Detroit signed veteran defensive tackle Roy Lopez in free agency, bringing in the former Arizona Cardinal on a one-year deal worth up to $4.65 million. On paper, Lopez offers experience and rotational depth. But in reality? The move is already being scrutinized—and it might end up costing the Lions more than it’s worth.
According to compensatory pick expert Nick Korte, if Lopez reaches his contract incentives, the Lions will lose a 2026 seventh-round compensatory pick they were projected to receive for Ifeatu Melifonwu signing with the Miami Dolphins.
That’s a lot of money and draft value for a player who, per Pro Football Focus, ranked 116th out of 219 interior defensive linemen last season.
Even more concerning is how crowded Detroit’s defensive tackle room already is. Lopez will be competing with Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, first-round rookie Tyleik Williams, Mekhi Wingo, and Brodric Martin—a deep and talented rotation that could leave Lopez on the fringe.
While it’s unlikely he gets cut, it’s not a lock he sees significant playing time either. And if he doesn’t contribute in a meaningful way, Detroit could end up losing a draft pick and burning cap space with little return.
Still, there are positives. Lopez is known as a strong locker-room presence and has ambitions to coach in the future—qualities that can make him a culture fit, if not a big on-field factor.
General manager Brad Holmes has earned a lot of trust for the way he’s rebuilt this roster, and the Lions are in win-now mode. But with key losses on the coaching staff and high postseason expectations, every roster decision counts—and this one already feels like a possible misstep.
Of course, if Lopez surprises everyone and becomes a steady contributor, all of this will be forgotten. But for now, his signing is shaping up as one of the Lions’ more questionable offseason bets.
Pricey Gamble? Lions’ New Signing Could Cost a Draft Pick Without Paying Off
