Looking back at the Detroit Lions’ 2025 free agency class, there isn’t a move that stands out as a disaster. If you had to single one out, though, the D.J. Reed deal probably tops the list by default.

That’s not to say Reed isn’t a quality cornerback—I still believe he can be a productive piece in 2026. However, after battling injuries and struggling late in the season, his three-year, $48 million contract hasn’t delivered the kind of return the team likely envisioned. Circumstances played a role, but the investment hasn’t fully justified itself so far. The comparison to Carlton Davis doesn’t help either. Davis, whom Reed effectively replaced, turned in a strong campaign in New England and ranked 18th league-wide in PFF grade (74.0).

If we widen the lens beyond actual signings, there are other decisions worth second-guessing. The Lions didn’t adequately plan for Frank Ragnow’s eventual retirement, which left them exposed on the interior offensive line. There’s also room to question the choice to bring back Marcus Davenport rather than pursuing a different edge option on the open market.

That said, Detroit took a relatively conservative approach in free agency, so there aren’t many moves that truly haunt them. With the benefit of hindsight, what would you have handled differently?