Between free agency and the 2025 NFL draft, it’s abundantly clear that one Detroit Lions defender is the team’s biggest offseason loser after two months.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell speaks during minicamp at Detroit Lions headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell speaks during minicamp at Detroit Lions headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park.
The Detroit Lions are ready to begin the next chapter of the NFL offseason now that May is here. General manager Brad Holmes has been working hard throughout the last two months, adding hungry contributors through free agency and the 2025 NFL draft with the hope of remaining in Super Bowl contention next season.
While fans are thrilled to welcome the new Lions to the Motor City, the influx of fresh faces isn’t good news for everyone. Detroit’s plethora of offseason moves likely spells bad news for various roster bubble veterans, including one wideout who’s easily the team’s biggest offseason loser so far.
Lions DL Mekhi Wingo is Detroit’s Biggest Offseason Loser
When it comes to the Lions’ biggest offseason losers, look no further than defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo.
The former Missouri/LSU product was drafted 189th overall by Detroit during the 2024 draft and struggled to find playing time in his first NFL campaign. Wingo was limited to 220 snaps (176 defensive, 44 special teams) through his first 11 appearances before a knee injury sidelined him for the remainder of his rookie campaign.
Unfortunately, Wingo didn’t have much to show for his limited opportunities. He ended the year with nine total tackles (1 solo effort) while playing to less-than-inspiring Pro Football Focus grades regarding pass rushing (58.9), run stoppage (46.4), and overall defense.
Wingo’s outlook would look more promising had the Lions cleared up the defensive logjam ahead of him, but that hasn’t been the case. Not only did the Lions re-sign a D-line quartet (Levi Onwuzurike, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Pat O’Connor, and Mitchell Agude), but they also signed former Arizona Cardinals DL Roy Lopez, who boasts much more experience (50 starts in 63 games) than Wingo.
The D-Line additions didn’t end there, much to Wingo’s dismay. The 2025 draft saw the Lions further bolster their frontline, using the 28th overall pick on Ohio State standout Tyleik Williams before drafting Boise State disruptor Ahmed Hassanein towards the back half of Round 6. That’s without mentioning Detroit signing undrafted Houston DL Keith Cooper Jr., who might develop into one of the biggest post-draft steals.
In other words, Wingo is about to face even more competition for playing time. Yes, he’s had nearly a full year in the Lions’ system, however, that doesn’t change the fact that his rookie performance wasn’t impressive, nor does anyone know how he’ll perform post-injury.
It’s going to take a strong showing from Wingo if he wants to prove to head coach Dan Campbell & Co. that he belongs on the roster. The 291-pound defender’s next opportunity to showcase his abilities will come when the Lions host their organized team activities, beginning on Wednesday, May 28.
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