With Detroit’s season coming to an untimely end, the Lions are forced to look into expiring player contracts. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), there are three guys they do not want to lose.
Carlton Davis III, Cornerback
Carlton Davis III was ranked in the top 25 most valuable free agents. Davis III was a former second-round pick and off-season addition, coming from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his seventh season in the league and first with Detroit, he tallied 56 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 2 interceptions. Those statistics came from only 13 games as he was sidelined with a fractured jaw in a game against the Buffalo Bills.
Kevin Zeitler, Offensive Guard
Ranked six spots below Davis III, Kevin Zeitler is an intriguing free agent. The veteran guard and former first-round pick had one of his best seasons with the Lions, ending with a PFF pass-block rate of 78.8% and a run-block rate of 87.2%. Although Zeitler is nearing the end of his career, he still has a lot to offer a team.
Levi Onwuzirke, Defensive Tackle
Levi Onwuzirke has shown his potential but has not been able to escape the injury bug during his four seasons with Detroit. That being said, he is ranked the 40th most valuable free agent and could be looking for a new home. In the 2024 season, the defensive tackle totaled 16 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. If he can have a breakout season and avoid injury, Onwuzirke could be a valuable asset to a team.