The Detroit Lions’ roster for the 2025 NFL offseason, with their depth chart and pending free agents

1. Key Free Agent Decisions

The 2025 NFL offseason for the Detroit Lions will be defined by the strategic management of their free agents. With a strong roster that helped them finish as the top seed in the NFC for the 2024 season, the Lions are aiming to retain their key contributors while strengthening their weaknesses through free-agent signings and the draft.

Jared Goff (QB): Though Goff’s contract extension is solid for a few more years, his leadership has been central to the team’s recent success. The Lions may look to reinforce their depth at quarterback or potentially bring in a young signal-caller to develop behind Goff.
Jamaal Williams (RB): Williams was a major part of the offense in 2024, especially in short-yardage situations and as a leader on the field. Keeping him would be important, as he provides an established presence in the backfield. However, if the Lions choose to move on, they may turn to the draft or explore the free-agent market for a similar running back.
Marcus Davenport (DE) and John Cominsky (DE): The defensive line is one area where the Lions need to make some key decisions. Davenport and Cominsky have both made significant contributions. However, as UFAs, both could be highly sought after on the open market. If the Lions can’t reach a deal with them, they will need to find replacements or depth pieces for the line.
Derrick Barnes (LB): Barnes has been an up-and-coming player in the linebacker group, but with a looming free-agent status, the Lions may choose to either extend him or allow him to test the market. If Barnes leaves, the Lions would need to find another reliable linebacker to pair with Alex Anzalone.
Kevin Zeitler (OG): Zeitler is a seasoned veteran, and his presence on the offensive line has been important for protecting Goff and establishing the running game. Re-signing him would be wise to maintain offensive consistency, but the Lions could also explore younger options through the draft or other free-agent signings.

2. Roster Strategy

As the 2025 offseason unfolds, Detroit’s front office will likely focus on solidifying the offensive and defensive lines, improving depth at key positions, and securing long-term pieces for their secondary and linebacking corps.

Offensive Line: With players like Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, and Frank Ragnow leading the charge, the offensive line is arguably the strength of the Lions’ offense. However, with Kevin Zeitler’s future uncertain, finding a capable guard to pair with Ragnow on the interior could be a priority.
Defensive Line: The defensive line performed well in 2024 but still has areas for improvement. Aidan Hutchinson is the clear leader here, but Marcus Davenport and John Cominsky’s free agency statuses will leave the Lions needing to decide whether to bolster the line with a veteran or seek younger talent.
Secondary: The Lions’ secondary, which includes cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and Ifeatu Melifonwu, will need reinforcements. Both Okudah and Melifonwu have shown promise, but the team may decide to invest in another veteran cornerback like Carlton Davis or secure the long-term future of a promising young player in free agency or the draft.

3. Draft Considerations

Detroit’s draft strategy for 2025 will likely include the goal of filling specific gaps on the roster while continuing to build depth for the future. Some potential areas of focus could be:

Defensive End: With the potential departure of Marcus Davenport and John Cominsky, the Lions may look to the draft for a top-tier edge rusher who can contribute early on.
Cornerback and Safety: Given the free-agent uncertainty in the secondary, adding more depth at cornerback and safety could be critical. The Lions have seen progress with young players like Kerby Joseph, but another high-potential addition could solidify the defense for the long term.
Running Back: If the Lions do not re-sign Jamaal Williams or want to add more competition to their backfield, they may look for a running back in the draft. A dynamic back who can complement Swift could take the Lions’ offense to the next level.

4. Key Free-Agent Signings for Detroit

Marcus Peters (CB): If the Lions do not re-sign their free agents in the secondary, signing a veteran like Marcus Peters would give them immediate help. Peters’ physical style of play and ability to make plays in key situations could be just what Detroit needs.
Jadeveon Clowney (DE): If the Lions lose some key players on the defensive line, signing a high-profile pass rusher like Clowney would be beneficial. He could help create pressure on opposing quarterbacks and pair well with Hutchinson on the opposite side.
Bobby Wagner (LB): If the Lions choose to bolster their linebacking corps, signing an established player like Wagner could help solidify the defense. Wagner is still capable of being a leader on and off the field, providing veteran leadership to the younger players on the roster.
David Montgomery (RB): If the Lions allow Jamaal Williams to walk, Montgomery would be an excellent option in free agency. His ability to run between the tackles, combined with his pass-catching ability, makes him a versatile and durable back for Detroit’s offense.

5. Salary Cap Management

The Lions’ salary cap situation will play a crucial role in their ability to re-sign key free agents and make any necessary acquisitions. Detroit enters the offseason with significant cap space, allowing them to make moves that could improve both their offensive and defensive units. They will likely need to balance the need for long-term flexibility with the desire to make a push for a Super Bowl in 2025.

Key decisions regarding the contracts of their star players—like Goff, Sewell, and Hutchinson—could either open up more cap space for other acquisitions or create a need for restructuring in other areas.

Super Bowl Contenders in 2025?

With a solid roster and several opportunities to strengthen the team in free agency and the draft, the Detroit Lions will aim to maintain their competitive edge heading into the 2025 season. By focusing on retaining their key free agents, especially those on defense, and filling in gaps on the offensive line and secondary, Detroit will position itself to be a strong Super Bowl contender.

If the front office makes the right moves in re-signing players like Goff, Williams, and Zeitler, and adding new talent to the roster, the Lions could be looking at a deep playoff run in the 2025 season.