By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions have been busy strengthening their roster in the second wave of free agency. General Manager Brad Holmes understands firsthand how crucial depth is after last season saw nearly two dozen Lions players land on injured reserve.
“It made it more evident that depth is a huge critical piece and that’s throughout the entire year,” Holmes emphasized back in February when discussing how injuries impacted the team’s approach to free agency.
“So, it might not be first wave of free agency, it might not be the draft, it might be a Pat O’Connor during the summer that you add, and you just never know that’s going to be that critical piece that you need from a depth standpoint.”
Holmes has backed up those words with action, particularly in the secondary. Over the past week, the Lions have brought in veteran cornerbacks Avonte Maddox and Rock Ya-Sin while re-signing Khalil Dorsey. With a mix of youth, experience, and talent, Detroit’s cornerback group now includes D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Stantley Thomas-Oliver, Maddox, Ya-Sin, and Dorsey.
Beyond the secondary, the team has also reinforced the defensive line by re-signing Al-Quadin Muhammad and Pat O’Connor. The depth at running back and tight end got a boost, too, with Craig Reynolds and Shane Zylstra returning to the fold.
Currently, Detroit’s roster stands at 72 players, leaving 18 open spots. With seven picks in next month’s NFL Draft and potential undrafted free-agent signings still to come, Holmes may not be done making moves.
Here’s a closer look at the recent additions to the Lions’ roster:
CB Khalil Dorsey
Dorsey is a key asset on special teams, known as one of the league’s best gunners. However, his contributions extend beyond that, as he provides valuable depth in the secondary. Last season, he appeared in 14 games (starting one), recording 14 tackles and two pass breakups before suffering a leg injury in December. Over his career, opposing quarterbacks have completed just 55 percent of passes thrown his way. But it’s his elite special teams play that truly sets him apart.
CB Avonte Maddox
A Detroit native, Maddox arrives fresh off a Super Bowl run with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent the first seven years of his career. In 2024, he played in all 21 games (including playoffs), allowing just a 51.7 percent completion rate (15-for-29) in coverage and a 77.4 passer rating. A versatile defensive back, he’s comfortable in the slot, outside, or even at safety. His special teams abilities add further value.
DL Al-Quadin Muhammad
After playing a crucial role for Detroit down the stretch last season, Muhammad expressed his desire to return, and the Lions made it happen. He played in nine games (two starts), tallying 11 tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble. His 26 total pressures ranked sixth on the team, behind Levi Onwuzurike, Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Za’Darius Smith, and Josh Paschal, according to Pro Football Focus.
DL Pat O’Connor
O’Connor was specifically mentioned by Holmes when discussing roster depth at the NFL Scouting Combine, and for good reason. A seasoned veteran with 80 career games under his belt, he brings experience and fits seamlessly into Detroit’s defensive culture. In 12 games last season, he notched 18 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, and one quarterback hit.
RB Craig Reynolds
A dependable presence in Detroit’s backfield for the past three seasons, Reynolds has thrived in his role as the team’s No. 3 running back. Last year, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry and contributed three receptions for 40 yards. Whether in a backup role or stepping up when needed, Reynolds has consistently delivered.
CB Rock Ya-Sin
A former second-round pick by Indianapolis in 2019, Ya-Sin spent last season as a reserve for San Francisco, appearing in 13 games. Across six NFL seasons with four different teams, he’s played in 79 games (39 starts), amassing 199 total tackles, 31 passes defended, and two interceptions. His experience adds another reliable option to Detroit’s cornerback room.
TE Shane Zylstra
Zylstra began last season on the practice squad but eventually earned a spot on the 53-man roster, playing in 12 games. While his offensive production was minimal (one catch for 22 yards), he contributed on special teams and will compete for a roster spot behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright in 2025.
With these signings, the Lions continue to build a roster designed to withstand the rigors of a long NFL season. Depth was a challenge last year, but Holmes’ latest moves indicate Detroit is determined not to be caught off guard again. There may still be more additions to come, but for now, the Lions are reinforcing key areas and setting themselves up for another strong season.