The Detroit Lions might start the 2025 season without a seasoned NFL player, as one is contemplating retirement.
The Detroit Lions finished atop the NFC last season, and despite several coaching changes this offseason, they are in a strong position to contend for the big game next season. With unfinished business ahead and most of their key players remaining, they have the potential to replicate last season’s success.
However, the Lions might enter the 2025 season without one veteran player, who is weighing the option of retirement and a career shift.
When it comes to top-tier wide receivers, the Lions are set with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, who played pivotal roles in the team’s successful season and a 15-2 regular season record.
Yet, there’s another wide receiver on the roster from the 2024 season, Allen Robinson. As reported by Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press, Robinson is considering retirement during the offseason.
At 31 years old, Robinson joined the Lions’ practice squad in August and was added to the active roster in September. He didn’t see much playing time, and now, he’s reflecting on retirement and taking family into account.
“For me, it’s now just taking time to evaluate what next year looks like for me in general,” Robinson told the Free Press. “That’s kind of where I’m at with it. So, I’m taking some time to make this decision with my family.”
Robinson began his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He made the Pro Bowl in 2015 and has received numerous honors throughout his career. Over the years, he’s played for the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Lions. Robinson also grew up in Detroit and graduated from St. Mary’s Preparatory in Orchard Lake Village.
“For me, it’s more so about figuring out what my future is in this game and in this league looks like,” Robinson said. “Playing, finishing Season 11, having a family, figuring out different things with them, moving around and stuff like that.”
He continued, “So for me it’s now just taking time to evaluate what next year looks like for me in general. That’s kind of where I’m at with it. So I’m taking some time to make this decision with my family.”
Robinson will become an unrestricted free agent when the 2025 league year begins on March 12. Another player hitting free agency this offseason is cornerback Carlton Davis, who started in 13 games for the Lions during the 2024 season before suffering a season-ending jaw injury in the Lions’ Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to express interest in signing cornerback Davis. “The Jaguars will gauge the market of veteran corner Carlton Davis III, another third-contract guy,” Fowler stated in a Sunday, March 2, feature.
