Category: Detroit Lions

 

It can be challenging to follow the Detroit Lions’ roster movement during the offseason. So, to make things easier on Lions fans, we’re tracking every signing, re-signing, tagging, and roster loss in one convenient place.

 

For this continuously updating piece, we will focus on the Lions’ 2025 roster heading toward free agency and the NFL Draft. This article is organized by position group and will provide fans with an overview of the players on the roster, injured reserve, or practice squad at the end of the season.

 

Within each section, we will provide readers with an end-of-season depth chart at the position, identify the roles players held, the 2025 contract details of the players currently signed by the Lions, as well as several key terms to better clarify each player’s situation. There will also be links to other articles for those fans looking for even more depth of coverage.

 

So, bookmark this page and revisit it as roster updates are made.

 

 

UFA: Unrestricted Free Agents can sign with any team during the free agency period beginning on March 12 (tampering negotiations begin on the 10th). Lions can re-sign these players at any time.

RFA: Restricted Free Agents rights are held by the Lions. If an RFA receives a contract from another team, the Lions can match the offer or potentially receive draft compensation for allowing the player to leave.

ERFA: Exclusive Rights Free Agents are only allowed to negotiate contracts with the Lions unless Detroit chooses to let them explore free agency.

SFA: Street Free Agents are players who were under contract with an NFL team in 2024, but not on an active roster at the season’s end. They are free to sign with any team immediately. The most common SFAs are players who were on NFL practice squads.

Futures contracts are deals given to street free agents before the start of free agency. They’re called “futures” deals because while currently signed, these contracts don’t count against the cap until a “future” date—which is the start of free agency.

(Note: the Lions have already begun signing players to futures contracts)

 

2025 Cap Hit: How much a player counts against the team’s 2025 salary cap.

Guarantees remaining: this is the remaining guaranteed money owed to the player over the remainder of his contract, not just 2025. If the Lions move on from a player with guaranteed money, that amount will count against the Lions’ cap, even though the player is no longer on the roster (“dead cap”). Expiring contracts that had VOIDED years also fall into this category.

Quarterback

 

With Goff, Hooker, and Fromm under contract, the Lions won’t be pressed to make any hasty decisions, and instead, can add another camp arm as they see fit. Bridgewater appears to be headed back to coaching high school football, then could consider another return after his next high school championship. If he ever wants a coaching job in the NFL, he’s surely have a job waiting for him in Detroit, but he’s made clear that’s not what he wants at the moment.

 

 

 

Gibbs and Montgomery are locked in to return as arguably the best running back tandem in football, Vaki gives them upside insurance at the position, while Reynolds and Jefferson are pending free agents. It’d be surprising to see Reynolds get an RFA tag—considering the minimum tender is $3.2 million for one season—but he could get a new contract, as the Lions love him in their RB3 role. The fact that Jefferson did not sign a futures deal in Detroit indicates either he or the team elected to explore other options.

 

 

 

Returning St. Brown, Williams, and Raymond should give the comfort at the position, but they’ll enter this offseason looking for a WR-X. Patrick was ideal in the role last season and should be one of the Lions’ top priorities in free agency, while Robinson was valued for his leadership but could be near the end of his career. Can Antoine Green take the next step and throw his hat into the WR-X mix? Former Michigan Wolverine Ronnie Bell is an ideal system fit and could carve out a role, while fellow Wolverine Peoples-Jones could be looking for another opportunity after not signing a futures contract.

 

 

 

Like at the Lions’ other offensive skill positions, their tight end group also returns their top two options, with the third being a player they’d surely like to bring back in 2025. Zylstra elevated his game this past year and was rewarded for it, and like Reynolds, he seems unlikely to get an RFA tag but should be in line for a new contract. The Lions will need to replenish the competition for depth in 2026 but shouldn’t feel pressed to add a player early in free agency or the draft.

 

 

 

Like most ERFAs, Galvin will most likely be extended a league minimum offer, and because he can’t negotiate with another NFL team, he’ll probably return in 2025. That would leave Skipper as the only 2024 offensive tackle not under contract for next season. While Skipper has certainly carved himself out a role as the team’s sixth offensive lineman, there’s room for the team to consider making an upgrade at OT3. Is Manu ready? Could Sorsdal take the year three leap and step into the role? Or will the Lions pursue an outside option?

