Nothing beats football season. Meaningful games being played almost every day of the week and it’s the time of the year where you get to watch your favorite team(s) chase a championship.
With Super Bowl LIX in the rear view, it’s officially the off-season for every team in the NFL. That means some of your favorite players will sign with new teams and NFL Draft prospects will do everything they can to showcase why they should get drafted.
Before we take a deep dive into the NFL Draft, I want to try and put together a wish list of players that I’d like to see sign with the Detroit Lions. These players are expected to hit the free agent market and could potentially land in Detroit. The chances of each one of these players signing with Detroit are pretty slim. However, let’s discuss each player, just in case a few them decide to play for the Lions next season.
DL Charles Omenihu
Since Omenihu was coming out for the 2019 NFL Draft, I’ve always labeled him as one of “my guys.” Intrigued with his speed to power, versatility and size, Omenihu can contribute in Detroit right away. Additionally, he’d provide the Lions an upgrade on their defensive line over players such as Levi Onwuzurike, John Cominsky and Marcus Davenport. All three of those players are set to hit the open market.
https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1880743864375390670
Fitting perfect with the 265+ pound threshold the Lions look for in a defensive end, Omenihu could slide right into a significant role in Detroit. He’s listed at 6’5″ and 280 pounds with 36-inch arms. Last season, he only played in 6 games as he was recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in 2023. That said, he still played 225 defensive snaps (57%) in 2024 and has played 54% or more of all defensive snaps in each of his last three seasons.
Throughout his six year career, Omenihu has played in 78 games with 12 career starts. He’s generated 101 tackles with 16 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks in his career. Most importantly, he tends to play his best football in the playoffs. Throughout his career in the postseason, he’s played in 14 games and has 22 tackles with 5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.
- Projected Market Value from Spotrac: 4 years, $47.3 million dollars ($11.8 million per season)
DE Josh Sweat
Having defensive end Josh Sweat on this list is probably the least realistic option for the Lions. Much of that is due to his price tag going through the roof after the Super Bowl. Throughout the playoffs this season, Sweat generated 10 total tackles, three tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
During his 7 years in Philadelphia, Sweat has made 54 tackles for loss and 43 sacks. Over the last three seasons, he’s generated 31 tackles for loss and 25.5 sacks.
Really starting to come into his own, Sweat plays with very good burst and is able to turn speed-to-power. If he were to sign with Detroit, he’d pair nicely with Aidan Hutchinson, Za’Darius Smith and Josh Paschal. The Lions giving themselves another weapon on the defensive line would be wise and should be a priority this off-season.
- Projected Market Value from Spotrac: 3 years, $56.5 million dollars ($18.8 million per season)
CB Asante Samuel Jr
Going back to one of “my guys”, we take a look at Asante Samuel Jr. Prior to this season, Samuel was really starting to come into his own for the Chargers. He had six interceptions and 35 pass deflections but this season was cut short due to injury.
Suffering a shoulder injury after four games, Samuel was placed on injured reserve and his season came to an end. Fortunately, he should be available at the start of the 2025 season. Now, I would like to see cornerback Carlton Davis back in Detroit but if his price tag is too high, Samuel Jr., could be a cheaper alternative.
In 2023, he posted a 75.6 coverage grade, per PFF. For 2024, he only posted a 58.6 coverage grade but again, his season was cut short due to injury. Playing with good fluidity, he’s shown that he can flip his hips and run with receivers. Additionally, he’s shown the desired ball skills to breakup passes consistently at the catch point.
Could a change of scenery due Samuel some good? One could only hope, especially if it’s a place like Detroit for him. Coming off the injury, there’s a chance that he could cost the Lions less. Meanwhile, we’ve seen the Lions give players coming off injuries these “prove-it” contracts that have a one or two year duration. There’s a chance the same could happen here.
- Projected Market Value from Spotrac: 4 years, $45.85 million dollars ($11.5 million per season)
DL Morgan Fox
As we’ve already discussed, the Lions could be without Levi Onwuzurike, John Cominsky and Marcus Davenport next season. All three players are set to hit the open market and I could see the Lions moving on from them due to price tag and injury concerns.
If that were to happen, the Lions would need to find improved depth options for their defensive line. Whether that be via the NFL Draft or free agency, improvements need to be made. Picking up a veteran player such as Morgan Fox would make a lot of sense.
In three out of his last four seasons, he’s played in 50% or more of the defensive snaps between the Panthers and Chargers. Throughout his career, Fox has played in 120 career games with 34 starts. He’s generated 183 total tackles for 33 tackles for loss and 27.5 sacks.
During his 8-year career, he’s played for the Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers. He played for the Rams from 2016 to 2020 so he’s got some familiarity with Lions general manager Brad Holmes. There could be a chance that the Lions spin the tires with Fox on a one-year or two-year deal.
- Projected Market Value from Spotrac: 1 year, $4.8 million dollars ($4.8 million per season)
S Andre Cisco
I’d be somewhat surprised if the Lions brought back defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu this off-season. He’s been injured too often in his career and the flashes of production are just not enough to justify a costly extension. In his four year career, Melifonwu has only played 37 games with 14 career starts.
In that case, the Lions could pivot to a player such as safety Andre Cisco. It’s evident that the two starting safeties are Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. However, it’s clear the Lions have wanted three safeties in their defense due to the versatility that Branch possesses.
https://x.com/MattBowen41/status/1704241821172322546
The expensive but yet productive option for the Lions could be safety Andre Cisco. Since being selected 65th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Cisco has played in 63 games with 47 career starts for the Jaguars. He’s recorded 8 interceptions with 24 pass deflections in his career. Additionally, Cisco has tallied 229 tackles with three tackles for loss in his four seasons with Jacksonville.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Cisco is projected to receive a three-year contract worth $27 million dollars. That includes $16 million guaranteed. With the Lions expected to have about $45 million dollars in cap space, that type of deal aligns with exactly what the Lions have done in the past with key free agent signings.
- Projected Market Value from Spotrac: 1 year, $10.775 million dollars ($10.775 million per season)
TE Kylen Granson
Just throwing a dart at the board by adding tight end Kylen Granson to the list. It appears evident that the Lions are plenty satisfied with the production they’re receiving from tight end Sam LaPorta. However, the lack of depth behind LaPorta can become problematic at times. Especially if tight end Shane Zylstra hit the open market.
The Lions could find depth at tight end via the draft but if they’re looking for a cheap option on a one-year or two-year deal, Granson could make a lot of sense. He’s undersized at 6’1″ and 240 pounds but he should provide alignment versatility and he’s had good production during parts of his career.
Prior to 2024, he had put together consecutive seasons with 30+ receptions and 300+ receiving yards. Over the last three seasons, Granson has played in over 40% of the offensive snaps for the Colts. In addition to that, he’s also provided help on special teams with over 620 career snaps. He will be 27-years old in March but he could be a cheap pass-catching option for the Lions with special teams ability, if needed.
- Projected Market Value from Spotrac: 1 year, $2.3 million dollars ($2.3 million dollars)