Detroit Lions offseason to-do list: What should team prioritize in free agency, draft?

After two years of crushing it in the NFL playoffs, the Detroit Lions will enter a pivotal offseason in 2025. Lions, though, aren’t done ringing.

Staying healthy and getting the breaks they need in the playoffs will be enough to help them achieve their goals, as they have a talented core on both sides of the ball. In 2023, the Lions were one win away from the Super Bowl.

In 2024, they tied for the best record in the NFL until losing in the playoffs. Cornerback Carlton Davis III, right guard Kevin Zeitler, defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike, linebacker Derrick Barnes, wide receiver Tim Patrick, and offensive lineman Dan Skipper are among the few key contributors from the 2024 team who will not be returning.

Before next week’s free agency begins, here are three offseason priorities the Lions may pursue. The Lions are expected to lose Davis and Zeitler, two of their top free agents. Davis began the season as the starting cornerback opposite rookie Terrion Arnold, and he was rated in the top 30 by Pro Football Focus until Week 15 when he suffered a broken jaw.

As one of the best cornerbacks in the league, Davis has the potential to earn a contract worth roughly $15 million per year. It all depends on the length of the contract he desires, but it may be beneficial for Detroit.

Zeitler, who signed a one-year contract and became the oldest player on the Lions last season (he will turn 35 on March 8), had a great season sandwiched between Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow.

To keep things stable up front and give Christian Mahogany a backup, the Lions might re-sign him to a short-term contract. Zeitler is a good alternative for Detroit because it probably won’t cost too much in terms of AAV or years. Despite the Lions’ criticism, Onwuzurike remained healthy into 2024 and became an integral part of the defense as one of the team’s final healthy choices.

As far as defensive tackles go, he was considered above average by PFF. The Lions’ drafted core is important to Holmes, and he wants to keep them around. As one of the best defensive tackles on the market, Onwuzurike has the potential to earn $10–$20 million annually.

Barnes, who will miss the majority of 2024 due to a knee ailment, is another potential re-signee. Barnes was effective against the run and opened the season as the starting strongside linebacker for Detroit’s defense.

Because of the injury, he may be able to return on a discounted or prove-it deal and work with Kelvin Sheppard, who is now the defensive coordinator and his former position coach, to increase his worth in a scheme he is already familiar with.