 

 

 

Solidifying their offensive line should be a top priority for the Lions every offseason and re-signing Zeitler could do that for 2025. However, both Zeitler and Glasgow are old enough that Detroit needs to begin planning for a future without them, and while Mahogany should fill one of those roles, adding another guard in the offseason could be important. Niese should return on an ERFA deal, while Awosika—like most RFAs—would need a new contract.

 

 

 

With McNeill coming off injury, Reader being in a contract year, and Onwuzurike and O’Connor pending free agents, the Lions have a lot of work to do on the interior defensive line. What happens with Onwuzurike figures to be one of the more interesting decisions the Lions make this offseason. Will his injury history impact his free agency, or will Detroit get a deal done with him ahead of time? O’Connor and Peko could be easy re-signs to help give the Lions insurance while they wait on Martin’s development.

 

 

 

*indicates a fifth-year option

 

Hutchinson is on track to return in full for next season but who starts opposite him is an unknown. Paschal and Smith finished the season as starters but the Lions will likely want more pass rushing options. Plus, there’s no guarantee Smith will return with his contract, as he has a significant amount of guaranteed money that will come due if the Lions elect to keep him on the roster in 2025.

 

Here’s the CliffsNotes version of Smith’s contract: While Smith’s current cap hit is only $5.7 million in 2025, the escalators that will come due over the next six months could end up costing the Lions another $5.25 million in 2026 (when he’s not on the roster), with $9.5 of the total being guaranteed. However, if they elect to release him before March 15, they can do so with no cap penalties and no future cap costs.

 

Expect the Lions to add/return at least one high-upside edge rusher this offseason and it wouldn’t be surprising if they added multiple pass rushers.

 

 

 

*indicates a fifth-year option

 

Last season, then-defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn introduced an expanded role for the SAM linebacker, which featured Derrick Barnes. Now, with Glenn in New York and Barnes a free agent, it’s fair to wonder how much of his scheme will remain under new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. With Sheppard’s background being at linebacker, it’s logical to think the Lions could keep the SAM role in place—but Shep may also look to put his own twist on things.

 

Sheppard’s philosophy with the SAM will directly impact how much the Lions value retaining Barnes, or acquiring another player with his skill set. Nowaske fits the bill and should be an easy retain with an ERFA tag, but he’s still growing into the position.

 

Pittman, Niemann, and Turner are all primarily special teamers and any or all of them could be retained for competition.

 

 

 

The Lions only have half their cornerbacks from 2024 under contract in 2025, and while they could probably work with Arnold, Robertson, and Rakestraw as starters, this room needs a lot of depth and probably at least one other player who could challenge for a starting role.

 

Davis is exactly what the Lions want in a starting corner and they’ll surely explore if they can afford to retain him in 2025. Vildor is solid depth and worth retaining, while Dorsey is arguably the team’s best non-kicking special teamer. Bringing Moseley back could be a hard sell.

 

 

 

The Lions have arguably the best safety tandem in the NFL and adding Melifonwu to the mix gives them a ton of range. However, Melifonwu has a long injury history that has kept him off the field which makes his next contract an interesting debate. Can they trust him to stay healthy and at what cost will his retention demand?

 

 

Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who threw three touchdowns, was named the Pro Bowl Games Offensive MVP while leading the NFC to a 76-63 victory in the flag football game that capped off the weekend.

At the same time, Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy earned the Pro Bowl Games Defensive MVP award.

Goff had an almost flawless performance in “passing the test,” helping the NFC take a 14-7 lead over the AFC on the Pro Bowl Games’ opening night Thursday.

With some assistance from Green Bay running back Josh Jacobs in an NFL trivia contest, Goff demonstrated his passing skills by hitting every target and more in just 90 seconds. He scored 44 points for the NFC, five more than his teammate Sam Darnold of Minnesota.

Goff, Darnold, and Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield easily outperformed the AFC team of quarterbacks, which included Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, New England’s Drake Maye, and Pittsburgh’s Russell Wilson.

The passing contest was the main attraction of the six events on opening night. The NFC also won two of three relay races, a skills challenge called “satisfying catches,” and a game show for NFL teammates called “helmet harmony,” which resembled “The Newlywed Game.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JANUARY 26: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions and NFC throws a pass during practice before the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium on February 1, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.

 

Highlights and notable moments from the Detroit Lions players at the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl.

Once again, I watched the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl so you wouldn’t have to.

