> extension. The new Gardner deal has since been finalized with a market-resetting AAV of $30.1MM.<\/p>\n Reed did not approach that figure (as expected), but he secured a raise compared to the average annual value of his Jets contract. The former fifth-rounder allowed a completion percentage of 57.1% in 2024, the second-lowest figure of his career. If Reed \u2013 who has missed more than three games in a season only once in seven years \u2013 continues to be strong in coverage, he should manage to meet expectations with Detroit. A full-time starting spot is available to Reed, and he could form a strong tandem alongside Terrion Arnold<\/a> on the perimeter. The latter\u2019s rookie contract runs through at least 2027 (pending a fifth-year option decision), so his tenure on that pact will overlap entirely with Reed\u2019s $16MM-AAV deal. Continuity at the CB spot for years to come would certainly be welcomed in the secondary given Detroit\u2019s issues \u2013 injury-related and otherwise \u2013 in recent years.<\/p>\n While Reed will operate with the Lions\u2019 first-team defense, Maddox and Ya-Sin are each set to fill backup roles. Maddox\u2019s seven-year Eagles stint ended by means of a deal which falls well short of his 2021 extension in value but comes as little surprise after his low-cost return to Philadelphia upon being released last year. The Super Bowl champion will work as a top backup at safety as well as slot cornerback<\/a> in the Motor City.<\/p>\n Ya-Sin worked as a perimeter corner through college and his six years in the NFL. A move to safety<\/a> is in store for 2025, though, with the Lions aiming for experienced depth behind Kerby Joseph<\/a> and Brian Branch<\/a>. That tandem will be counted on to remain one of the league\u2019s best this season, but any missed time could lead to notable playing time in Ya-Sin\u2019s case. The 29-year-old play his way into a measure of stability with a strong year for Detroit, already his fifth career team.<\/p>\n Allen has bounced around since he started 12 games for the Panthers in 2019. The 29-year-old signed as a depth option under center, but Dan Campbell made it clear a path existed for him to claim the backup gig. Indeed, Allen outperformed<\/a> Hendon Hooker<\/a> during the summer, leading to the latter being let go. The QB2 spot will therefore belong to Allen in 2025. An extended stay in Detroit could be in store depending on how he fares if called into action in the regular season.<\/p>\n Injuries were a major issue in 2024 for the Lions, and (to a degree) they have already become noteworthy this season. Yeboah, Herron and Sutherland have each landed on injured reserve, ensuring they will not play in 2025.<\/p>\n Re-signings:<\/p>\n Derrick Barnes<\/a>, LB. Three years, $24MM ($16MM guaranteed<\/a>) Malcolm Rodriguez<\/a>\u2019s ACL tear \u2013 suffered last Thanksgiving \u2013 will see him miss time at the start of the season<\/a>. With the Lions shorthanded on the second level of their defense as a result, Barnes\u2019 ongoing presence will be particularly critical. A clean bill of health for the former fourth-rounder is being counted on given Detroit\u2019s investment. Barnes became a full-time starter in 2023, logging over 700 defensive snaps. A similar workload was in store the following year until a knee injury limited him to just three games. With no postseason return being viable, Barnes\u2019 free agent stock was in danger of taking a considerable hit. The choice to remain in Detroit will likely prove to be a sound one if he can avoid any further major ailments, though.<\/p>\n At the age of 26, Barnes should be able to maintain his previous level of play (which included 81 stops and five tackles for loss in 2023) over the course of his new deal. Provided that is the case, a strong trio alongside Rodriguez and Jack Campbell<\/a> (who is also attached to his rookie contract) should be in store at the linebacker spot. For at least one more year, that unit will be cost-effective even with Barnes\u2019 raise taken into account.