Projecting how the Lions will fill their remaining 24 spots on their 90-man roster

As the Detroit Lions head into the second week of the 2025 free agency period, they have 66 players under contract, leaving 24 open spots on their 90-man roster. To see how the Lions might fill those final roster spots, we looked back at the Lions’ last four offseasons of roster building in Detroit.

The Lions currently hold seven draft picks and have previously brought in 12-17 undrafted free agents, which indicates they might have room for a few more key free agents or they could simply pack things in and move forward toward the draft.

To take things a step further, we also looked at the number of players at each position when the Lions entered previous OTAs/minicamp and summer training camps. By comparing those totals to what is currently on the roster, we can get a better idea of which position groups are ready to go and which need more depth for practices.

Let’s take a look at how the remainder of the Lions’ offseason may play out.

Quarterback (4 under contract)

Need: None

With four quarterbacks under contract, the Lions have enough arms to practice in camp without overworking Jared Goff. With both Goff and Hendon Hooker under contract in 2026, the Lions shouldn’t feel pressed to add another quarterback unless they opt to upgrade.

Running back (4)

Need: Depth x 2

While the Lions are returning their four running backs from last season, they typically bring in at least six backs into camp to help distribute the workload during camp, while looking for developmental talent.

This is a very deep draft class at running back and most draft experts are projecting draftable grades on around 30-32 prospects. Adding via free agency seems unlikely, but the Lions could elect to use a late-round draft pick to secure a specific player.

It would make sense if: They tap into the undrafted free agent rookie pool for a back or two.

Wide receiver (7)

Need: WR5/6, Depth x 4

The Lions return their top four receivers from last season, but they’re likely far from done filling out their camp roster. Typically, the Lions bring around 12 receivers into camp, meaning they could add approximately another five receivers to compete.

While five may seem like a lot, they don’t have a clearly defined WR5 or WR6 on their roster right now. Antoine Green struggled to secure a spot last season, Tom Kennedy always seems to produce when his number is called but his lack of special teams keeps him on the practice squad, and Ronnie Bell only has eight career catches over 26 games with the 49ers over the past two seasons. Additionally, Tim Patrick should have a firm handle on the Lions starting WR-X spot, but he’ll turn 32 years old this season, has an injury history to be conscious of, and is in the final year of his contract.

It would make sense if: The Lions target a WR-X in the draft as an insurance option for Patrick, as well as someone who they could develop for a potential starting role, then fill out the rest via the undrafted pool.

Tight end (3)

Need: TE3, Depth

The Lions typically roster between six and eight tight ends for camp, and with only three on the roster, they may add another three in the coming months. Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright are locked in as TE1 and TE2 respectively, but there should be a healthy battle for TE3.

Kenny Yeboah was recently signed to compete, and while Shane Zylstra (last year’s TE3) is still an unrestricted free agent, there’s still a possibility that he returns. Even if the Lions bring back Zylstra, they’ll still need another tight end or two for camp, and they’ve done plenty of work on the blocking tight ends in this draft class including, reportedly meeting with four blocking tight ends at the NFL Combine: Thomas Fidone (Nebraska), Jackson Hawes (Georgia Tech), CJ Dippre (Alabama) and Robbie Ouzts (Alabama).

It would make sense if: The Lions retained Zylstra, acquire a blocking tight end on Day 3 of the NFL Draft, while targeting another as an undrafted option.

Offensive tackle (6)

Need: Depth

Six offensive tackles is a solid number for a team that rolls three offensive lines during camp. If the Lions felt pinched for roster spots, it’d be easy for them to walk into camp with this group. However, it’s easy to argue that none of the four depth players are ideal spot starters and the Lions could benefit from a potential depth upgrade.

It would make sense if: The Lions kept their options open to upgrade, while at the same time, passing if things aren’t quite right, and grabbing depth from the UDFA market.

Interior offensive line (6)

Need: Challenger for a starting role, Depth x 2

At guard, the Lions should feel content about Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany starting for them, but at the same time, adding more starter-level competition would help ease any anxiety.

If the Lions are only going to make a move of two in free agency, adding a veteran guard for competition should be a priority. Veterans like Brandon Scherff, Will Hernandez, and Teven Jenkins all could be options for this role.

The Lions could also look to the draft for competition, even as early as the first round. There are at least five potential plug-and-play guard prospects in this draft class and the Lions should give consideration to all of them. By adding a guard in the first 102 picks, they could help increase the competition level, as well as give the line security for the future.

It would make sense if: The Lions throw assets at the problem, and both added a veteran as well as drafted for competition. The offensive line is the engine of the organization and they can’t afford to let it regress in any manner. This is yet another area where the Lions may feel compelled to add players via the UDFA market.

