Riq Woolen and 3 Free Agents Who Could Emerge as Detroit Lions Targets During NFL Title Games

The Detroit Lions may not be playing in the postseason, but that doesn’t mean Lions fans have nothing to watch for during the NFL’s championship games.

Several players suiting up for the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, and Denver Broncos are set to become free agents after the season. With Detroit expected to focus on improving its offensive line and secondary, these matchups offer a preview of potential offseason targets.

Here are four players the Lions should monitor closely, headlined by a big-name cornerback.

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CB Riq Woolen – Seattle Seahawks

The most obvious name on the list is Riq Woolen.

Woolen would be a strong fit in the Lions’ secondary, potentially starting alongside D.J. Reed or Terrion Arnold, depending on Arnold’s recovery from his shoulder injury. While Woolen is not known as a high-interception corner, he excels in man coverage and recorded 12 passes defended in 2025.

According to Spotrac, Woolen is projected to command $15.7 million per year on his next contract. That price tag could be challenging unless the Lions move on from major contracts such as:

Alim McNeill ($19.8 million guaranteed in 2026)

Taylor Decker ($14.9 million base salary in 2026)

If Decker retires and Detroit restructures or trades McNeill, the Lions could realistically afford Woolen as a long-term solution in the secondary.

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TE Austin Hooper – New England Patriots

Austin Hooper represents a low-cost tight end option for Detroit.

With Sam LaPorta dealing with a lingering back injury late in the 2025 season, the Lions may need insurance at tight end. Hooper, now 31, is projected by Spotrac to receive only a $2.4 million deal, making him a budget-friendly target.

New England is unlikely to prioritize re-signing Hooper with Hunter Henry now established as the Patriots’ TE1. While age is a concern, Hooper would offer more reliability than Brock Wright, who struggled as both a blocker and receiver late in the season.

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EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson – New England Patriots

The Lions could also target K’Lavon Chaisson to boost their pass rush.

Chaisson recorded:

7.5 sacks

2 forced fumbles

54 total pressures in 2025

He wouldn’t command the massive contract of a star like Trey Hendrickson, but he could be a quality addition alongside Aidan Hutchinson. Chaisson would likely serve as a replacement for Al-Quadin Muhammad if he departs in free agency.

Notably, Chaisson has improved every season he’s been in the league, and his under-the-radar status could make him a value signing for Detroit.

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LB Alex Singleton – Denver Broncos

One overlooked storyline this offseason is the possibility that Alex Anzalone leaves Detroit in free agency.

If that happens, Alex Singleton could be a short-term replacement. Singleton posted:

135 total tackles

1 sack

1 forced fumble

4 passes defended in 2025

While not a long-term answer, Singleton would provide a veteran presence next to Jack Campbell, who was named a First-Team All-Pro in 2025. If healthy in 2026, Singleton could help stabilize the linebacker group without a major financial commitment.

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Final Takeaway

Even without a playoff appearance, the Lions still have reasons to watch the NFL title games closely. Players like Riq Woolen, Austin Hooper, K’Lavon Chaisson, and Alex Singleton could all become realistic free-agent targets as Detroit looks to upgrade key areas of the roster.

3With needs in the secondary, pass rush, and tight end depth, this weekend’s matchups may offer an early look at Detroit’s offseason shopping list.