Projecting How the Lions Might Fill Their Remaining 24 Roster Spots in 2025

As the Detroit Lions head into the second week of the 2025 NFL free agency period, the team has 66 players under contract. With a 90-man limit for offseason rosters, that leaves 24 open slots to fill. To get a clearer idea of how Detroit might use those final spots, we looked back at how this regime has historically constructed their offseason rosters.

The Lions currently have seven picks in the upcoming draft and, based on past trends, are likely to bring in somewhere between 12 and 17 undrafted free agents (UDFAs). That leaves some flexibility—whether to add a couple of veterans or simply head toward the draft and fill out the depth afterward.

To dig deeper, we examined how many players the Lions usually carry at each position during Organized Team Activities (OTAs), minicamps, and training camp. By comparing those past patterns to the current roster, we can make some educated guesses about where Detroit may still need reinforcements.

Let’s break it down by position:

Quarterbacks (4 on roster)

Need: None

The Lions have already stocked the quarterback room with four players, enough to handle the reps during camp without overburdening Jared Goff. With both Goff and Hendon Hooker signed through 2026, Detroit isn’t under pressure to make a move here—unless they see an upgrade opportunity worth pursuing.

Running Backs (4 on roster)

Need: 2 additional backs for depth

While Detroit is bringing back the same four backs from last season, they’ve traditionally entered camp with at least six running backs. This not only helps distribute the workload but also gives the team a chance to evaluate younger talent.

This year’s draft class at running back is particularly deep—some experts have up to 30–32 players with draft-worthy grades. A late-round selection or a few UDFA additions seem like the most logical paths forward.

Best guess: Expect a couple of undrafted rookie backs to join the mix after the draft.

Wide Receivers (7 on roster)

Need: WR5/6, plus 4 more for depth

Detroit’s top four receivers are returning, but that’s far from a full camp room. The Lions usually bring around 12 receivers into training camp, so they could still add about five more.

Right now, it’s unclear who the WR5 and WR6 will be. Antoine Green didn’t have a strong showing last season. Tom Kennedy has been reliable when called upon, but his limited special teams value has kept him on the practice squad. Ronnie Bell, acquired from the 49ers, has just eight catches across 26 games. Tim Patrick looks like the likely WR-X starter, but with his age (turning 32) and injury history, depth here is a must.

Best guess: Draft a potential WR-X to groom as a future starter and round out the group with UDFAs.

Tight Ends (3 on roster)

Need: TE3 and additional depth

The Lions typically carry six to eight tight ends into camp. With only three currently signed, expect at least three more additions.

Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright are locked in as the top two options. Kenny Yeboah was recently signed to compete for the TE3 role. Shane Zylstra, last season’s TE3, is still a free agent and could return. Even with him back, the Lions will likely add another name or two, likely a blocker.

At the NFL Combine, the team reportedly met with several blocking tight ends: Thomas Fidone (Nebraska), Jackson Hawes (Georgia Tech), CJ Dippre and Robbie Ouzts (both from Alabama).

Best guess: Add a blocking TE on Day 3 of the draft, potentially bring back Zylstra, and sign another UDFA tight end.

Offensive Tackles (6 on roster)

Need: Depth

Having six tackles gives Detroit enough flexibility for three full lines in camp. While the current backups are serviceable, none stand out as ideal spot starters. The team could look to upgrade if the right opportunity arises.

Best guess: Stay open to veteran or UDFA additions to bolster depth.

Interior Offensive Line (6 on roster)

Need: One more starter-caliber player and 2 for depth

The Lions appear comfortable with Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany as starters, but adding competition could benefit the unit.

Veterans like Brandon Scherff, Will Hernandez, or Teven Jenkins might make sense in free agency. The draft also offers at least five guards who could contribute immediately. A pick in the first 102 selections could provide short- and long-term value.

Best guess: Add a vet and a draft pick for competition. Detroit values its offensive line as the foundation of its offense and won’t take any risks with depth here.

Interior Defensive Line (8 on roster)

Need: Long-term reinforcement

Although eight players are currently signed, injuries to Alim McNeill and Mekhi Wingo could complicate things. Most of the depth behind them is either unproven or on short-term deals.

Only McNeill, Wingo, and Brodric Martin are under contract beyond this season, so it makes sense to invest in another player with the future in mind—especially one who can pressure the quarterback from the interior.

Best guess: Draft a developmental interior rusher who can contribute now and anchor the future rotation.

Edge Rushers (5 on roster)

Need: One starter-level challenger and 2 more for depth

Typically, Detroit brings six to nine edge defenders into camp. With just five on the roster and injury histories among key players, adding more depth is essential.

The team recently moved on from Za’Darius Smith to clear cap space but retained Marcus Davenport, who’s returning from injury. Davenport, Aidan Hutchinson, and Josh Paschal are likely to rotate in starting roles, but injury insurance is needed.

Best guess: Draft a pass rusher early, sign a veteran rotational piece, and consider a second draft pick or UDFA depending on availability.

Linebackers (10 on roster)

Need: None immediately, but long-term depth

This position looks full, at least for now. The Lions have never taken more than 10 linebackers into camp. However, only Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes are under contract past this season.

Best guess: If a linebacker they like falls to them in the draft, they might take one—but it’s not a priority.

Cornerbacks (5 on roster)

Need: CB5 and at least 3 more for depth

Cornerback is one of the most obvious needs left on the roster. The Lions have brought between nine and twelve corners to camp in past years, so there’s work to be done.

D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, and Amik Robertson are the current projected starters, with Ennis Rakestraw providing support. Still, there’s a clear need for more experience and developmental pieces.

Best guess: Sign a veteran for depth, draft a corner early or mid-round, and fill the rest with UDFAs.

Safeties (5 on roster)

Need: SAF3 and 2 more depth players

Detroit usually brings seven to nine safeties to camp. Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are locked in as starters, while young players like Morice Norris and Loren Stickland showed some promise last season.

The team still needs a replacement for Ifeatu Melifonwu and could benefit from a safety who can also play in the slot.

Best guess: Look to free agency or the draft for a versatile SAF3, and potentially bring in another rookie UDFA.

Special Teams (3 on roster)

Need: Possibly one more for camp competition

Detroit appears to be set with its kicker, punter, and long snapper—but camp competition is always a possibility.

• Punter: Jack Fox has never faced competition and remains secure.
• Kicker: In the past, the team brought in extra kickers for camp, though that wasn’t the case last year after Michael Badgley’s injury.
• Long snapper: Historically, the Lions bring two into camp, but Hogan Hatten’s solid rookie season may convince them to stick with just one.

Best guess: They might skip additional competition here and focus on giving the young guys more reps.

Final Thoughts: How the Lions May Finish Building the Roster

Based on historical trends and current roster composition, here’s a rough outline of how Detroit might use its remaining 24 roster spots:

• Draft Picks: 7
• Undrafted Free Agents: 12–15
• Free Agent Veterans: 2–3

With a well-balanced mix of young talent and veteran depth, the Lions are in a strong position heading into the rest of the offseason. The focus now is finding the right pieces to round out the team and ensure a competitive training camp.