Coming off Back-to-Back NFC North Titles, Lions Still Have Gaps to Fill
Fresh off consecutive NFC North championships and a 15-win season that secured them the NFC’s No. 1 seed, the Detroit Lions have assembled one of the most well-rounded rosters in the conference. They’re bringing back the majority of the core players who contributed to last year’s success, but there are still areas that need improvement as offseason workouts begin.
Despite having filled out their 90-man roster—including undrafted free agents—the Lions could still make upgrades. With rookie minicamp and OTAs on the horizon, a few key free-agent additions could push this team closer to Super Bowl contention.
1. CB Asante Samuel Jr.
Samuel has started 47 of 50 career games but was limited to just four appearances last season due to a shoulder injury reportedly suffered outside of team activities. While he went without a pick in 2024, he posted two interceptions in each of his first three seasons and had a standout playoff performance in 2022 with three picks against the Jaguars.
Even after signing D.J. Reed, Avonte Maddox, and Rock Ya-Sin, and returning players like Amik Robertson and rookies Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw, Samuel would bring starter-level talent to a secondary that struggled against the pass in 2024. On a low-risk, one-year deal, he could boost competition and provide value either outside or in the slot.
2. DE Demarcus Walker
Walker visited the Lions before the draft, and with only a late-round pick added to the edge rotation, the team could still be eyeing a veteran. He’s tallied 14 sacks over the last three seasons and played in 100 career games, offering experience to a youthful defensive end group.
Though not a star pass-rusher, Walker is a dependable run defender who knows the division after two seasons with the Bears. His durability could be valuable insurance, especially given the injury histories of Marcus Davenport and Josh Paschal.
3. OL Brandon Scherff
Though Detroit has added four offensive linemen over the past two drafts, they may still need a proven veteran at right guard after losing Kevin Zeitler. Scherff, a five-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro, is the top free-agent option and could immediately fill that role.
Signing Scherff wouldn’t block the development of young linemen, who could instead compete on the left side with Graham Glasgow, who struggled in 2024. If the team isn’t sold on its youth coming out of OTAs, Scherff on a one-year deal would be a smart, stabilizing move.
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