The Detroit Lions have been active this offseason, adding talent through free agency and trades while also bringing back several familiar faces. Among the players now in the mix are Cade Mays, D. J. Wonnum, Larry Borom, Isiah Pacheco, Rock Ya-Sin, Roger McCreary, and Juice Scruggs.
As teams continue to reshape their rosters ahead of the upcoming season, ESPN insider Ben Solak released his yearly assessment of how each franchise has handled the offseason so far. His rankings consider several factors, including the overall value teams received for the money spent, roster flexibility heading into the draft, contract structures that create leverage for the team, how organizations managed the compensatory pick formula, and whether there were notable opportunities they passed on.
Based on those criteria, Solak’s evaluation of Detroit’s offseason activity was largely encouraging, offering plenty of reasons for Lions fans to feel optimistic.
Ben Solak Applauds Detroit’s Offseason Strategy
In his breakdown, Solak highlighted Detroit’s willingness to take calculated risks on players with upside. One move he particularly liked was acquiring Isiah Pacheco following the departure of David Montgomery to the Houston Texans.
Solak noted that while Pacheco may not replicate everything Montgomery provided, Detroit doesn’t necessarily need him to. Instead, the Lions appear to be targeting a running back capable of handling short-yardage situations and providing solid pass protection to complement Jahmyr Gibbs. Landing that type of player on a deal close to the veteran minimum made the move particularly appealing from a value standpoint.
Beyond Pacheco, Solak also praised the Lions for finding strong value across several additions. Detroit managed to secure a starting-caliber center in Cade Mays at roughly $8 million per season during an offseason when the market for centers surged. Meanwhile, edge rusher D. J. Wonnum could thrive in a complementary role across from star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. In that spot, Wonnum could effectively fill a role similar to the one previously held by Al-Quadin Muhammad—and potentially deliver even more production.
At cornerback, Roger McCreary also drew positive attention, with Solak noting that he has the ability to step into a starting role if he remains healthy. Overall, Solak viewed Detroit’s class of additions as a collection of relatively low-risk moves that carry the potential for meaningful rewards.
Not Every Move Earned Praise
Despite the largely positive review, Solak did question one decision. He expressed skepticism about Detroit’s signing of offensive lineman Larry Borom. Borom, originally a fifth-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Missouri by the Chicago Bears, spent last season with the Miami Dolphins before joining Detroit.
Even so, the Lions may not be finished shaping their roster. General manager Brad Holmes recently indicated that the team is still evaluating potential additions as the draft approaches.
Holmes emphasized that the front office remains active in conversations with player representatives and continues to monitor opportunities. While he stopped short of guaranteeing another signing, he made it clear the organization is keeping its options open as preparations for the draft continue.
For now, the Lions appear committed to building a deeper, more flexible roster—one that positions them well heading into the next phase of the offseason.