Interior defensive line (8)

Need: Future

Eight interior defensive linemen are certainly enough to enter camp with, but with Alim McNeill and Mekhi Wingo both dealing with injuries that could limit their availability, adding a player or two could be in the cards. While the Lions look pretty solid in their two-deep rotation, only McNeill, Wingo, and Brodric Martin are signed beyond this season, which means there is an opportunity to add with the future in mind.

It would make sense if: The Lions drafted a pass rushing interior option who can fill an immediate need, while also helping stabilize their position group in the future.

Edge rusher (5)

Need: Challenger for a starting role, Depth x 2

The Lions typically bring six to nine edge rushers into camp, meaning they’ll likely add at least one more player who can challenge for a role and some developable young talent.

This offseason, the Lions elected to cut Za’Darius Smith for cap reasons, while retaining Marcus Davenport, who held a starting role before his season-ending injury. Davenport rotates with Josh Paschal, opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and when healthy, the trio fill the starting roles in the Lions scheme. However, with Hutchinson and Davenport coming off season-ending injuries, as well as Davenport and Paschal’s injury histories, it would be wise for the Lions to invest heavily in insurance options.

Like at guard, this is a position where the Lions could invest in a veteran, draft a prospect in the early rounds, or even do both. Further complicating things is the fact that this position is wildly thin beyond this season. While Hutchinson is expected to get his fifth-year option picked up and possibly get a contract extension, the cupboard is bare after that, leaving a massive need in the future.

It would make sense if: The Lions attacked this position early in the NFL Draft while also bringing a veteran pass rusher (even if it’s only in a pass rushing-only role). This also feels like a position where the Lions could double-dip in the draft if the right situation presented itself. Adding a UDFA or two is also realistic.

Linebacker (10)

Need: Future

This regime has never brought more than 10 linebackers into any camp situation, and with 10 currently under contract, this position could already be settled. However, only Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes are signed beyond this season, so you can’t rule out the Lions drafting a linebacker with the future in mind.

It would make sense if: The Lions drafted a linebacker with the future in mind, only if the opportunity presents itself.

Cornerback (5)

Need: CB5, Depth x 3

In three of the four offseasons under this regime, the Lions entered camp with nine corners, while bringing 12 to the party in 2022. That means, the Lions will likely end up adding at least another four corners in the next few months to fill in their depth roles.

D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, and Amik Robertson are positioned for starting roles, with Ennis Rakestraw challenging for snaps, illustrating that the Lions are off to a solid start. Detroit prefers and could use a veteran or two for depth, so they may not be done adding in free agency, but they’ll surely look to the draft for developmental talent as well.

It would make sense if: The Lions signed a veteran free agent and drafted a corner, then filled out the remaining spots with undrafted free agents.

Safety (5)

Need: SAF3, Depth

The Lions typically bring between seven and nine safeties to camp, meaning there should be at least two more safety prospects on the way.

Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are firmly locked in as starters, while Morice Norris and Loren Stickland gained valuable experience during their rookie seasons, but the Lions should be on the lookout for an Ifeatu Melifonwu replacement. Having a third safety who can also line up in the slot is a valuable asset in the NFL and something the Lions could look to add in free agency or the draft.

Seeing as Joseph is the most seasoned vet amongst the safeties, the Lions could look at adding a veteran presence to the safety room, but there are some very appealing options in this draft class.

It would make sense if: The Lions explored the free agency market for the right fit, while also keeping their eyes on the future in the draft. With Norris and Strickland coming from the UDFA pool last year, the Lions may also look to dip their toes in this year as well.

Special teams (3)

Need: Camp depth?

The Lions look to finally have landed on the kicking trio they want to keep together for the future, but will they bring in any camp competition? Let’s take a look at the history of each spot under this regime.

Punter: Jack Fox has never faced competition, and rightfully so.

Kicker: The Lions have brought in two to three kickers every camp, but it’s worth noting that after Michael Badgley was injured last camp, the Lions never brought in a challenger for Jake Bates and he went on to have a terrific season.

Long snapper: In three of the four years, the Lions have had two long snappers in camp, with the only time they didn’t bring in competition being the offseason following Scott Daly’s rookie season. With Hogan Hatten coming off a solid rookie season, will history repeat itself and the Lions pass on bringing in another competitor?

It would make sense if: The Lions did nothing and let their young kicker and long snapper get as many reps as possible.

Projected depth chart with “needs” addressed

This is an example of how the Lions depth chart could look based on the roster construction we have seen over the past four offseasons and what was discussed above.

Of note: Crimson-colored spots are suggested as possible draft picks, while no color indicates a veteran or undrafted free agent.