<\/p>\n Back issues dating back to college were a talking point in Onwuzurike\u2019s case, especially when he missed the entire 2022 season. The Washington product managed to remain available after that point, logging 16 appearances and 10 starts last season. With only 1.5 sacks but an impressive 22 QB pressures accumulated in 2024, a new (albeit short-term) pact made sense for the Lions to retain Onwuzurike.<\/p>\n A healthy season from Davenport would be welcomed as a result. The former first-rounder played only four games during his NFC North debut with the Vikings in 2023. That was followed up by a Lions season which ended after just 89 defensive snaps. As expected, another one-year deal was in store with a drop in pay accompanying it.<\/p>\n Davenport\u2019s 2024 deal was for $6.5MM, but after spending much of last season on the sidelines he will see a notable drop in earning potential on his second Lions accord. A full campaign would still offer notable value to the team, though, as the 28-year-old could find himself as Detroit\u2019s top complementary option to Aidan Hutchinson<\/a> along the edge. A multiyear investment from the Lions next spring should be considered unlikely given their other financial priorities in the near future, but Davenport could play his way into one with a new suitor if he could avoid another major injury.<\/p>\n Notable losses:<\/p>\n Mitchell Agude<\/a>, LB (waived<\/a>) Playing through nagging injuries became a constant in Ragnow\u2019s case, especially near the end of his decorated career. He managed to play 15 or 16 games during each of the past three seasons, earning three of his four Pro Bowl nods during that span. In spite of that, Ragnow spent time after the 2024 campaign evaluating his status from a health standpoint and ultimately decided he was unable to continue playing. Following a stint at guard during his rookie campaign, the Arkansas product established himself as one of the league\u2019s best at his natural position. As such, Ragnow played a central role \u2013 literally and figuratively \u2013 in helping execute the Detroit rebuild undertaken in 2021. Two years remained on his contract, leading to the expectation at least one more season as an anchor up front would be in store.<\/p>\n Instead, Ragnow departed the league with roughly $57MM in career earnings and a legacy as one of the Lions\u2019 most important players of the current era. Replacing his consistent level of play, not to mention his leadership and experience, will be a pivotal challenge for the Lions. The team\u2019s play up front will be a question through the early stages of the 2025 campaign.<\/p>\n Just like D.J. Reed<\/a>, Davis represented one of the top free agent options not only at his position but throughout the league<\/a>. The two were also linked in the sense that a departure on the open market was widely expected come March, with both players having signed a three-year second contract helping them remain in good position to land a third while still in their prime.<\/p>\n As of late January, no talks on a new Davis deal<\/a> had taken place. The Lions invested their top two 2024 draft picks on corners (Terrion Arnold<\/a>, Ennis Rakestraw<\/a>), so spending big in this case would have come as a surprise. After being linked to the Jaguars, Davis ultimately signed with the Patriots<\/a>. He did so by once again taking a three-year pact, this time worth $18MM per year on average. In other words, Reed will be counted on to serve as Davis\u2019 replacement while playing on a slightly less lucrative pact of the same length.<\/p>\n Ragnow\u2019s departure is of course the most significant change up front for Detroit. Losing Zeitler as well should not be understated, though. The 35-year-old was a key figure up front in 2024, a season in which the Lions led the NFL in total offense and finished second in scoring. A new deal was discussed in Zeitler\u2019s case, but in the end he joined the Titans<\/a> as part of their renovations up front. The pact will allow the Pro Bowler to move further up the ranks regarding starts and appearances for guards (and offensive linemen in general) on his sixth career team while leaving a notable vacancy in Detroit.