NFL free agency has begun, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2025 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year began March 12 at 4 p.m. ET, when free agent signings could become official. The first round of the 2025 NFL draft begins April 24 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2025 NFL free agent signing by the Detroit Lions and how each will impact the upcoming season:
D.J. Reed, CB
Reed is joining Detroit on a three-year, $48 million deal, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
What it means: After losing cornerback Carlton Davis III to a three-year, $60 million contract with the New England Patriots, the Lions are signing Reed, who was viewed as one of the best available options at cornerback on the free agent market. Reed isn't a prototypical shutdown corner, but can cover and tackle. In 2024, he logged 64 tackles and 10 pass breakups.
What's the risk: Although Detroit has moved quickly to replace Davis, Reed isn't a clear-cut upgrade at corner. In seven seasons, he has six career interceptions and didn't log one pick in 2024 for the Jets. However, Reed had valuable experience for the Jets, which boasted one of the league's top defenses, for the past three seasons. He could be a strong addition to the Lions group which was hit hard by injuries, including one to Davis (jaw). Reed started in all 14 of his appearances last season, and has 60 starts over the last four years in New York and Seattle.
Derrick Barnes, LB
Lions agree to three-year, $25.5M deal, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Of that, $16M is fully guaranteed at signing.
What it means: The Lions commit to another one of GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell's early draft picks. Barnes was taken in the fourth-round (113th overall) in 2021 and has proven to be a key part of the defense, as a contributor and cultural fit. With this move, the Lions lock down their linebacker core with Barnes, Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone.
What's the risk: Barnes was limited to just three games in 2024 after suffering a knee injury in a Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals. It was the first time in Barnes' four seasons that he failed to play at least 15 games, but there has to be at least some level of concern about his durability moving forward.
Marcus Davenport, DE
One-year deal at $4.75M, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
What it means: Davenport suffered a season-ending torn triceps injury in Week 3 against Arizona, but the Lions have decided to run it back with him. The veteran also signed a one-year, $7.095 million contract in free agency last year after one season in Minnesota (2023), before his year was cut short with the injury. With this move, the Lions will see what he has left in the tank at 28 years old as they still need help on the edge.
What's the risk: Injuries have been a common theme in Davenport's career since he first entered the NFL as a first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2018 and they have continued to be a problem -- even last year. In his first five seasons with the Saints, injuries limited him to 63 appearances in five seasons, then in 2023, with the Vikings, he appeared in just four games due to a right ankle injury before playing just two games in Detroit in 2024, so there has to be some level of concern to keep him on the field.
Anthony Pittman, LB
One-year deal, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
What it means: After being hit hard by the injury bug last season, the Lions bring back depth at the linebacker position with Pittman, who re-signed with Detroit in December after playing on the practice squad with the Jacksonville Jaguars for most of the season. At one point in 2024, the Lions had 16 defensive players on the injured reserve list which was the most in the league. Pittman also has experience with the Lions organization since being signed as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2019 out of Wayne State. He played for the Lions from 2019-23 before joining the Washington Commanders (2024) then Jaguars before returning to Detroit.
What's the risk: There's not a ton of risk with re-signing the veteran, especially on a one-year deal. He's familiar with Campbell's style of play and fits with the players in the locker room. In fact, he played in every game from 2021-23, although he was mainly on special teams, but is another strong culture fit who brings familiarity -- which could be useful after the coaching staff lost eight assistants in the offseason, including both defensive and offensive coordinators.
Dan Skipper, T
Skipper is returning to Detroit on one-year deal, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
What it means: The Lions bring back a proven veteran who started in five of his 17 appearances last season and is familiar with the team. Skipper has garnered reps as the jumbo tight end and swing tackle during his Lions tenure, becoming somewhat of a cult hero in Detroit along the way. He even caught a nine-yard touchdown in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills. Skipper is one of three offensive linemen in Lions history to produce a touchdown reception.
What's the risk: This move doesn't pose much of a risk since it's a one-year deal. Skipper is comfortable and productive in Detroit. He has spent the bulk of his career with the Lions since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He has spent time on the practice squad, been waived and is now re-signed to a squad that is looking to win now. His gritty style of play fits everything that the Lions are about, according to head coach Dan Campbell.
Ezekiel Turner, LB
One-year extension, according to his agent Ray Haija of Young Money APAA Sports.
What it means: After reaching extensions with Barnes and Pittman, Detroit continued to build on their linebacker corps with Turner. He has primarily shined on special teams throughout his career and was signed to the Lions from the practice squad in November. He appeared in nine games last season, logging 12 tackles and a career-best three QB hits.
What's the risk: This move doesn't pose much of a risk as the Lions re-sign Turner on a short-term deal. Detroit originally added Turner in the middle of last season where he was able to find a role and earn the respect of special teams coordinator Dave Fipp with his intelligence on the field. He played in 176 special teams snaps last season for Detroit while also logging some action on defense as well. It's a safe move.
Roy Lopez, DT
Lopez is signing a one-year, $4.65 million deal, per source.
