The Lions didn’t make many splash signings, but each acquisition has a clear-cut role.
The Detroit Lions didn’t make too big of a splash in the initial waves of free agency. Over a week in, they’ve only signed five players, only one or (arguably) two of whom can be considered splash signings in D.J. Reed and Roy Lopez. The Lions have opted for quality over quantity, signing guys who will have very well-defined roles. Reed steps into the CB1 spot, Lopez should have a sizeable role at nose tackle, while QB Kyle Allen, LB Grant Stuard, and TE Kenny Yeboah will likely fare as backups at their positions.
Question of the day: Which free agent signing will make the most impact in year one?
My answer: This answer really comes down to Reed and Lopez and who you think will be more important to the defense. On the one hand, assuming Reed does well at CB1, he’ll be one of the defense’s most important players. However, the Lions already had CB1 locked down last year in the form of Carlton Davis, so we probably won’t notice a huge difference if Reed gets the job done.
Lopez is entering the opposite situation. He isn’t a star, but he’s coming to a team where the nose tackle position has been underwhelming. DJ Reader was inconsistent in 2024 and Brodric Martin has shown he just isn’t ready for a meaningful snap share. So, if all goes well with Lopez, you’ll feel the difference with how the Lions run defense performs compared to 2024, especially late 2024.
That all being said, I think Reed will be more important to the defense, but Lopez will make more of a difference in year one that the average viewer will notice.
Who do you think will make the most impact in year one? Let us know in the comments.