<\/p>\n Graham Glasgow<\/a> is certainly no stranger himself to playing time in league with 122 starts under his belt. That total includes 16 at the left guard spot with the Lions last year, a position which will be manned by Christian Mahogany<\/a> in 2025. Glasgow, meanwhile, will be tasked with handling center duties<\/a> as Ragnow\u2019s replacement. His ability to succeed in that role will be key determining the team\u2019s performance up front. Bridgewater\u2019s late Lions signing seemed to only be a brief return to the NFL. Had the former first-rounder\u2019s coaching plans worked out as he hoped, that would have indeed been the case. Instead, Bridgewater\u2019s suspension following one season coaching at the high school level opened the door to a resumption of his playing days.<\/p>\n The 32-year-old signed with Tampa Bay in August, unseating<\/a> Kyle Trask<\/a> as the backup along the way. His Detroit tenure did not last long, but Bridgewater\u2019s moves since it ended have certainly made for one of the more interesting comeback stories of the NFL this offseason.<\/p>\n Bridgewater surpassed Hooker on the Lions\u2019 quarterback depth chart late last season, a worrying sign for his future in the organization. The 2023 third-rounder did not see the field during his rookie season while recovering from the ACL tear which ended his productive run at Tennessee. Last season, Hooker attempted just nine passes as Jared Goff<\/a>\u00a0remained healthy. With a stalled development process, team and player agreed to move on. Hooker, 27, has since latched onto Carolina\u2019s practice squad<\/a>.<\/p>\n Extensions and restructures:<\/p>\n A long-term Joseph pact was mentioned as a priority following Detroit\u2019s playoff elimination. That remained the case in early April<\/a>, and weeks later a deal had been struck. At the time of signing, the extension was the most lucrative in NFL history for safeties. It was also a reflection of Joseph\u2019s importance to the Lions\u2019 secondary now and into the future.<\/p>\n The 24-year-old has served as a full-time starter since arriving in 2022. Over that span, he has totaled a league-leading 17 interceptions (including nine last season). Joseph also allowed just 19 completions as the nearest defender in 2024, and the former third-rounder will be counted on to remain a standout contributor in terms of ball production and coverage for years to come. Brian Branch<\/a> has two years left on his rookie deal, so the highly effective tandem with he and Joseph will continue through at least 2026. Joseph\u2019s pact averages $21.25MM per season (a slight uptick from Winfield\u2019s average annual value), but Kyle Hamilton<\/a>\u2019s new Ravens pact marks a clear market reset at $25.1MM annually<\/a>. The Joseph and Hamilton deals stand to benefit Branch down the road.<\/p>\n While his time atop the position\u2019s pecking order has proven to be short-lived, Joseph will be counted on to continue operating as a foundational member of Detroit\u2019s secondary. The unit\u2019s success over the coming years will be determined in no small part by his level of play.<\/p>\n Anzalone made it known at the outset of training camp he was \u201cdisappointed<\/a>\u201d by the fact no talks had taken place on a new contract. Days later, a report confirmed no extension is forthcoming<\/a> in the 30-year-old\u2019s case. Anzalone worked out a compromise which could result in up to $1MM in new earnings for 2025. His free agent market will depend on how the coming season plays out, but in any event a short-term boost will be welcomed by a player who has operated as a first-team mainstay through four Lions campaigns to date.<\/p>\n Trades:<\/p>\n Patrick was retained on a one-year, $2.5MM<\/a> deal in March. That pact was a far cry from the $10MM-per-year extension he once landed with Denver, but it marked a raise from his 2024 Lions accord. Patrick\u2019s compensation is guaranteed in full, but it will now come from a Jaguars team which renovated much of its receiving corps in the first spring with James Gladstone and Liam Coen at the helm. The Jags have Brian Thomas Jr.<\/a>, Travis Hunter <\/a>and Dyami Brown<\/a> in place at the WR spot; Patrick will add a veteran starting-caliber presence to that mix.