Detroit Lions Face Tough Free Agency Decisions: Who Stays and Who Goes?
The Free Agency Frenzy Begins
The NFL offseason is about to heat up, and all eyes are on the Detroit Lions as they navigate the complexities of free agency. While the team has already locked in key players, several names remain on the table, and determining who stays and who goes will be a crucial step toward maintaining their competitive edge. With expert projections on potential contract values, let’s dive into what it might take to keep some of these familiar faces in Detroit.
Evaluating the Lions’ Free Agents
Before free agency officially kicks off, Detroit’s front office must decide which players are worth retaining and at what cost. Cap expert Joshua Queipo has provided projected contract estimates, shedding light on what the Lions might need to pay to secure their top free agents.
Projected Contracts for Key Free Agents
- Kevin Zeitler: 1 year, $7.75 million
- Levi Onwuzurike: 2 years, $28 million ($14 million per year)
- Ifeatu Melifonwu: 1 year, $3.75 million
- Derrick Barnes: 1 year, $4.25 million
- Dan Skipper: 1 year, $2 million
- Ben Niemann: 1 year, $1.17 million
- Pat O’Connor: 1 year, $1.17 million
- Craig Reynolds: 1 year, $1.17 million
- Kindle Vildor: 1 year, $1.17 million
- Khalil Dorsey: 1 year, $1.17 million
- Trevor Nowaske: 1 year, $1.03 million
- Connor Galvin: 1 year, $1.03 million
- Myles Adams: 1 year, $1.17 million
- Kayode Awosika: 1 year, $1.1 million
Short-Term Deals Dominate Detroit’s Plans
Interestingly, the Lions aren’t expected to sign many of their free agents to long-term contracts. Instead, most deals will likely be one-year agreements, allowing the team to maintain flexibility moving forward. While this might seem unusual, it makes sense given Detroit’s strategy of retaining premier players before they even reach free agency.
Key Factors in Decision-Making
The Lions’ front office will weigh several factors when determining who to keep, including age, free-agent status, injury history, and overall impact on the team.
Age Considerations
One of the biggest names on the list is Kevin Zeitler, who turns 35 this week. Given his age, it’s unlikely he secures a multi-year deal, whether in Detroit or elsewhere. For the Lions, this means deciding if a short-term investment in the veteran lineman is worth it.
Injury Concerns
Players like Ifeatu Melifonwu and Derrick Barnes present more complicated cases. While both have shown flashes of strong play, injuries have hindered their ability to contribute consistently. Melifonwu has yet to complete a full season at a high level, and his 2025 campaign was marred by two stints on injured reserve. Barnes was outstanding in 2023 but only played three games in 2024 due to injuries.
Restricted and Exclusive Rights Free Agents
Many of the players on Detroit’s free-agent list fall into the categories of restricted or exclusive rights free agents. These players typically receive similar contract offers, limiting their ability to negotiate elsewhere. This dynamic makes it easier for the Lions to retain depth pieces without breaking the bank.
The Big Picture
Ultimately, the Lions’ free-agency strategy will focus on balancing short-term deals with maintaining financial flexibility for future roster moves. While big-money contracts may not be on the table for many of these free agents, strategic signings will be essential to keeping Detroit competitive in the upcoming season.
With free agency about to unfold, Lions fans will be eagerly watching to see which familiar faces remain and which new names join the roster. One thing is certain—Detroit’s front office has some critical decisions to make in the coming weeks.
