After an outstanding season with the Detroit Lions, defensive lineman Roy Lopez has expressed his openness to returning to the team for another year. Lopez, who signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with Detroit, exceeded expectations in 2025, emerging as one of the most productive players on a defensive line featuring stars like Alim McNeill, D.J. Reader, and Tyleik Williams. Despite fewer snaps than his teammates, Lopez led the group in tackles (30), tackles for loss (4), sacks (2), and quarterback hits (5), marking a career-high performance.
Lopez, who previously played on struggling teams like the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals, found a new home in Detroit, attracted by the opportunity to be part of a winning culture and work under head coach Dan Campbell. The Lions’ strong team environment allowed Lopez to thrive, and he credits his growth to the collective effort of his teammates and coaching staff.
“I love this place for what it did for me, as a person and as a player,” Lopez said. “I’ve grown so much being here. It was awesome to be part of this room, learn from D.J., Alim, Hutch, and even the guys across the line of scrimmage. From Dan Campbell’s leadership, you can feel his passion for the game and the team, and that really motivated me.”
Lopez is now set to be a free agent, and with his impressive performance, he is projected to earn more than $6 million per year on the open market, according to Spotrac. The Lions will need to offer Lopez a raise to keep him, but they have some salary cap flexibility with D.J. Reader’s contract coming off the books.
At 28 years old, Lopez brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the Lions’ defensive line. His ability to play across the interior, from the 1-technique to the 3-technique, has made him a valuable asset to the team. His skills as a run-stopper and pass-rusher, along with his background as a two-time state champion wrestler, continue to evolve, making him a dynamic player with room to grow.
While the Lions’ defense struggled in key games down the stretch, Lopez remained a consistent force, ranking as the second-highest graded run defender on the team behind Aidan Hutchinson, per PFF. Lopez also showed significant improvement as a pass rusher as the season progressed, adding another dimension to his game.
Despite the Lions missing the playoffs in a disappointing season, Lopez remains optimistic and hopeful for the future. “I loved every minute of it,” Lopez said. “I loved the group I was part of, the team I was part of, and I didn’t take a second for granted. I knew where I was at, and my feet were where they belonged.”
Lopez’s performance in Detroit has elevated his value in free agency, but his deep connection to the team could make a return to the Lions a real possibility. Whether he stays in Detroit or moves on, Lopez is thankful for the growth and opportunities the Lions provided.
“I hope I get the chance to return, but if this is the last day I walk into this building, I’ll cherish every moment,” he added. “This team, this organization, has been a blessing.”