<\/p>\n Detroit, meanwhile, still has Amon-Ra St. Brown<\/a> on the books through 2028 thanks to his massive extension signed last offseason. Jameson Williams<\/a> is set to reprise his role as the No. 2 option and one of the league\u2019s top deep threats. Kalif Raymond<\/a> has one year remaining on his pact, and while his snap share has decreased over each of his three Lions campaigns the Patrick trade \u2014 which came about after multiple teams showed interest<\/a> \u2014 could result in a WR3 role for 2025.<\/p>\n Draft:<\/p>\n Round 1, No. 28:\u00a0Tyleik Williams<\/a>\u00a0(DT, Ohio State) (signed<\/a>) Finding productive contributors through the draft has been a staple of the Holmes-Campbell era. The Lions have not hesitated to prioritize non-traditional positions early in the draft, but 2024 saw needs receive the most attention. Early impacts on both sides of the line of scrimmage will be sought out. Prior to the Williams selection, efforts were made to trade up. An edge rusher was the target<\/a> of such a move, which comes as little surprise given Detroit\u2019s depth issues showcased when Aidan Hutchinson<\/a> and Marcus Davenport<\/a> were lost to injuries in 2024. With no swap being worked out, the Lions stood pat at No. 28.<\/p>\n Doing so allowed them to make Williams the fifth defensive tackle selected on Day 1. The four-year Buckeye only started during his junior and senior campaigns, but during that span Williams became a key figure along the defensive front. He only totaled 5.5 sacks in 2023 and \u201924, but the All-Big Ten producer showcased a high-end ability to defend against the run with 18 tackles for loss. Williams should have a rotational role available right away with Levi Onwuzurike<\/a> out for the season and Alim McNeill<\/a> set to miss at least the first four weeks of the campaign<\/a>.<\/p>\n McNeill is attached to a long-term accord, but Onwuzurike\u2019s status as a pending free agent means Williams could replace him now and in the future. D.J. Reader<\/a> is also entering the final year of his contract. A full-time starting role \u2013 particularly on early downs \u2013 should be in store no later than 2026 in Williams\u2019 case.<\/p>\n Detroit\u2019s first-round selection in PFR\u2019s mock draft<\/a>, Ratledge remained on the board well into Round 2 but nevertheless wound up in the Motor City. The 24-year-old missed a total of 20 games during his tenure at Georgia, but when on the field he was among the top interior blockers in the country. Ratledge worked as the Bulldogs\u2019 right guard from 2022 onwards after being limited to just one game the previous campaign.<\/p>\n A no-star recruit, TeSlaa began his college career at Division II Hillsdale. A strong transition from high school quarterback to wideout at the collegiate level was followed by a transfer to the SEC. Two seasons with the Razorbacks did not result in eye-catching production but it did cement his status as one of the more intriguing developmental WR prospects. He prompted the Lions to trade up 32 spots in Round 3, highlighting big plans for the rookie.<\/p>\n TeSlaa enters a situation with Amon-Ra St. Brown<\/a>, Jameson Williams<\/a> and tight end Sam LaPorta<\/a> entrenched as central pass-catching figures. Kalif Raymond<\/a> departing next spring could create a vacancy for a regular complementary receiver role, though. TeSlaa will have plenty of time to develop given the options above him on the depth chart.<\/p>\n Other:<\/p>\n Hutchinson picked up where he left off early last season, piling up 7.5 sacks in less than five full games. That Defensive Player of the Year bid came to an abrupt end due to a fractured leg, but as expected it has done little to change Detroit\u2019s view of him in terms of financial planning. The Michigan product, who still led the Lions in sacks last season despite only finishing four games, is under contract through 2026 thanks to the option decision.<\/p>\n Making sure Hutchinson is in place well past that point has been discussed several times this offseason. Upon receiving full medical clearance, the 25-year-old has increasingly become the focus of contract talks. The Lions spent big on in-house players last year and maintaining their core will require further lucrative investments. Hutchinson is chief among the players on that list.