The Detroit Lions are adding some muscle to the defensive line, signing nose tackle Roy Lopez to a one-year deal worth $4.65 million. Lopez, a former sixth-round pick by the Texans, brings experience and depth to the Lions’ interior, where he’ll rotate with veteran DJ Reader.
At 6-foot-2 and 318 pounds, Lopez is primarily a run-stuffer, averaging 35 tackles per season. While his pass-rush numbers aren’t eye-popping, he’s been a steady contributor throughout his career. His addition provides insurance for Detroit, especially with uncertainty around Alim McNeill’s recovery from a torn ACL. It also raises questions about Brodric Martin’s development, as the 2023 third-round pick has yet to make a major impact.
Brad Holmes and the Lions continue to focus on building depth in the trenches, a strategy that paid off last season.
