As the 2025 season comes to a close, the Detroit Lions enter an offseason filled with roster churn — particularly among depth players and role contributors. Below is a position-by-position look at members of the final-week roster who are set to hit free agency, along with some quick(-ish) thoughts on their futures in Detroit.
Offense
Free Agents:
QB Kyle Allen, QB C.J. Beathard, RB/KR Jacob Saylors (ERFA), WR/KR/PR Kalif Raymond, WR/KR Tom Kennedy (RFA), TE Anthony Firkser, TE Shane Zylstra, TE Giovanni Ricci, OT Dan Skipper, OT Jamarco Jones, OG Kayode Awosika, OG/C Trystan Colon, IOL Michael Niese (ERFA), OL Chris Hubbard
The good news: None of these players were starters when the Lions were fully healthy — and none would project to start if they returned in 2026.
It’s entirely possible that none of these players are back next season. Realistically, I’d expect around five to receive contracts, with two or fewer ultimately making the 53-man roster in the fall.
Quarterbacks
Kyle Allen and C.J. Beathard are both serviceable backup options, but neither has a realistic path to meaningful snaps in Detroit. If either is willing to return on a veteran minimum deal, one could come back — though it wouldn’t be surprising if the Lions move on entirely.
Skill Positions
Saylors, Raymond, and Kennedy all provide similar special teams value. I’m largely indifferent on their return, as replacement-level production can be found at the league minimum without guaranteed money.
Heavy Skill
Firkser, Zylstra, and Ricci simply haven’t shown enough offensive impact, even when given extended opportunities due to injuries. None should command more than minimum deals, and I’m indifferent if any return.
The Trenches
This offensive line group is where sentiment clashes with reality. Dan Skipper is beloved, but he’s unplayable when forced into meaningful tackle snaps. Trystan Colon struggled badly at guard, though he was passable as an emergency center.
The reserve guard spots are likely already on the roster via whoever loses the Miles Frazier vs. Christian Mahogany battle, along with Giovanni Manu and/or Colby Sorsdal. I’d expect most of this group to move on — or potentially retire, in Skipper’s case.
Defense
Free Agents:
EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad, EDGE Josh Paschal, EDGE Marcus Davenport, EDGE Tyrus Wheat (RFA), DT D.J. Reader, DT Roy Lopez, DT Levi Onwuzurike, DT Myles Adams, DT Pat O’Connor, LB Alex Anzalone, LB Malcolm Rodriguez, LB Trevor Nowaske (RFA), LB Zach Cunningham, LB Ezekiel Turner, LB Grant Stuard, CB Amik Robertson, CB Rock Ya-Sin, CB Nick Whiteside (ERFA), CB Arthur Maulet, CB Keenan Garber, S Avonte Maddox, S Daniel Thomas, S Jalen Mills, S Damontae Kazee
Defensive Line
Al-Quadin Muhammad is a re-sign at the right price. His 11-sack season on just a 41% snap share was impressive, but the Lions clearly didn’t trust him on run downs late in the year. I wouldn’t go above $5–7 million annually on a 2–3 year deal with only year one guaranteed for a 30+ player who doesn’t play every snap.
Josh Paschal, Tyrus Wheat, and Marcus Davenport should look elsewhere — whether due to injuries or lack of production.
Roy Lopez is another re-sign candidate at the right price. He fits nicely as DT3 behind Alim McNeill and Tylik Williams. After playing on a one-year, $3.5M deal, he should command around $5M annually with roughly 40% guaranteed. That’s a fair price for quality interior depth.
D.J. Reader’s departure became inevitable once the Lions drafted Tylik Williams in 2025. Despite still playing well, he’s likely gone.
Onwuzurike, O’Connor, and Adams can still play in the league, but the Lions need the rest of their DT room to be on rookie-minimum deals to stay cap healthy.
Linebackers
Alex Anzalone is likely to receive offers beyond what Detroit can reasonably match — and with a larger role than the Lions can provide. Even after losing the green dot in 2024, he played high-quality weakside linebacker in 2025. This isn’t an indictment of his play, but a reflection of cap realities, especially with guaranteed money tied to Derrick Barnes and an impending Jack Campbell extension.
Malcolm Rodriguez could face a similar fate. You’d love him back, but bidding wars don’t align with Detroit’s cap priorities.
Nowaske, Turner, Cunningham, and Stuard were primarily special teams players who didn’t stand out in 2025. Nowaske could return due to ERFA status, but I’d be surprised if all four are back.
Defensive Backs
Many names here were mid-season additions due to ongoing injuries in the secondary. Kazee, Mills, and Maulet barely saw the field after arriving and likely move on.
Avonte Maddox was solid in coverage but struggled badly against the run — unsurprising given his cornerback background. He could return on a short deal depending on the health of Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (Achilles).
Daniel Thomas is a quality special teamer and could be retained for $1–1.5M.
I wouldn’t hate seeing Rock Ya-Sin or Amik Robertson back as CB4/CB5 options, though it feels unlikely. Robertson should command more on the open market, even after a statistically poor season. He looks better on tape and still has value as a nickel defender.
Nick Whiteside should return via ERFA, though he’ll have to earn his spot and could land on the practice squad.
Specialists
K Jake Bates (ERFA)
Bates is a no-brainer to retain, though I expect Detroit to bring in competition. Whether it’s Dan Campbell’s aggression or situational distrust, the Lions passed on Bates in key moments in 2025. That doesn’t scream lack of faith — but it’s worth monitoring.
Future/Reserve Contracts Signed
RB Jabari Small, WR/QB Malik Cunningham, WR Jackson Meeks, TE Zach Horton, OL Devin Cochran, OL Mason Miller, EDGE Ahmed Hassanein, DT Chris Smith, S Loren Strickland
Hassanein and Strickland have legitimate shots to make the 2026 roster. Malik Cunningham could stick as a gadget player if Kalif Raymond departs. The rest profile as camp bodies or practice squad depth.
Bottom Line
Only two to four unrestricted free agents should receive serious offers from Detroit this offseason:
- Al-Quadin Muhammad
- Alex Anzalone
- Roy Lopez
- Malcolm Rodriguez
I’d be satisfied with any two returning on deals of three years or less with under 50% guaranteed. I also wouldn’t be shocked if none return. The rest are replaceable depth pieces — let the market decide their value.