On Sunday, the Pro Bowl Games wrapped up with a flag football game, interspersed with several more skills challenges. With six Detroit Lions players present, there was plenty to analyze from the event in Orlando, Florida.

Jared Goff wins Offensive MVP
Goff started as the NFC’s quarterback and quickly led his team to three scoring drives. According to the broadcast, Goff ended with 126 yards and three touchdowns. His performance earned him the Offensive MVP award, and the NFC won 76-63.
Additionally, Goff won the precision passing event on Thursday, making for an exciting weekend for the Lions quarterback. Here are a couple of his touchdown passes:

Jahmyr Gibbs grabs an impressive interception
As the game progressed, players swapped positions, and Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs found himself at cornerback. On a two-point conversion attempt to Marvin Mims Jr., Gibbs jumped and made the interception. He likely would’ve scored if not for half the AFC team stepping in to stop him.

Brian Branch picks off Joe Burrow
Branch represented the Lions secondary well, even though the NFL’s leader in interceptions was not selected for the game. Branch intercepted Joe Burrow on a short pass to Joe Mixon.

Lions OL help NFC claim event victories
Taylor Decker participated in the Pro Bowl tug-of-war and helped his team to victory.
Meanwhile, center Frank Ragnow took part in a six-player relay race, teaming up with Tristan Wirfs to flip large tires. The pair defeated the AFC duo of Rashawn Slater and Tyler Linderbaum, securing the necessary lead for their team to win the race.

Jack Fox narrowly loses his event
Jack Fox, the NFC’s punter, competed against Jaguars punter Logan Cooke in an accuracy challenge. Both punters had racks of footballs and aimed to boot as many as possible into six trashcans set up in a triangle 30 yards away—similar to an NBA three-point contest.
Fox and Cooke tied, then tied again in overtime. But Cooke ultimately won in sudden death.

 

 

A Detroit Lions wide receiver who played four games in 2024 is following Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears.

 

Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander has signed a futures deal with the Chicago Bears, according to NFL’s transaction wire. Maurice will reunite with former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who became the Bears head coach last week. He’ll also reconnect with his position coach, as Antwaan Randle El also went to Chicago for a promotion to wide receivers coach/assistant head coach.

 

Alexander finished the season on the Lions practice squad, and the Lions opted not to sign him to a futures deal. That meant Alexander was a free agent free to sign with any team, even before free agency opens in March.

 

Alexander, 28, has been on and off the Lions’ roster since 2022. This past year, he made three game appearances, serving as the team’s kick and punt returner when Kalif Raymond spent over a month on injured reserve with a foot injury. Alexander got a total of four punt returns and turned it into 42 yards and a fumble (that was not lost).

 

Nicknamed “Hard Time,” Alexander may not have gotten many opportunities on the field in his three seasons (seven game appearances), but he had earned a reputation as a hard worker and good teammate. He was one of the many players who Teddy Bridgewater worked out with in and out of the Lions’ training facility.

 

“He’s been back there just listening. After practice, catching jugs. Walk through, catching jugs, just listening,” Raymond said of Alexander in 2022. “And then as I’m working, he’s working. And a lot people don’t know his story.

This dude’s working another job, got a call from the USFL, balls out for the USFL, becomes a Detroit Lion and then finally takes a punt back in the NFL. There’s a lot of work that went in between that moment—the moment had in that game, and a lot of work that went in between that nobody saw. And that dude works his tail off.”

When the Detroit Pistons prepare to play the Dallas Mavericks at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET, basketball fans should expect an exciting matchup.

Given the particular difficulties that each team is facing, this game could have a big impact on the remainder of the season.

The Pistons will rely on their growing star, Cade Cunningham, who has been a force this season with an average of 25.0 points and 9.3 assists per game, in an attempt to end a current skid.

He has been supported by Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris, who each contribute 12.7 points and 6.2 rebounds, and Duren, who averages almost a double-double (10.2 points and 9.8 rebounds) a game.

The Mavericks, on the other hand, are getting used to life without Luka Dončić, who is still out due to injury.

Kyrie Irving has taken over as the team’s leader in his absence, averaging 24.2 points and 4.9 assists.

Klay Thompson, who was just acquired, is anticipated to be a key player who will provide his exceptional three-point shooting.

