The news is a mild surprise because Agude was an exclusive rights free agent at the beginning of the year. That means the Lions had the option to tender him, and Agude would only have two options: sign the minimum-salary one-year deal or sit out the entire season. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions did not offer Agude the ERFA tender, which typically means they are letting that player hit unrestricted free agency.

Regardless, Agude is back, although contract terms were not immediately available.

Agude spent most of the 2023 season—his rookie year—on the Lions’ practice squad. After re-signing with Detroit last year, he, again, spent most of 2024 on the practice squad. However, when injuries hit late in the season, Agude was on the active roster for the final four regular season games. He appeared on 40 defensive snaps and 55 special teams snaps, finishing the season with three tackles and a forced fumble.

At 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, Agude is on the smaller end for a Lions defensive end, but he gives Detroit an option as a SAM linebacker depth piece. Agude had a strong preseason with the Lions, leading the team with 12 tackles, while also notching two for loss and another forced fumble.

As of now, the Lions’ edge defender room looks like this: Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, Isaac Ukwu, Nate Lynn, Derrick Barnes, and Agude.

Keep up to date on the latest Lions free agency moves with our 2025 Detroit Lions offseason tracker and contract/depth chart tracker.