Lions Eyeing Cardinals Free Agent as Offseason Plans Take Shape
The Detroit Lions are heading into free agency with plenty of cap space and big expectations. While fans have speculated about which big names the team might target, GM Brad Holmes has kept the team’s true intentions under wraps—until now.
During his press conference at the NFL Combine on February 25, Holmes dropped a hint about a potential free-agent target from the Arizona Cardinals’ offense.
“I was looking at our game at Arizona in Week 3. We’re looking at a free agent on the offensive side of the ball,” Holmes said.
The most likely name? Will Hernandez.
The veteran right guard has been a steady presence for Arizona but is set to hit free agency after missing most of the 2024 season with a knee injury. With Kevin Zeitler also hitting the market, the Lions will need to address the right guard spot, and Hernandez could be an affordable option. He earned just $4.5 million per season over the last two years and could provide competition for Christian Mahogany, a promising young lineman who started two games as a rookie.
Another name to watch? Greg Dortch.
With Tim Patrick heading to free agency and Khalif Raymond a potential cap casualty, the Lions could have openings at wide receiver and in the return game—both areas where Dortch has excelled.
While it’s unclear which player Holmes had in mind, this marks the first real hint about Detroit’s free-agency approach. With plenty of room to maneuver, the Lions could be poised to make some key moves in the coming weeks.
Brad Holmes Teases Lions’ Interest in Cardinals Free Agent—Who’s on Their Radar?
