Looking at the best bargains on the Detroit Lions’ 2025 roster.
In order to manage a salary cap, NFL general managers have to wage a balance between paying their highly-talented players and finding meaningful contributors at a discounted rate. That’s what makes free agency a difficult journey for many teams. Yes, there are talented players out there, but can they fit within your budget?
The easiest way to find manageable contracts is through the cost-controlled draft. That’s why Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has insisted that good teams build that way—even after a foundation has already been created. Because once you start paying that foundation, the simplest way to keep the budget in line is to complement those stars with cheap, young talent.
But it also requires savvy signings in free agency. Not every successful free agent signing needs to be a massive deal. Last year, the Philadelphia Eagles signed linebacker Zach Baun to a one-year, $4.5 million contract, and he ended up giving them a First-Team All-Pro season.
So today’s Question of the Day is:
Which Lions player is the team’s biggest bargain?
My answer: To make this question more fun, I will not include players on rookie deals. Otherwise, the answer would basically be anyone from the 2023 NFL Draft class or Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, or Jameson Williams.
I think Detroit’s biggest bargain outside of rookie contract players is one of two players: Amik Robertson or Tim Patrick.
Robertson signed a two-year, $9.25 million contract with the Lions last year, and he ended up being one of most valuable cornerbacks on the team. Capable of playing at either outside corner or at nickel, Robertson is not only solid depth, but he is going to fight for a starting job this year. His average per year of $4,625,000 ranks 39th among cornerbacks, and when you consider just how many corners are still on rookie contracts, that’s outstanding value.
As for Patrick, his re-signing was initially reported as a one-year deal worth up to $4 million. It turns out it’s just a one-year, $2.5 million contract with incentives that can get it to $4 million. While Patrick isn’t providing a lot of production in the receiving game, he was an integral part to what the Lions were doing last year. To get a good starting skill position player at that price is nearly unheard of. Yes, he’s at a discount because of his injury history and his age (32), but that is a damn fine bargain.
Which Lions players do you think are the biggest bargains? You can check out all of their contract numbers here, and then share your best choices in the comment section below.