<\/p>\n General manager Brad Holmes is well aware of that fact, and he noted in April<\/a> the rising pass rush market would drive up the price of a second Hutchinson contract. Indeed, the EDGE benchmark has moved from $34MM per season at the start of the offseason all the way to $46.5MM annually thanks to the Packers extension<\/a> Micah Parsons<\/a> signed following his blockbuster trade from the Cowboys. Hutchinson stands to benefit from that development whenever his new Detroit deal is finalized. Williams\u2019 future, on the other hand, has seemed far less certain in recent months. His connection to a gun incident in 2024 was the subject of an internal police review but did not lead to charges or a suspension<\/a>. That was of course welcomed news given the Alabama product\u2019s past bans for gambling and PED usage. Prior to his option being picked up, rumors about a potential trade swirled in this case.<\/p>\n Holmes was quick to shoot down the thought<\/a> of dealing Williams, something evidenced by the fact he too will be in place for at least another two seasons. By the time he was recovered from the ACL tear which ended his college career, Williams did not have the opportunity to make an impact as a rookie. An 11-game follow-up season offered promise as a deep threat, though, and last season he finished sixth in the NFL with a 17.3 yards-per-reception average.<\/p>\n Williams, 24, managed to crack 1,000 yards in 2024 while adding seven touchdowns. Another campaign with similar production would increase the value of a potential Lions extension or at least the chance of a lucrative pact coming from another team. Much of Detroit\u2019s offensive nucleus already has a big-ticket contract or (in the case of Jahmyr Gibbs<\/a> and Sam LaPorta<\/a>) will need one in the near future. Whether or not room ends up existing for Williams as well will be interesting to see starting next offseason.<\/p>\n Smith hinted at a Lions trade shortly after Hutchinson went down, so it came as little surprise when one was worked out. The three-time Pro Bowler posted four sacks in eight regular-season contests with Detroit and expressed a desire to remain in place for 2025. Talks on a re-signing have taken place<\/a>, but at this point no agreement is expected. Smith remains one of the most experienced and accomplished pass rushers still on the market days before Week 1.<\/p>\n Top 10 cap charges for 2025:<\/p>\n Jared Goff<\/a>, QB: $32.6MM Thanks to their respective 2024 extensions, Goff, St. Brown and Sewell are in line to see their cap charges soar in 2026. That will of course be an important factor in future financial planning, especially since Hutchinson is not alone as a prime candidate for a massive Lions extension. Between dead money charges and the implications of various injures, Detroit\u2019s 2025 books already account for roughly $36MM in cap hits from players who will not be on the field this year.<\/p>\n The Lions\u2019 regular-season schedule includes 11 games against 2024 playoff teams, tied for the most with the Eagles. Getting past the Super Bowl champions at some point in the postseason could very well prove necessary after the two teams were denied a matchup last year due to Detroit\u2019s upset loss to Washington. Changes up front and a combination of new and lingering injuries on defense will need to be navigated in the meantime.<\/p>\n As long as Campbell remains in place and the Lions continue to find success in the draft, a strong core should be present in the Motor City. Regression on at least one side of the ball would come as little surprise given the exodus amongst the coaching staff, however, and the play of Detroit\u2019s offensive line will be a question mark. Even so, another strong campaign as well as a run to the Super Bowl is not difficult to envision with this group.