This is going to be an exciting game. According to Stats Insider’s simulations, the Mavericks have a 57% chance of winning, and Dallas is predicted to win 115-113. Given how close this game is, the Pistons are a 1-point underdog ($2.00) and the Mavericks are a small favorite ($1.83) according to the most recent betting odds.

 

The Chicago Bears are entering a new era with the hiring of former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their next head coach.

This hire was first reported on January 20, just two days after the Lions’ heartbreaking loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFL playoffs’ Divisional Round.

Johnson wasted no time assembling a staff that includes Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator and Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator.

However, these weren’t rushed decisions, as Allen recently revealed that Johnson had reached out to him late in the season to gauge his interest in the position.

This information has left many Lions fans upset, with accusations that Johnson had already quit on the team.

“Lions had no chance of reaching the SB. Ben was checked out weeks before,” said one fan.

“So during the playoffs???? Makes sense now why they went for it on 3rd and 1 when Gibbs was having such a strong first quarter,” added another.

“Ben Johnson had already checked out. How disappointing,” a third fan commented.

A fourth said, “If that’s true, I’m glad he’s gone. We don’t need anyone in Detroit who doesn’t want to be here.”

“Is this surprising? The guy was picking out drapes for his new house in Chicago instead of planning for the playoffs…” another remarked.

“So what I’m understanding is Ben Johnson was already thinking about his new job at the end of the regular season when we still had the playoffs,” noted one more.

It’s important to mention, however, that despite their loss to the Commanders, Detroit’s offense remained impressive, racking up 521 total yards and four touchdowns.

Copyright 2025 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.

 

Six Detroit Lions will formally play in the NFL’s annual Pro Bowl Games, which are scheduled for Thursday and Sunday.

Several players drafted by Detroit have been replaced, notably wide receiver Amon-Ra St.

Brown and offensive lineman Penei Sewell. They will still have good representation, though.

The NFL is set to conduct its annual Pro Bowl Games Thursday and Sunday, and six Detroit Lions will officially be participating.

 

Detroit has had multiple players selected that have been replaced, including offensive tackle Penei Sewell and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. However, they will still be well-represented.

There will be several activities on Thursday that will give athletes a chance to show off their skills in an enjoyable setting.

On Sunday, the league will play its yearly flag football match. Security Running back Jahmyr Gibbs and Brian Branch will compete in a 40-yard dash relay.

Micah Parsons, an edge defender for the Dallas Cowboys, and Jaycee Horn, a cornerback for the Carolina Panthers, will round out the four-man team.

The NFC’s dodgeball squad will include offensive tackle Taylor Decker and punter Jack Fox. Decker will also compete in the tug-of-war competition.

Fox will compete in the perfect punt competition, on the other hand. Jared Goff, a quarterback, will compete in the Passing the Test tournament for athletes in his position.

In addition, Center Frank Ragnow will take part in two events.

On Thursday, a number of events will occur allowing players to showcase their athleticism in a fun environment. The league will conduct its annual flag football game on Sunday.

 

Safety Brian Branch and running back Jahmyr Gibbs will participate in a 40-yard dash relay, with Dallas Cowboys edge defender Micah Parsons and Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn completing the four-player squad.

 

Offensive tackle Taylor Decker and punter Jack Fox will be part of the NFC’s dodgeball team, and Decker will also participate in the tug-of-war event.

Fox, meanwhile, will be one of the competitors in the perfect punt competition.

 

Quarterback Jared Goff will be in the Passing The Test competition for players at his position.

Center Frank Ragnow will participate in two events in addition to the flag football game, titled The Big Spike and The Great Football Race.

 

 

 

The Detroit Lions coaching staff departures continue, as an offensive coach leaves to join Aaron Glenn and the Jets.

 

The Detroit Lions will have another coach on the offensive staff to replace this season. As first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the New York Jets are hiring Lions tight ends coach Steven Heiden to be their next offensive line coach.

 

It’s an unexpected move, seeing as Heiden played 11 years in the league as a tight end, and has spent most of his coaching career at that same position. However, he did spend a single season as the Arizona Cardinals’ assistant offensive line coach in 2018. Heiden has served as the Lions tight end coach for the past two seasons, joining the team shortly before Detroit drafted tight end Sam LaPorta in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

 

“Coach Heiden has done a phenomenal job getting those guys ready, particularly a young player like LaPorta,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said of Heiden back in 2023.

 

Under Heiden, LaPorta set the NFL record for most receptions by a tight end in their first two seasons (146).

