By Mummy Grace Keeping up with the Detroit Lions’ roster moves during the offseason can be challenging. To make things easier for fans, we’re tracking every signing, re-signing, tagging, and roster change in one convenient place.
This continuously updating article will focus on the Lions’ 2025 roster as they head toward free agency and the NFL Draft. Organized by position group, it will provide a full overview of players under contract, on injured reserve, or on the practice squad at the end of the season.
For each position, we’ll include an end-of-season depth chart, highlight player roles, outline 2025 contract details, and explain key terms to clarify each player’s situation. Additionally, we’ll link to other articles for those looking for more in-depth analysis.
Bookmark this page and check back for the latest updates as the Lions make roster moves.
Terms to Know
- UFA (Unrestricted Free Agent): Free to sign with any team starting March 12 (legal tampering begins March 10). The Lions can re-sign these players anytime.
- RFA (Restricted Free Agent): The Lions hold the player’s rights and can match offers from other teams or receive draft compensation if they leave.
- ERFA (Exclusive Rights Free Agent): Can only negotiate with the Lions unless the team allows them to explore free agency.
- SFA (Street Free Agent): A player who was under contract in 2024 but not on an active roster at the end of the season. SFAs can sign with any team immediately, with most coming from practice squads.
- Futures Contract: A deal signed by SFAs before free agency begins. These contracts don’t count against the salary cap until the official start of free agency. (Note: The Lions have already begun signing players to futures contracts.)
- 2025 Cap Hit: The amount a player counts against the 2025 salary cap.
- Guarantees Remaining: The total guaranteed money owed to a player over the rest of their contract. If released, this amount still counts as “dead cap” against the Lions. Contracts with voided years also fall into this category.
Quarterback
With Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker, and Jake Fromm under contract, the Lions are set at quarterback and can add a camp arm if needed. Teddy Bridgewater is expected to focus on coaching high school football but could consider an NFL return in the future.
Transactions:
- Jake Fromm signs a futures contract
Running Back
Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery return as one of the league’s best backfield duos, with Sione Vaki providing additional depth. Craig Reynolds and Jermar Jefferson are free agents, and while Reynolds is unlikely to receive an RFA tender, the Lions may bring him back on a new deal.
Transactions:
- None
Wide Receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Kalif Raymond provide stability, but the Lions need a WR-X. Tim Patrick, a key piece last season, should be a priority in free agency. Antoine Green could step up, while Ronnie Bell is an ideal system fit. Donovan Peoples-Jones, however, may be looking elsewhere.
UFA Profile:
- Re-signing Tim Patrick should be a top priority
Transactions:
- Ronnie Bell signs a futures contract
- Tom Kennedy signs a futures contract
- Maurice Alexander signs a futures contract with the Chicago Bears
Notes:
- Jameson Williams eligible for a fifth-year option in 2025
Tight End
With Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright returning, the Lions have a strong duo. Shane Zylstra could re-sign but is unlikely to receive an RFA tag. Detroit may look to add depth but won’t need to prioritize the position early in free agency or the draft.
Transactions:
- James Mitchell signs a futures deal with the Carolina Panthers
Offensive Line
Offensive Tackle
Connor Galvin is expected to return on an ERFA deal, leaving Dan Skipper as the only 2024 OT not under contract. The Lions could upgrade their OT3 role internally or through free agency.
Transactions:
- Jamarco Jones signs a futures contract
Interior Offensive Line
Re-signing Kevin Zeitler could solidify the offensive line, but Detroit must prepare for life without Zeitler and Graham Glasgow. Layden Robinson is a developmental option, and adding another guard could be a priority.
UFA Profile:
- Kevin Zeitler is one of Detroit’s biggest free agency decisions
Transactions:
- Netane Muti signed to the active roster
- Kingsley Eguakun signs a futures deal
Notes:
- Despite a redshirt season, Kingsley Eguakun could provide key depth in 2025
Defensive Line
Interior Defensive Line
With Alim McNeill recovering from injury and D.J. Reader in a contract year, the Lions need depth. Levi Onwuzurike’s future is uncertain due to injury history, and Kyle Peko’s potential return is a key storyline.
UFA Profile:
- Kyle Peko was missed after his season-ending injury
Transactions:
- Chris Smith signs a futures contract
Edge Rushers
Aidan Hutchinson is locked in, but the other starting spot is uncertain. The Lions need more pass rushers, and Charles Harris’ contract situation could play a major role.
Notes:
- Aidan Hutchinson eligible for a fifth-year option in 2025
Transactions:
- Isaac Ukwu signs a futures contract
Linebackers
With Derrick Barnes entering free agency and a new defensive coordinator in Kelvin Sheppard, the role of the SAM linebacker could change. Special teamers like Malcolm Rodriguez and Trevor Nowaske may return on ERFA deals.
Transactions:
- Abraham Beauplan, DaRon Gilbert sign futures contracts
Cornerback
Detroit has several open spots at cornerback. If they don’t re-sign Carlton Davis, they’ll need at least one starting-caliber addition. Vildor provides depth, but Emmanuel Moseley’s return is uncertain.
Transactions:
- Stantley Thomas-Oliver signs a futures contract
Safety
Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch lead one of the NFL’s best safety groups. However, Ifeatu Melifonwu’s injury history makes his next contract a question mark.
Transactions:
- Morice Norris signs a futures contract