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Over the course of the Brad Holmes-Dan Campbell era, the Lions have emerged as one of the NFL\u2019s…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":336783,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2071],"tags":[146,113,2506,7,147,6,35822,4442],"class_list":{"0":"post-336782","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-detroit-lions","8":"tag-detroit","9":"tag-detroit-lions","10":"tag-detroitlions","11":"tag-football","12":"tag-lions","13":"tag-nfl","14":"tag-offseason-in-review","15":"tag-pfr-originals"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/115137046593369538","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/336782","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=336782"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/336782\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/336783"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=336782"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=336782"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=336782"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}<\/a>Sheppard played eight seasons in the NFL, his final campaign coming as a member of the Lions. The 37-year-old\u2019s coaching career began with Detroit in 2021 under Campbell and included the role of inside linebackers coach for the past three seasons. Taking charge of the team\u2019s defense will be a notable step up in responsibility and mark the first time in Sheppard\u2019s career he will handle play-calling duties. His initial year in that capacity will take place without Williams, who spent one season in Detroit in a familiar capacity before landing his first coordinator opportunity with New England.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nRoy Lopez<\/a>, DT. One year, $3.5MM ($3.5MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nAvonte Maddox<\/a>, DB. One year, $1.42MM ($1.2MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nGrant Stuard<\/a>, LB. One year, $1.17MM ($1.17MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nKenny Yeboah<\/a>, TE. One year, $1.38MM ($483K guaranteed<\/a>)
\nKyle Allen<\/a>, QB. One year, $1.27MM ($100K guaranteed<\/a>)
\nZach Cunningham<\/a>, LB. One year, $1.26MM<\/a>
\nRock Ya-Sin<\/a>, DB. One year, $1.17MM<\/a>
\nJustin Herron<\/a>, OL. One year, $1.17MM<\/a>
\nKeaton Sutherland<\/a>, OL. Signed 8\/10<\/a>
\nTrystan Colon<\/a>, OL. Practice squad<\/a>
\nJacob Saylors<\/a>, RB. Practice squad<\/a>
\nAndre Carter<\/a>, DE. Practice squad<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>After doling out a slew of big-ticket extensions last offseason, the Lions entered free agency knowing more new deals for some of their foundational players would be needed. As expected, then, March proved to be quiet in terms of notable outside additions.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Lopez has served as a full-time starter in three of his four seasons to date while handling an extremely consistent workload along the way. The former sixth-rounder handled a snap share between 45% and 48% during both of his campaigns in Houston and Arizona. A similar workload in 2025 would come as no surprise, although a heavier usage rate could be required early based on the Lions\u2019 health situation along the defensive interior.<\/p>\n
\nLevi Onwuzurike<\/a>, DT. One year, $4MM ($3.5MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nMarcus Davenport<\/a>, DE. One year, $2.5MM ($1.65MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nAl-Quadin Muhammad<\/a>, DE. One year, $1.42MM ($918K guaranteed<\/a>)
\nKhalil Dorsey<\/a>, CB. One year, $1.65MM ($300K guaranteed<\/a>)
\nKayode Awosika<\/a>, OL. One year, $1.4MM ($300K guaranteed<\/a>)
\nPat O\u2019Connor<\/a>, DE. One year, $1.42MM ($100K guaranteed<\/a>)
\nShane Zylstra<\/a>, TE. One year, $1.1MM<\/a>
\nCraig Reynolds<\/a>, RB. One year, $1.32MM<\/a>
\nZeke Turner<\/a>, LB. One year, $1.26MM<\/a>
\nMyles Adams<\/a>, DT. Practice squad<\/a>
\nMichael Niese<\/a>, OL. Practice squad<\/a>
\nAnthony Pittman<\/a>, LB. Practice squad<\/a>