What it means: The Lions add another solid piece with Lopez, who spent the past two seasons in Arizona. In 2024, he started in 16 games on the defensive line, logging 28 tackles with four tackles for loss and three QB hits. With Lions DT Alim McNeill suffering a season-ending torn ACL injury last year, it's unclear if he'll be ready for the start of 2025 so this move certainly gives Detroit a safety net at that spot with a veteran player.
What's the risk: The move for Lopez isn't risky since it's a one-year deal, as the Lions continue to prioritize adding pieces to the defense after being hit hard by the injury bug last season. He has proven to be durable after playing in at least 14 games in all four of his NFL seasons, with 50 career starts in 63 games in Houston and Arizona. Lopez was a sixth-round pick in the 2021 draft by the Texans.
Myles Adams, DE
The Lions are bringing back Adams on a one-year deal.
What it means: Adams was signed to the Lions' active roster from the Seahawks' practice squad last November and found a role for a banged-up Detroit defense after losing Malcolm Rodriguez and Mekhi Wingo to season-ending knee injuries. He appeared in four games on the defensive line, adding depth and logging four tackles with a sack for Detroit.
What's the risk: This move adds depth on the Lions' defensive line. It's not necessarily a game-changing move, as he has started in just one game throughout his four-year career, but he's familiar with the organization and is a safe signing.
Levi Onwuzurike, DT
The Lions kept Onwuzurike with a one-year deal for $5.5 million.
What it means: Onwuzurike was a member of GM Brad Holmes' original 2021 draft class with the Lions and has earned an extension after a career-best season. The former second-round pick experienced a bounce-back year in 2024, when he started in 10 of his 16 games with 28 total tackles, 1.5 sacks and a career-high 13 quarterback hits.
What's the risk: Onwuzurike had zero starts and just two sacks despite in his first three seasons despite being a second-round pick out of Washington. He dealt with injuries, including a spinal fusion surgery in 2022, and didn't suit up for a single game that season. But he recovered from the back injury to rejuvenate himself on the field. The 2024 season was the healthiest of his career, and it will be interesting to see if he can remain healthy going forward as Detroit is looking to win now.
Grant Stuard, LB
The former Colts special teamer is joining the Lions on a one-year deal.
What it means: Detroit is adding a special teams linebacker to the mix. Stuard was 2021's Mr. Irrelevant but has proven to be durable, playing in all 17 games for three of his four seasons in the league. While the majority of his snaps were on special teams, he also helped on defense, with five starts in 2024 with a career-high 40 tackles and two tackles for loss.
What's the risk: Throughout his career, Stuard's primary responsibilities have been on special teams which will likely stay the same in Detroit. He has been a consistent special teams ace who brings energy to the field along with leadership but shouldn't have a big role on defense.
Craig Reynolds, RB
Reynolds returns to Detroit on a one-year deal.
What it means: Playing behind running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, the Lions are not expecting Reynolds to carry a heavy workload, but he remains a safe signing to maintain depth in the backfield. Reynolds burst onto the scene in Detroit in 2021 as a former practice squad member and has never looked back. Former Lions running backs coach Duce Staley playfully give him the nickname "Netflix" after he went from watching app at home on his couch to become a surprise contributor for the squad.
What's the risk: Reynolds has appeared in all 17 games over the past two seasons, shedding any narrative about his durability. He has also developed close relationships with Gibbs and Montgomery while earning the respect of his peers through his production. In four seasons in Detroit, Reynolds has 150 attempts for 650 rushing yards. Though he has played behind strong starters every year, he still has found a way to contribute when his number is called.
Trevor Nowaske, LB
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
What it means: Detroit brings back Nowaske, who was claimed off waivers last August. He started in three of his 13 appearances last season, logging a career-high 19 total tackles, four quarterback hits, 2.0 sacks and an interception. Prior to last season, no Lions player had registered at least 2.0 sacks and an interception over any three-game span in a season since LB Chris Claiborne in 2001. So, Nowaske has proven he can be productive whenever needed.
What's the risk: Although Nowaske did see some defensive snaps last season, his primary role is for depth and special teams purposes. Nowaske isn't much of a risk, due to his familiarity with the organization. He originally signed as an undrafted free agent with Detroit in 2023 before being waived then claimed by the Arizona Cardinals then waived again before returning to the Lions to earn a new contract.
Kyle Allen, QB
The terms of the former Steeler's deal were not disclosed.
What it means: QB depth. Allen is a veteran quarterback who spent last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he completed one pass for 19 yards. Prior to that, he's served in mostly backup roles in Carolina, Washington, Houston and Buffalo. In 2019, he did start in 12 games, throwing for 3,322 passing yards with 17 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, but he has appeared in just eight games over the last two seasons.
What's the risk: Allen has 19 career starts in seven seasons. However, there's a risk that this move can affect the development of current Lions backup quarterback Hendon Hooker, who was selected in the third-round of the 2023 draft. Although Hooker was Detroit's highest drafted quarterback since taking Matthew Stafford at No. 1 in 2009, he has played in three career games behind starter Jared Goff.
Tim Patrick, WR
Terms of the deal for Patrick, who is returning to the Lions, were not disclosed.
