Detroit Lions Stay Quiet in Free Agency, but Is There a Bigger Plan in Motion?

A Slow Start Sparks Concern Among Fans
The Detroit Lions have been uncharacteristically quiet in the early days of NFL free agency, bringing in only one external player—cornerback D.J. Reed. As the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings make aggressive moves to bolster their rosters, many Lions fans are growing uneasy, fearing that Detroit is falling behind in the race to build a championship-caliber defense.

It’s easy to see why concern is mounting. The Lions’ defense struggled down the stretch last season, culminating in a disappointing playoff exit. However, what is often overlooked is the sheer number of injuries the team endured. Key starters were sidelined, forcing Detroit to field a depleted lineup in crucial moments.

A Cornerback Target Years in the Making
While the focus has been on what the Lions haven’t done, it’s important to recognize that they have finally landed a player they’ve had their eye on for years. D.J. Reed’s signing addresses a long-standing need at cornerback, a position that was exposed multiple times in 2024.

It’s also worth remembering how dominant Detroit’s defense was at the start of last season. Through Week 10, the Lions boasted the second-best pass defense and the fifth-best run defense in the league, according to DVOA metrics. The defensive collapse that followed wasn’t due to poor roster construction—it was a result of devastating injuries.

Alex Anzalone, Alim McNeil, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Carlton Davis were just a few of the key contributors lost during the second half of the season. With those players expected to return healthy in 2025, Detroit’s defense could once again be among the league’s elite.

Why Analysts Still Believe in the Lions
Despite the lack of flashy free-agent signings, NFL analysts are still high on the Lions’ roster. ESPN’s analytics expert Mike Clay currently ranks Detroit’s defense as the fifth-best in the league after the first two days of free agency.

Meanwhile, the Lions’ offense is graded even higher—coming in at fourth overall. While the Bears and Vikings have been aggressive in free agency, their defenses are ranked seventh and eighth, respectively. This suggests that, despite the headlines surrounding their signings, Detroit is still viewed as the most well-rounded team in the NFC North.

Patience Might Be the Best Strategy
For fans hoping to see a big splash move—particularly for a pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson—the wait may feel frustrating. However, the Lions don’t need to overpay or make short-sighted decisions just to keep up with their division rivals.

The new league year officially begins on Wednesday, and many deals will start to take shape after that point. Detroit still has time to make smart, calculated moves that improve the roster without mortgaging the future.

While patience isn’t always easy, it might just be the key to ensuring the Lions remain a serious contender in 2025 and beyond.