\nDan Skipper<\/a>, T. Practice squad<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Unfortunately, a summer ACL tear<\/a> will keep the 27-year-old sidelined for the entire season. That will hinder his market next spring and keep the Lions shorthanded along the defensive interior. Alim McNeill<\/a> is ahead of schedule<\/a> in rehabbing his own ACL tear, but missed time during the fall is still in store. Especially with Onwuzurike out of the picture as well, the play of Detroit\u2019s defensive front will be an area of concern early on.<\/p>\n
\nTeddy Bridgewater<\/a>, QB
\nCarlton Davis<\/a>, CB
\nJake Fromm<\/a>, QB (waived<\/a>)
\nAntoine Green<\/a>, WR (waived-injured<\/a>)
\nHendon Hooker<\/a>, QB (waived<\/a>)
\nTom Kennedy<\/a>, WR (released<\/a>)
\nIfeatu Melifonwu<\/a>, S
\nBrodric Martin<\/a>, DL (waived<\/a>)
\nNetane Muti<\/a>, G (released<\/a>)
\nMorice Norris<\/a>, S (waived<\/a>)
\nKyle Peko<\/a>, DT
\nFrank Ragnow<\/a>, C (retired<\/a>)
\nStantley Thomas-Oliver<\/a>, CB (released with injury designation<\/a>)
\nKindle Vildor<\/a>, CB
\nJonah Williams<\/a>, DT
\nKevin Zeitler<\/a>, G<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Davis, 28, served as a full-time starter during his seven years with the Buccaneers. A 2024 offseason trade saw him play out the final year of his second contract in Detroit, and the Super Bowl winner enjoyed a strong campaign. Limited to 13 games due to a broken jaw, Davis posted career bests in completion percentage, passer rating and yards per target allowed. That helped ensure a raise would be in store.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>When Antoine Winfield<\/a> Jr.<\/a> signed his Buccaneers extension in 2024, it marked the first time the NFL\u2019s highest-paid defensive back was a safety. Since then, the cornerback market has surged back ahead, but Joseph was still able to benefit from the upward movement of both positions when inking his deal. The agreement came as little surprise when it was finalized.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Patrick\u2019s value was on the rise based on strong Broncos seasons in 2020 and \u201921. The former UDFA\u2019s career was then derailed by injuries, though. Patrick suffered ACL and Achilles tears in consecutive training camps, threatening his NFL future. 2024 saw him remain healthy with the Lions, and a complementary role resulted in a 33-394-3 statline.<\/p>\n
\nRound 2, No. 57 (from Rams through Panthers and Broncos):\u00a0Tate Ratledge<\/a>\u00a0(G, Georgia) (signed<\/a>)
\nRound 3, No. 70 (from Jaguars):\u00a0Isaac TeSlaa<\/a>\u00a0(WR, Arkansas) (signed<\/a>)
\nRound 5, No. 171 (from Cowboys through Patriots): Miles Frazier<\/a>\u00a0(G, LSU) (signed<\/a>)
\nRound 6, No. 196 (from Buccaneers):\u00a0Ahmed Hassanein<\/a>\u00a0(OLB, Boise State) (waived-injured<\/a>)
\nRound 7, No. 230 (from Cardinals through Panthers and Broncos):\u00a0Dan Jackson<\/a>\u00a0(S, Georgia) (signed<\/a>)
\nRound 7, No. 244:\u00a0Dominic Lovett<\/a>\u00a0(WR, Georgia) (signed<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>The interior of Detroit\u2019s O-line will be a talking point early this season in particular. Ratledge acclimating to the NFL quickly \u2013 something which will of course be aided by playing next to Penei Sewell<\/a> \u2013 would be critical for the Lions\u2019 offense. A first-team All-SEC blocker and first-team All-American selection in 2024, he could serve as a mainstay up front for years to come (whether at guard or center) if he reaches his potential.<\/p>\n<\/a>The Jaguars\u2019 decision to take Travon Walker<\/a> first overall in 2022 has looked better after consecutive 10-sack seasons. Still, criticism aimed at Jacksonville\u2019s since-expelled regime has been based largely on Hutchinson\u2019s quick ascent into one of the game\u2019s top defenders. The No. 2 pick was the runner-up in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting before landing a Pro Bowl nod in 2023.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nTaylor Decker<\/a>, LT: $23.01MM
\nAmon-Ra St. Brown<\/a>, WR: $13.91MM
\nD.J. Reader<\/a>, DT: $12.93MM
\nAidan Hutchinson<\/a>, DE: $11.36MM
\nPenei Sewell<\/a>, RT: $9.54MM
\nDavid Montgomery<\/a>, RB: $8.28MM
\nAlex Anzalone<\/a>, LB: $7.45MM
\nGraham Glasgow<\/a>, C: $7.44MM
\nKalif Raymond<\/a>, WR: $6.95MM<\/p>\n