The opening week of NFL free agency has delivered plenty of excitement. Numerous players across the league have secured contracts with new teams and earned massive paydays, while others chose to remain with their current organizations. One potential blockbuster trade even collapsed before it could be finalized, sending shockwaves around the NFL.

The Detroit Lions have also been active during this period. Several players from last season’s roster have departed in search of new opportunities elsewhere. At the same time, general manager Brad Holmes has added a few new players and re-signed some of Detroit’s own free agents to keep key pieces in place. Although many of the biggest names were quickly signed during the first wave of free agency, there is still a considerable amount of talent left on the market.

Detroit’s roster still has a few areas that need improvement. If the Lions want to truly position themselves as a Super Bowl contender, Holmes still has important decisions to make in strengthening the team. Earlier, I identified five players I believed Detroit should pursue before free agency began. Now that the first stage has passed, here are five remaining free agents the Lions should strongly consider adding.

1. Jadeveon Clowney – EDGE – Dallas Cowboys

In recent seasons, Jadeveon Clowney has essentially become a veteran pass rusher who moves from team to team providing short-term impact. Coincidentally, edge rusher is currently one of Detroit’s biggest needs. Clowney could help fill that void immediately.

The former No. 1 overall pick has suited up for four different teams over the past four years, and Detroit could realistically become the fifth stop of his career. Clowney possesses many of the traits the Lions value in an edge defender—size, strength, and strong run defense.

During his most recent season in Dallas, he recorded 8.5 sacks, showing that he still has the ability to affect games. Brad Holmes should seriously explore bringing him to Detroit, especially since Aidan Hutchinson currently lacks a strong partner on the opposite side of the defensive line after Al-Quadin Muhammad signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

While other experienced pass rushers such as Joey Bosa or Cam Jordan remain available, Clowney may be the best fit for Detroit. A short-term deal would make sense for both sides and would still allow the Lions to draft a long-term edge rusher in the upcoming draft. Among the remaining free agents at this position, Clowney might provide the biggest immediate boost.

2. Cam Robinson – Offensive Tackle – Cleveland Browns

The Lions face uncertainty at left tackle following the release of longtime starter Taylor Decker. So far, Detroit’s only move at the position has been signing Larry Borom from Miami, who is likely better suited as a backup or swing tackle.

At the moment, the Lions do not have a clear starting option to protect quarterback Jared Goff’s blindside. Entering the draft with such a pressing need can be risky because teams sometimes feel pressured to reach for a player instead of selecting the best talent available.

Cam Robinson could offer Detroit a temporary solution at the position. If the Lions draft a tackle early in the upcoming draft, Robinson could provide competition and experience. Although he had a disappointing 2025 season with Cleveland, he could benefit from a short-term “prove-it” contract that allows him to rebuild his value.

Signing Robinson would stabilize the position in the short term without preventing Holmes from drafting a future cornerstone at offensive tackle.

3. Ifeatu Melifonwu – Safety – Miami Dolphins

Detroit’s safety group has become a major concern following significant injuries to both Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. One potential solution would be bringing back a familiar face.

Ifeatu Melifonwu spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Lions after being drafted in the third round in 2021. Although injuries limited his availability during his time in Detroit, he demonstrated flashes of strong play whenever he was healthy.

In 2025, Melifonwu managed to stay on the field and proved he can still contribute effectively. His versatility makes him valuable in multiple defensive situations, as he can cover receivers, help defend the run, and even blitz when needed.

Because he already understands Detroit’s defensive system, he could quickly step back into a meaningful role. With the Lions currently dealing with uncertainty at safety, Melifonwu would be a logical option to strengthen the secondary.

4. Tim Patrick – Wide Receiver – Jacksonville Jaguars

Tim Patrick is another former Lion who could make sense as a return candidate. After missing two full seasons in Denver due to injuries, Patrick joined Detroit in 2024 and quickly became an important part of the offense.

The Lions had been searching for a large outside receiver, and Patrick fit the role perfectly. Standing at 6’5”, he provided Jared Goff with a reliable target near the goal line and contributed as a strong blocker in the running game.

However, after Detroit selected wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa in the 2025 draft, Patrick’s role became less secure. Holmes ultimately traded him to Jacksonville in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 draft.

With Kalif Raymond departing for Chicago, the Lions may once again need depth at wide receiver. Reuniting with Patrick could help restore a dimension of the offense that seemed to be missing during the 2025 season.

5. Logan Wilson – Linebacker – Dallas Cowboys

Linebacker Logan Wilson is another player who could benefit from a fresh start. After several productive seasons earlier in his career, Wilson experienced a disappointing 2025 campaign.

He was traded from Cincinnati to Dallas during the season but never fully regained his previous form. Detroit might be able to provide the type of environment that helps him return to the level of play he showed earlier in his career.

The Lions also need help at linebacker after Alex Anzalone departed in free agency. Although Malcolm Rodriguez has been re-signed and remains a reliable rotational player, the team still lacks a clear starting option at the position.

Wilson has proven throughout his career that he can be a dependable linebacker. If he can bounce back, he could compete immediately for a starting role and help address the concerns created by Anzalone’s departure.

Final Thoughts

Free agency’s first wave may be over, but there are still several experienced players available who could help Detroit strengthen its roster. If Brad Holmes wants to push the Lions closer to championship contention, adding a few of these remaining free agents could make a meaningful difference.

Which players do you think the Lions should pursue? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know which free agents you would like to see in Detroit.