Which free agents should Detroit look at next?
The Detroit Lions have done a ton of roster revamping since the start of the new league year earlier this month; probably more than most of us anticipated.
Of course, that process is never done. Additionally, some of the math regarding team needs changed when the Lions were forced to cut cornerback Cam Sutton after a warrant was issued for his arrest related to an alleged domestic violence incident in Florida.
General manager Brad Holmes is likely done taking big swings — outside some of the extensions due some of his own players — but there are still plenty of options available who could help the Lions. Here are 10 players still on the market we don’t believe would break the bank and could bolster Detroit’s depth.
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore
Following the axing of Sutton, the Lions are light at cornerback. Carlton Davis III is obviously projected to serve as one of the starters, while Amik Robertson and Emmanuel Moseley are quality contenders for the other job. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to add another reliable veteran to that mix, and Gilmore fits the bill.
A five-time Pro Bowler, Gilmore is closer to the end of his career as he nears his 34th birthday, but he proved he can still play at a high level last season for Dallas. In 2023, he held opposing quarterbacks to a 56.8 completion percentage when he was targeted in coverage. On top of that, he’s always been an exceptional tackler on the perimeter.
Safety John Johnson III
We’re a couple of years removed from Holmes and Dan Campbell feeling the need to bring in players from their former teams, but Johnson remains worthy of consideration. It’s unclear whether the Lions were interested when Johnson was a free agent in 2021, but the three-year, $33 million payday he netted from Cleveland was a bit rich.
Johnson didn’t see the end of that deal and spent last year back with the Rams as a parttime starter. He might not ever return to his peak, but he’s savvy, instinctual, versatile and a stel