The Detroit Lions’ 2024 season ended with disappointment as they were eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Now, general manager Brad Holmes faces a challenging offseason as he navigates the 2025 free agency market to keep the team competitive.

Under head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have seen a remarkable transformation, but continuing that success in 2025 won’t be easy. Both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn are in high demand as head coaching candidates, making their potential departures a serious threat to the team’s chemistry and system.

Adding to the complexity, the Lions are set to lose a significant portion of their roster. Twenty-three players are poised to become unrestricted free agents, leaving Holmes with tough decisions.

While retaining all of them isn’t feasible, Holmes must find a way to hold on to key contributors while addressing the team’s other needs.

Holmes’ first priority should be re-signing cornerback Carlton Davis III. A standout in the Lions’ defense in 2024, Davis excelled as a leader in a system that relies heavily on man coverage.

His experience and skills make him an invaluable piece, but if an extension can’t be reached, Detroit should pivot to pursuing Charvarius Ward.

Ward and Davis are among the top cornerbacks available in free agency. Securing both would give the Lions one of the NFL’s best cornerback tandems, bolstering their secondary and providing stability amid potential coaching changes.

For Ward, leaving the San Francisco 49ers may come down to personal reasons rather than money.

After suffering the loss of his daughter, Ward has expressed difficulty living in California. If his desire to relocate is genuine, Detroit could be an ideal landing spot.

Ward would be an expensive signing, but his ability to lock down receivers in man coverage aligns perfectly with the Lions’ defensive scheme.

Another critical free agent for Detroit is guard Kevin Zeitler. Despite being 34 years old, Zeitler proved to be one of the league’s best guards in 2024. However, retaining him may be financially challenging for the Lions.

If Zeitler departs, Arizona Cardinals guard Will Hernandez emerges as a strong alternative.

Hernandez, who began his career with the New York Giants in 2018, has consistently been one of the league’s most underrated players.

Although a knee injury limited him in 2024, his performance before the setback was elite, earning him a solid Pro Football Focus grade. Given his affordable price tag, Hernandez would be a smart addition to solidify the Lions’ offensive line, which is already one of the NFL’s best.

Even if Zeitler stays, adding Hernandez would provide depth and stability, particularly at left guard, where Graham Glasgow has struggled. Hernandez’s skill set would ensure the Lions maintain their dominance in the trenches.

On the offensive side, wide receiver Diontae Johnson could be an intriguing free-agent target.

Johnson endured a turbulent 2024 season, starting with the Carolina Panthers before being traded twice. The chaos led to a poor campaign, but at 28 years old, Johnson still has plenty of potential.

Despite his struggles, Johnson has consistently delivered in previous seasons, surpassing 700 receiving yards annually over a four-year stretch.

While drops have been an issue, his crisp route running and ability to gain the trust of quarterbacks make him a valuable possession receiver.

Detroit wouldn’t need Johnson to be a No. 1 receiver, as Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are already key pieces in their offense.

Instead, Johnson’s skills would complement the existing talent, potentially elevating the Lions’ receiving corps to one of the NFL’s best.

If Ben Johnson departs as offensive coordinator, adding a player like Diontae Johnson could help the Lions overcome the loss of his creativity.

Johnson’s potential as a buy-low candidate in free agency could pay significant dividends, giving the team a reliable target to round out their arsenal.

While the Lions face uncertainty this offseason, a strong free agency period could help them return to title contention in 2025.

Holmes must navigate difficult decisions, but with the right moves, Detroit could continue its rise as one of the NFL’s top teams.