The Detroit Lions have been fairly disciplined during free agency, sticking to the roster-building philosophy that general manager Brad Holmes has followed since arriving in Detroit.
But as the free agent market continues to thin out, there are still a couple of players available who could immediately help the Lions address key needs — especially on defense.
Here are two remaining free agents Detroit should strongly consider adding before the market dries up completely.
1️⃣ Yannick Ngakoue — Edge Rusher
One of Detroit’s biggest needs remains adding another reliable pass rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Ngakoue has been one of the league’s most consistent sack producers over the past several seasons. His speed off the edge and ability to pressure quarterbacks could make him a valuable addition to Detroit’s defensive line.
Even if he doesn’t play every snap, Ngakoue could thrive in a rotational pass-rush role, helping take pressure off Hutchinson and improving the Lions’ overall defensive front.
2️⃣ Stephon Gilmore — Cornerback
Another position the Lions could still strengthen is the secondary.
Veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore brings elite experience and leadership to any defense. While he’s no longer in his prime, Gilmore still showed last season that he can compete against top receivers.
Adding a player with his experience could help stabilize the Lions’ secondary while providing mentorship to younger defensive backs.
Why These Moves Make Sense
Under head coach Dan Campbell, Detroit has built a roster focused on toughness, depth, and versatility.
Signing Ngakoue would help address the pass-rush issue, while Gilmore would provide valuable experience and leadership in the secondary.
Both moves would strengthen the defense without forcing the Lions to completely abandon their patient team-building strategy.
🏈 The Bottom Line
The Lions have already built a strong roster, but a couple of smart late free-agent additions could push them even closer to championship contention.
If Brad Holmes wants to maximize Detroit’s opportunity this season, adding one or two proven veterans could be the final pieces that take the defense to another level. 🦁🏈
Brad Holmes Can Still Fix Detroit’s Biggest Needs With These 2 Signings