 

Heiden will join former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn with the Jets, as he continues to build out his staff. Reportedly, that staff may also include Lions pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand, who is believed to be the top candidate to fill New York’s offensive coordinator position.

 

It’s been a huge offseason of attrition for the Lions’ coaching staff. Here are all the coaches who have departed or the Lions have parted ways with, per various reports:

 

 

The Detroit Lions are facing some tough decisions as their offseason begins following their first playoff game loss to the Washington Commanders, which ended their Super Bowl dreams. Now, the team must focus on which players to keep and possibly cut, with an eye on salary cap management for the 2025 season.

As teams review their contracts and potential cuts, Pro Football Network’s Ben Rolfe highlighted some key Detroit Lions players who could be on the chopping block. “Determining cut candidates is tricky, especially with teams undergoing coaching or coordinator changes, as it can alter player value,” said Rolfe.

Though much of Rolfe’s attention is on defensive lineman D.J. Reader, he also mentions wide receiver Kalif Raymond as a possible cut. Raymond’s 2025 cap number sits at $6.4 million, and the Lions could save $3.3 million before June 1 or $4.8 million after.

USA Today’s Ryan Love notes that Raymond is beloved by Lions fans, especially for his successful stint as a kick returner. However, Love points out that Raymond’s productivity could be easily replaced for a modest cap savings in 2025.

Beyond Reader and Raymond, Rolfe also points to linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin and EDGE Za’Darius Smith as potential cuts. While Reeves-Maybin’s situation is tricky due to the team’s thin linebacker depth, Smith’s inclusion could surprise fans. Smith was instrumental when Aidan Hutchinson was injured, but Love suggests Smith’s performance wasn’t enough to elevate the Lions back to their early-season form.

Smith’s cap number for 2025 is $5.7 million, and while Love acknowledges Smith’s solid contributions, he believes Smith is not a game-changer as expected from his position. Love also notes that cutting Smith wouldn’t be a major financial loss for the team.

Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter with experience covering the NFL and college football for various outlets like ESPN and Fox Sports. She also hosts podcasts and radio shows based in Detroit.

 

 

 

 

Detroit Lions star Jameson Williams has been fined $25,325 for his obscene celebration during his team’s loss to Washington Commanders last weekend.

 

After scoring an incredible 61-yard touchdown, Williams appeared to thrust his hips to the ground before teammate Amon-Ra St Brown hauled him back up to his feet in the celebrations.

 

Cameras quickly cut away from Williams on the broadcast but the two seconds that went out live on the air was all that was needed to make it a talking point.

 

The NFL’s X account tweeted out video of his touchdown but abruptly cut the footage before the 23-year-old’s crude celebration.

 

His touchdown was a major moment in a wild first half between the two teams, as Lions made the score 24-21 thanks to wide receiver Williams – who somersaulted into the end zone at the end of his massive run.

 

‘Wow! This is crazy! I mean, this is video-game stuff right here,’ an astounded Tom Brady said on the Fox broadcast after Williams scored his touchdown.

 

Detroit Lions star Jameson Williams has been fined $25,325 for his obscene celebration

Detroit Lions star Jameson Williams has been fined $25,325 for his obscene celebration

After somersaulting into the end zone, Williams appeared to thrust his hips at the ground

After somersaulting into the end zone, Williams appeared to thrust his hips at the ground

 

 

And fans watching the game on the night expected Williams to be punished for the scenes, too.

 

‘How to lose 300k in two seconds,’ one fan said on X, and another wrote: ‘Williams won’t receive a check for 4 years after this celebration.’

 

The Lions went on to lose 41-35 to the Commanders, with head coach Dan Campbell fighting back tears in his post-game press conference.

 

‘It just hurts to lose, man,’ he said. ‘I don’t care if you’re the seven seed, six seed, five seed, one seed… cause I’ve lost all of them, damn near.’

 

‘It hurts,’ he continued. ‘At the end of the day, I didn’t have them ready.’

 

As he became more and more emotional, Campbell later added: ‘What [the players] put into it, a lot of people don’t know what they go through. You have to get up, your body’s beat to s***, mentally stay locked in and do those things. Long season.

 

‘It’s my fault. It’s my fault.’

 

The Commanders meet the Philadelphia Eagles later on Sunday for a place in the Super Bowl in New Orleans on February 9.

 

They will face the winner of the Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs, who play in the later game on Sunday.