By Zicpraiz 
2025 Lions Free Agent Profile: Kayode Awosika – 1 of Several Tough RFA Decisions
The Detroit Lions are facing several tough decisions regarding their restricted free agents (RFAs) in 2025, and Kayode Awosika is one of them. Awosika, a 27-year-old left guard, has been with the Lions since 2022 and is now eligible for a new contract.
Awosika’s Background and Performance
Awosika was signed by the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Despite being a rookie, he managed to carve out a role for himself on the team, playing in 11 games and starting 5. In 2024, Awosika continued to develop, earning a salary of $985,000 and playing in 11 games.
RFA Tender Options
As an RFA, the Lions have three tender options for Awosika:
- First-Round Tender: This would give the Lions the right to match any offer Awosika receives from another team or receive a first-round draft pick as compensation if he signs elsewhere. The cost of this tender would be around $6.5 million.
- Second-Round Tender: This would give the Lions the right to match any offer Awosika receives from another team or receive a second-round draft pick as compensation if he signs elsewhere. The cost of this tender would be around $4.3 million.
- Original-Round Tender: Since Awosika was an undrafted free agent, this tender would only give the Lions the right to match any offer he receives from another team. The cost of this tender would be around $2.6 million.
Long-Term Contract Extension
Instead of tendering Awosika, the Lions could consider signing him to a long-term contract extension. This would provide Awosika with more financial security and stability, while also giving the Lions more cap flexibility. However, this option would require the Lions to commit more money to Awosika, which could be a risk if he doesn’t continue to develop.
Other RFA Decisions
The Lions have several other RFAs, including:
- Derrick Barnes (LB)
- Ifeatu Melifonwu (CB)
- Dan Skipper (DE)
- Brock Wright (TE)
The Lions will need to carefully consider each of these players’ value to the team and make decisions that align with their overall roster-building strategy.
Conclusion
Kayode Awosika’s RFA status presents a tough decision for the Detroit Lions. While Awosika has shown promise, the Lions need to weigh the costs and benefits of retaining him against their other roster needs and salary cap constraints. Ultimately, the Lions will need to make a decision that aligns with their overall roster-building strategy and helps them achieve their goals in the 2025 season.