Ranking the Lions’ 2026 free agents by importance of re-signing

The Detroit Lions enter the offseason with 49 players under contract, having retained 36 from 2025, re-signed three exclusive rights free agents (ERFA), nine players from their own practice squad, and signed a practice squader from outside the organization. However, most fans will be paying close attention to how the Lions work to retain their own free agents, which include 25 unrestricted free agents (UFAs), three restricted free agents (RFAs), and one remaining ERFA.

When examining the Lions’ roster development under general manager Brad Holmes, a pattern has emerged over the last four offseasons.

• In 2022, the Lions re-signed seven of their 16 UFAs/RFAs
• In 2023, 11 of their 21
• In 2024, 13 of their 26
• In 2025, 14 of their 26

If these patterns hold, expectations are that the Lions will likely re-sign around half of their pending UFAs and RFAs.

While applying a tender on an RFA can help the Lions retain a player (See: Brock Wright), the growing costs make it harder to justify each season. According to projections from OverTheCap.com, tagging a player with an RFA tender in 2026 would cost at least $3.4 million and could go as high as $7.9 million for a higher-level tender. At this time, we do not expect the Lions to use an RFA tender, and therefore, we will instead rank them alongside the UFAs.

Let’s take a look at which Lions players fall into which categories and rank them in the order we believe Detroit will prioritize them.

UFA (25)/RFA (3)

1. EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad (Age 30)

Muhammad is coming off a career season, registering 11 sacks and 59 pressures (per Next Gen Stats), despite only seeing the field on 40% of the Lions’ defensive snaps—the third-lowest snap count of his eight-year NFL career.

When the Lions had a healthy defensive line, Muhammad was used primarily as a pass rusher, and with him turning 31 years old this offseason, that would likely be his role in 2026 as well. Still, he lands at the top spot in our rankings because of how valuable his production is to the Lions’ defense; the next closest pass rush producers were Jack Campbell (five sacks) and Derrick Barnes (24 pressures).

2. LB Alex Anzalone (Age 31)

A five-time team captain for the Lions, Anzalone briefly held out of training camp this summer while seeking a contract extension. The Lions gave him a bump in incentives on his current deal in order to get him back on the field, but it appeared to do little to help the two sides in the long term, and Detroit made it publicly known that they were turning green dot responsibilities over to All-Pro Jack Campbell moving forward.

Anzalone remains one of the best cover linebackers in the NFL, and his above-average instincts show up in run defense, but the price to retain him may be too much for the Lions to afford.

3. CB Amik Robertson (Age 27)

With injuries all across the Lions’ secondary in 2025, Robertson’s ability to start at multiple positions was incredibly valuable. After beginning the season working out of the slot, injuries forced Robertson to the outside in Week 5. While Robertson was stellar over the next month, his production declined as the season wore on, and a hand injury forced him to finish the season in a limited role; though he fought until the bitter end.

If Robertson returns to the Lions in 2026, he would immediately assume the starting nickel role. However, his positional versatility and “you can’t bury what comes from the dirt” mentality will make him appealing to multiple teams on the open market, where he may maximize his value.

4. WR Kalif Raymond (Age 31)

After serving as the Lions’ WR4 the previous three seasons, Raymond stepped into a starting WR3 role this year as Lions rookie Isaac TeSlaa acclimated to the NFL. An ankle injury cost Raymond his starting role on offense late in the season, but he remained an active contributor in every game. On special teams, Raymond led the NFL with 32 punt returns, returning one for a touchdown, his third punt return score in the last four seasons.

While Raymond will turn age 32 this offseason, he’s still incredibly reliable and remains one of the most difficult players to cover one-on-one in short-yardage situations in the NFL. If he returns in 2026, WR4 and punt returner roles would be his to lose.

5. DT DJ Reader (Age 31)

Reader has operated as the anchor on the Lions’ defensive line the last two seasons, and while he won’t light up the stat sheet, his primary role is to occupy offensive linemen so others can make plays. Reader started every game this season (only missed two games the year prior), the first time he’s been healthy for an entire season since 2018.

Him returning to the Lions seems likely to come down to cost. Reader’s original contract was for two seasons and worth $22 million, and while he’ll surely not draw that same number at age 32, how much he’s willing to discount that contract is unknown.

6. CB Rock Ya-Sin (Age 29)

Ya-Sin joined the Lions in 2025 on a veteran base salary with no guarantees, but he significantly outplayed his deal. A perfect fit for the Lions press man scheme, Ya-Sin looked like a steady veteran in training camp and even showed off his versatility to cross-train at safety. When the season arrived, he was used primarily as a backup, spot-starting due to injury in Weeks 6, 7, and 11. However, after Robertson injured his hand, Ya-Sin stepped into a starting role for the remainder of the season and was arguably the Lions’ best defensive back.

While surely due a raise, Ya-Sin is a perfect fit in Detroit, and it should be an easy decision for the Lions to re-sign.

