After their storybook 2023 season where they were one half away from the Super Bowl, the Detroit Lions ran through the 2024 NFL regular season. Unfortunately, they fell short at home to the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round and once again fell short of their ultimate goal. Now, the attention shifts toward the Detroit Lions’ free agency targets.
Although injuries played a huge part in their loss in the playoffs, the team had a few holes going into the season that were on full display throughout the season. With both their offensive and defensive coordinators now gone and their championship window not getting any wider, the Detroit Lions will need to shore up multiple fronts this offseason in free agency. Here are three Detroit Lions free agency targets to help them contend for a Super Bowl.
Detroit Lions Team Needs | NFL Free Agency 2025
Despite being one of the best teams in the NFL last season, the Detroit Lions have plenty of needs heading into NFL Free Agency:
- Cornerback
- Edge Rusher
- Offensive Guard
- Defensive Tackle
- Linebacker
Detroit Lions Free Agency Targets
Shaq Thompson, LB
While the Commanders were a very good offensive team last season, it was unacceptable for the Lions to give up 45 points to them at home. Their defense is much better but clearly needs some help as they are very thin at multiple positions. One position group that is thin and needs another playmaker is the linebacker position and Shaq Thompson would be a perfect fit.
Thompson has been an incredible player for the Carolina Panthers and is the rare player who has had a ton of experience while still being on the younger side. Thompson just turned 30, yet he was on the Panthers team that made the Super Bowl in 2016. Thompson is a tackling machine, racking up 100+ tackles each year from 2019-22, making him a top Detroit Lions free agency target head into the 2025 NFL Free Agency period.
The one issue with Thompson has been his recent health. In Week 2 of the 2023 NFL season, he broke his fibula. Then after four starts this past year, he tore his achilles. While he probably won’t be the super flashy player he was before those injuries, he was extremely durable prior to those two injuries. The Lions need a solid player who can play the position and complement the linebacking room. They can get Thompson on a cheaper deal than most players with his ability, making this pairing perfect for the Lions.
Chase Young, DE
One of the issues on Detroit’s defense, was their defensive line after the season-ending injury to star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. While the replacements played admirably, there was a clear need for another edge rusher who could win battles on their own.
Chase Young has not lived up to the potential that many saw him having when he went second overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. Outside of his phenomenal rookie season, he’s struggled with injuries and effort issues ever since. As much of a red flag as that may be for most teams, that shouldn’t be a deterrent for the Detroit Lions.
Simply put, we know that Dan Campbell can get anyone to play hard. Chase Young would be invigorated playing for Dan Campbell and would also have a much easier job as a disruptor on the other side of a defensive line as Aidan Hutchinson. Young would be able to feast in these one-on-one matchups and would give offensive lines another element to worry about. While he may never be the elite player he was expected to be out of college, he is more than good enough to slot on for the Lions at one of the end positions.
Javon Kinlaw, DL
Much like the first two picks, the third-best fit for Detroit Lions free agency is again on the defensive side of the ball. While the Lions’ defensive line will be much better with Hutchinson’s return, it would make too much sense for the Lions to do everything in their power to make his job easier. One way to do that would be to plug up the middle of the defensive line with Javon Kinlaw.
Like many other defensive players who are currently free agents, the main problem with Kinlaw has been his ability to stay healthy. With that being said, that does offer the Lions the rare chance of getting an incredible talent at a discount because of it. Kinlaw has all the physical traits it takes to be dominant in this league but he just needs to stay on the field. With less pounding on his body from possible double teams due to the offensive line focusing on Hutchinson, he should be able to have an easier time staying on the field. If he can do that, he will be worth his contract within the first half of the season.
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