After the 2025 NFL Draft, Here Are 8 Remaining Free Agents the Detroit Lions Could Sign to Bolster Their Roster
With the 2025 NFL Draft now in the books, attention shifts to the next phase of roster building: post-draft free agency. For the Detroit Lions, a team on the cusp of sustained contention after consecutive playoff appearances, this period offers a valuable opportunity to round out the roster with experienced veterans who can fill depth gaps, provide leadership, and potentially even start. General manager Brad Holmes has been aggressive but calculated in past offseasons, and with the foundation of the roster firmly in place, the Lions are in a strong position to selectively add talent. These eight free agents remain unsigned and could make sense in Detroit for a variety of strategic reasons — whether it’s adding insurance behind young players, fortifying injury-prone spots, or continuing to chase versatility and toughness on both sides of the ball.
One name that continues to resonate with Lions fans and analysts alike is veteran cornerback Xavien Howard. The former Miami Dolphins standout is a four-time Pro Bowler with elite ball skills and significant experience in both man and zone schemes. Though injuries have slowed him in recent seasons, Howard remains a savvy defender who can thrive in a complementary role. With Detroit adding Terrion Arnold in the first round, plus Carlton Davis III coming over via trade, the Lions now boast a promising young core at corner. But Howard could be the perfect insurance policy — a player who can still line up on the boundary and take pressure off the younger defensive backs while bringing leadership to a secondary that struggled at times in 2024.
Another intriguing option is pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue. Detroit’s pass rush was much improved last season, thanks in large part to Aidan Hutchinson and the emergence of James Houston before his injury. But with Charles Harris no longer in the mix and depth being critical over a 17-game schedule, Ngakoue could step in as a situational pass rusher who still flashes burst and bend. While he’s not an elite run defender and his production dipped in 2024, he brings a consistent history of getting after the quarterback — something Aaron Glenn’s defense can never have too much of, especially in the NFC North, where pressure can disrupt rhythm-based offenses like Minnesota’s and Green Bay’s.
On the offensive side, the Lions could benefit from veteran insurance at wide receiver. While Amon-Ra St. Brown is an All-Pro and Jameson Williams is expected to break out in 2025, there’s still a question of depth, especially if injuries strike. Enter Hunter Renfrow, who had a quiet exit from the Raiders but remains a quality slot receiver with sure hands and sharp route-running ability. Renfrow fits the mold of players the Lions tend to like: tough, smart, and underappreciated. He wouldn’t be asked to start but could serve as a reliable third-down option for Jared Goff while also mentoring younger wideouts like Antoine Green and recent draft additions.
Speaking of Jared Goff, the quarterback room behind him could use a veteran stabilizer. With Hendon Hooker entering his second season, the Lions may want to bring in someone like Teddy Bridgewater, should he delay retirement, or more realistically, Trevor Siemian. Siemian is the kind of low-cost veteran who won’t challenge the starting job but has started games in the league and understands what it takes to keep a game afloat in a pinch. Should Goff miss time, Detroit would rather not rush Hooker into high-pressure situations without another experienced signal-caller around.
At linebacker, Detroit’s starters are mostly set with Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell. But adding depth with experience could be smart, especially for special teams and sub-packages. A player like Kwon Alexander — if medically cleared — could provide burst, range, and aggression as a weakside rotational backer. Though his injury history is extensive, he’s a classic post-draft signing: a low-risk, high-reward move that can elevate the floor of a unit and potentially give you meaningful snaps if everything clicks. With Malcolm Rodriguez also in the mix, Alexander would not be needed for a full workload, but as part of a rotation, he could still be valuable.
Turning back to the trenches, the Lions could kick the tires on veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Though well into his 30s, Joseph remains effective in short-yardage and early-down situations. Detroit has invested heavily in the interior of the defensive line with Alim McNeill and Brodric Martin, but adding Joseph could help lighten their loads and provide stout run defense against physical offenses. In the NFC, where teams like San Francisco and Philadelphia love to run downhill, Joseph could be the kind of specialist who makes an impact without playing every snap. His playoff experience and locker room presence also can’t be overstated.
If the Lions are looking for a versatile offensive lineman, Dalton Risner is a free agent who still makes a lot of sense. He started 11 games for the Vikings last year and was steady if unspectacular. Detroit’s offensive line is one of the league’s best when healthy, but with Jonah Jackson gone, there’s a reshuffling going on. Risner could start if needed but would more likely serve as the primary backup at both guard spots, giving the Lions flexibility in case of injury. He’s also a great culture fit — gritty, experienced, and team-first.
Lastly, there’s the idea of bringing in a hybrid safety-linebacker like Duron Harmon, who previously played for Detroit and knows what the coaching staff expects. Harmon could offer depth at safety, especially with Kerby Joseph recovering from injury, and also contribute in three-safety nickel packages. His experience and leadership would be huge in a group that now features Ifeatu Melifonwu, Brian Branch, and rookie reinforcements. Harmon is a proven communicator on the back end and has playoff experience with the Patriots, which is never a bad thing for a team chasing a Super Bowl.
In total, none of these eight players would be expected to play major starring roles in 2025, but that’s precisely why they fit this next wave of the offseason. The Lions aren’t trying to build a foundation anymore; they’re putting finishing touches on a contender. Smart teams use this period to find value — guys who might have priced themselves out of deals early or are waiting for the right fit. Detroit is one of those right fits for many players now. It has a clear identity, strong coaching, and a real path to a championship. Signing the right veterans now could be the difference between making a playoff run and winning the whole thing.