7. DT Roy Lopez (Age 28)

Another very solid offseason free agent signing, Lopez got off to a slow start in Detroit, but once he settled in, he was a very steady DT3 and rotational contributor. Coming off what was arguably his best season as a professional, Lopez’s return to Detroit would help the Lions maintain some stability on the interior defensive line.

8. LB Malcolm Rodriguez (Age 26)

His ACL injury near the end of the 2024 season couldn’t have come at a worse time. Not only did Rodriguez miss all of training camp, but a setback delayed his return even longer, and when he finally did get back on the field, he looked like a player still acclimating from a major surgery. A return to Detroit would help the Lions with their linebacker depth, and Rodriguez could get a chance to fill the Lions’ potential Anzalone-sized hole at WILL linebacker. A one-year prove-it deal would make sense for both sides.

9. LB Trevor Nowaske (RFA, Age 27)

The best of the Lions’ restricted free agents, his role isn’t large enough to justify an RFA tender, even though he cracks our top 10. A hybrid linebacker who can pass rush and cover zones, he was one of the key cogs in the Lions’ plans to deploy a “spy” on mobile quarterbacks. He’d give Lions depth behind Derrick Barnes, while being able to contribute at SAM and MIKE, as well as start on multiple special teams units.

10. DB Avonte Maddox (Age 29)

Maddox is a savvy veteran with the ability to give the Lions emergency starter reps at both safety spots and at nickel corner. He was called upon to start at safety for the Lions during the final month of the season, and he performed above expectations. Yet another veteran fee agent that Holmes signed to a one-year deal just above the vet minimum, Maddox gave the Lions important reps when they needed them at the end of the season. Like Ya-Sin, he could return on a slight raise and provide valuable depth in the secondary.

11. DL Levi Onwuzurike (Age 27)

Just ahead of training camp, the Lions discovered an ACL injury that would require Onwuzurike to have season-ending surgery. It’s not entirely known how significant his knee surgery was to repair his injury, but the Lions will surely be cautious when debating a potential return and how much money they’re willing to invest.

That said, Onwuzurike was slated for a contributing/starting 4i role this season, and the Lions never settled on a replacement. After trying Pat O’Connor, Tyler Lacy, and then Alim McNeill at 4i, the Lions eventually scaled the role back significantly and went with a more traditional front. If Onwuzurike was able to return, he could potentially give the Lions the level of snaps they were hoping to get this past season.

12. QB Kyle Allen (Age 29)

While he didn’t play a meaningful snap during the regular season, Allen certainly changed some minds in the pre-season after registering two games with a perfect passer rating. Unless Allen is looking for an opportunity to compete for a starting role, the Lions would surely welcome him back in his current QB2 role.

13. S Daniel Thomas (Age 27)

Signed immediately after the conclusion of training camp, Thomas joined the Lions as safety four and as a starter on special teams. Thomas won a gunner role on kick/punt coverage and contributes in all phases of special teams. While the Lions turned to other safeties to start when injuries hit—Thomas Harper, Maddox, Erick Hallett—they eventually needed Thomas to give them starting safety reps over the final weeks of the season. As a starter on special teams, he’ll likely be someone the Lions hope to re-sign.

14. LB Grant Stuard (Age 27)

Another core special teamer, Stuard flies down the field with bad intentions, whether it’s on kick coverage or as a kick returner. While his track speed never translated to his efforts as a returner, there was no doubting his impact in pursuit. His contributions on defense were limited, but he also provides valuable depth at linebacker. Like Thomas, starting special teamers usually get a second (or third) look in Detroit.

15. EDGE Tyrus Wheat (RFA, Age 26)

The Lions claimed Wheat off the Cowboys’ roster cuts following training camp, and Detroit asked him to play a reserve EDGE4 role for the majority of the season. While he didn’t crack double-digit defensive snaps until the final month of the season, he did have moments where he flashed and showed his potential. The Lions claimed him for a reason, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them try to retain him for further development.

16. EDGE Josh Paschal (Age 26)

The Lions’ second-round pick in their second draft class, Paschal has struggled to stay healthy in all four of his seasons, and a back injury kept him off the field for the entire 2025 season. He’s shown starter-level potential at times, but he’s never been available long enough for the Lions to count on him for consistent play. His talent says he’s worth retaining, but his injury history suggests it may be time to move on. If he does return, expect it to be on an incentive-driven deal, with achievable bonuses comprising a significant portion of his salary.

17. OL Dan Skipper (Age 31)

Skipper played a key OT3/OL6 role for the Lions the past few seasons, even spot-starting at tackle due to injuries to Taylor Decker. Unfortunately, Skipper revealed that a back injury has put his career in doubt, and with him turning 32 this offseason, he is contemplating retirement. If he decides to play one more year, the Lions could and should entertain re-signing their cult hero.