What it means: Patrick was a pleasant surprise last season, finding a role within Detroit's high-powered offense and finishing with 33 catches for 394 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He had missed the 2022 and 2023 seasons with knee and Achilles injuries before being signed to Detroit's practice squad in August and signed to the active roster on Sept. 24.
What's the risk: Can Patrick continue his production from last season under new offensive coordinator John Morton? In 2024, Patrick scored his first NFL touchdowns since 2021, when he played for the Denver Broncos. Patrick has 176 catches for 2,403 yards and 15 touchdowns in his NFL career, but there has to be some level of concern of whether or not he can rise to the occasion with expectations for a team that's looking to win now.
Kenny Yeboah, TE
The former Jet joins the Lions on a one-year deal.
What it means: Yeboah adds depth to Detroit's tight end unit. He also has experience on special teams and specializes in blocking. Yeboah caught five passes for 47 receiving yards and scored a touchdown last season.
What's the risk: Yeboah has appeared in 33 games throughout his four-year career, making two starts. The Lions won't be depending on him to carry a heavy load at all so there isn't much of a risk with this move. He can certainly help the special teams unit.
Shane Zylstra, TE
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
What it means: Zylstra, who is returning to Detroit, joins Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Kenny Yeboah as Detroit's tight ends, adding depth to the group. He originally signed to the practice squad in 2021 but has earned his keep as a solid contributor over the past few seasons. He appeared in 12 games last season, logging one catch for 22 yards.
What's the risk: This is another move to hold on to one of their guys, who can be productive, when necessary, but is also a cultural fit in the locker room. He's been around since the beginning of head coach Dan Campbell's Detroit tenure and possesses the grit that he constantly preaches in the locker room, so there isn't much of a risk because he's bringing familiarity.
Pat O'Connor, DE
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
What it means: O'Connor joined the Lions during training camp last season and was signed to the practice squad before earning a spot on the active roster in October. He is a seven-year veteran who found a role as the Lions were hit hard by injuries, appearing in 12 games. O'Connor finished the season with 18 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack.
What's the risk: O'Connor has proven his versatility on the line, playing defensive end and a little nose tackle, which adds value to the team. The Eastern Michigan product was also a member of Tampa Bay's Super Bowl LV team that defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 in 2021, so he brings experience and isn't much of a risk as a depth move.
Al-Quadin Muhammad
Muhammad returns on a one-year deal.
What it means: The Lions are re-signing yet another one of their own guys, who originally joined the team on the practice squad before earning a spot on the active roster in November. The veteran defensive lineman was solid in nine appearances with 11.0 tackles, five QB hits, four tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks while starting in two games.
What's the risk: The soon-to-be 30-year-old is a former sixth-round pick of the 2017 draft with 93 career games under his belt. He brings valuable experience, but his age makes him one of the squad's elder statesmen on a young Lions roster. It'll also be interesting to see how he adapts to new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
Rock Ya-Sin, CB
Terms of the deal for the former 49er were not disclosed.
What it means: The former second-round pick played 13 games for the 49ers last season and will look to help Detroit's secondary. He can provide depth at cornerback and his veteran presence can help with development of the rising young talent on the roster like CB Terrion Arnold, who enters Year 2 with a ton of potential.
What's the risk: There isn't much of a risk with this move since he isn't expected to compete for a starting spot. Ya-Sin is only 28 but is switching to his fifth team over seven NFL seasons. He's had previous stops in Indianapolis, Baltimore, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and now Detroit. It'll be interesting to see how he productive he can be in whatever role the Lions use him in.
Khalil Dorsey, CB
What it means: The Lions continue their offseason theme with the re-signing of another familiar face in Dorsey, who has thrived on special teams and provided depth at cornerback. Dorsey appeared in 14 games last season. In 2023, he led the team with 12 kickoff returns and a team-high 244 kickoff return yards.
What's the risk: Although Dorsey has been productive over the past two seasons in Detroit, the only risk behind this move could be his health. He suffered a brutal leg injury in Week 15 last season that kept him out for the remainder of the year and it's unclear if he's fully recovered from his broken tibia and fibula in his right leg and will return as the same player.
Avonte Maddox, CB
Maddox joins from the Eagles on a one-year deal.
What it means: The Lions continue to load up in the secondary with a veteran cornerback in Maddox, who is coming off a Super Bowl title in Philadelphia. Maddox, 28, is also a native of Detroit, who attended Martin Luther King High School, so he'll be returning home in the process for a Lions squad who is looking to win now.
What's the risk: Maddox started in just three of 17 games at cornerback last season for the Eagles, with 20 total tackles and five passes defended. This will be his first NFL stop outside of Philadelphia after a seven-year run and this signing won't pose much of a risk with his postseason experience and veteran presence. He adds depth to the secondary and is a solid addition to the defense.
Kayode Awosika, OG
What it means: With Awosika, Detroit has re-signed another key backup player on the offensive line. He has been around in Detroit for the past three seasons as an offensive guard. Awosika started in two games last season while appearing in 11 games overall.
What's the risk: This is another move to continue to build depth with a familiar face. There's not much of a risk here. In 2022, he first signed with the Lions off the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad and had found a role on the active roster.