18. WR Tom Kennedy (RFA, Age 29)

Despite being 29 and in the NFL for seven seasons, Kennedy doesn’t have the accrued seasons under his belt to shake the restricted free agent tag—even though he surely won’t need it. Kennedy has spent the last several seasons in Detroit, operating as an emergency wide receiver and helping the team prep for their upcoming opponent via the practice squad. However, when Raymond was forced from the lineup, Kennedy was called upon for receiver depth, and he flashed as a kick returner. His contributions on special teams kept him on the roster for the remainder of the season. The organization appreciates his consistency and reliability and will certainly make an effort to bring him back.

19. OL Trystan Colon (Age 27)

Colon is known for his positional versatility, and he started three games for the Lions in 2025, one at center and two at left guard. A wrist injury would limit his availability down the stretch, and he eventually landed on injured reserve ahead of the final game of the season. With Kingsley Eguakun now in Cleveland, it wouldn’t be surprising for the Lions to make a move to re-sign Colon for interior depth.

20. EDGE Marcus Davenport (Age 29)

Davenport’s skill set is exactly what the Lions are hoping for in a starting defensive end. However, he landed on injured reserve for the fourth consecutive season, and while he did start eight games, he managed only one sack and six pressures (per Next Gen Stats). That is a wild underachievement, despite his contract being very affordable. At the end of the day, he has a lot of what the Lions want in an edge player, but with his production, it’ll be hard to justify bringing him back on any level contract.

21. OL Kayode Awosika (Age 27)

While Awosika started four games at left guard when Christian Mahogany was on injured reserve, he was eventually passed on the depth chart by rookie Miles Frazier and was a game-day scratch for all but one game over the final five weeks of the regular season. You could make the argument that Awosika is still in the two-deep rotation at guard, but there’s only minimal job security in a G4 role. He may return, but he’ll be fighting for a roster spot this offseason.

22. TE Shane Zylstra (Age 29)

After suffering an injury in Week 1, Zylstra eventually returned in Week 15, and with the Lions down their top two tight ends, he immediately stepped back into a starting role. Despite getting four weeks as the starter, Zylstra only caught three passes (all in Week 16) for 20 yards. His blocking also took a step back in 2025, but it’s fair to speculate whether that was injury-related or simply a sign of decline.

23. LB Zach Cunningham (Age 31)

Cunningham was brought on to help the Lions’ depth at MIKE linebacker, and an opportunity for him to make the roster opened up when Rodriguez suffered his setback in rehabilitation. Cunningham carved out a role in the Lions’ goal-line defense, but a Week 7 injury landed him on injured reserve and ended his season. It’s hard to project his value given his age and coming off a season-ending injury, but he was intriguing as depth in 2025.

24. OT Jamarco Jones (Age 29)

The Lions were very interested in making Jones their OT3 this season, but he couldn’t stay healthy in training camp and was eventually placed on injured reserve. Given how much the Lions reportedly liked his upside, he could be a candidate for a return; however, his injury history suggests an incentive-heavy contract with no guarantees.

25. TE Anthony Firkser (Age 30)

With the Lions down their top three tight ends, they needed to find a familiar face in a hurry, and they acquired Firkser, who was with Detroit during the 2023 season. While he was able to give the Lions starter-capable snaps in a pinch, his blocking—a previous strength—was not up to par, and he struggled in the larger role.

26. CB Arthur Maulet (Age 32)

With Amik Robertson shifting to outside corner, the Lions called up Maulet for their nickel role. While he flashed at times (including an interception against the Bucs), he also gave up too many big plays (see the final play of the Vikings game in Week 9), and was eventually cut and re-signed to the practice squad. While he was called up again late in the season, he barely saw the field on defense and was only kept available for emergencies.

27. S Jalen Mills (Age 31)

Signed off the Texans’ practice squad late in the season, Mills was a healthy scratch the first few weeks before being called on to contribute in the final two weeks of the regular season. He looked comfortable, as you’d expect from a veteran, but it’s hard to say how much of an impact he had in just a short time in Detroit.

28. LB Ezekiel Turner (Age 29)

Turner flashed in 2024 and was re-signed in 2025 with the hopes of earning a depth role. He was injured in the preseason finale and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. If he gets a chance to return in 2026, he’ll have a lot of work to do to get a chance to get back on the roster.

Exclusive rights free agents (1)

The Lions typically retain all their ERFAs because their contracts normally land around the league minimum with no guarantees. So far, the Lions have re-signed three: RB Jacob Saylors, IOL Michael Niese, and Nick Whiteside, leaving just one player who has not been offered a tender or contract yet.

1. K Jake Bates (Age 26)

In 2025, Bates burst onto the scene, converting 90% of his field goals and hitting several clutch kicks. While Bates continued to make his clutch kicks in 2026, he only made 27 of his 34 field goal attempts (79.4%), more than twice as many misses as the year prior. While his field goals were shakier this past season, his kickoffs got significantly better as he continues to adapt to the NFL’s new special teams rules.

Lions coaches have already said they want him back, and with an ERFA tender at their disposal, they could ensure that at any time—they can wait until the NFL league new year on March 11 at 4 p.m ET to apply the tender. So what’s the holdup? The Lions are likely entertaining a longer contract extension with Bates and want to keep the negotiating window open with his agent as a good-faith gesture.