Although the Detroit Lions’ season will sadly come to an end after Sunday’s game at Chicago, several players will be playing for more than just pride in the finale. Whether it’s players looking to keep (or increase) their role on the team or Unrestricted Free Agents looking to raise their value, they have just one more opportunity before the offseason arrives. Here is a look at the five Detroit Lions with the most to prove in Week 18.
5 Detroit Lions With The Most To Prove In Week 18
1. David Montgomery, RB
Perhaps the biggest failure of this Lions’ season was having David Montgomery reduced to an afterthought. D-Mo has seen himself go from being the team’s tone-setter and closer to spending way too many snaps on the sidelines. Paired with superstar RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Sonic and Knuckles have been the best backfield duo in the NFL the last three years. In 2025, however, Montgomery’s role was greatly reduced, and the Lions’ offense struggled mightily without him. Monty’s power-running style wore down opposing defenses, making them unable to contend with the explosive Gibbs. That combination was at the center of the Lions’ recent success. Not coincidentally, Detroit’s success vanished along with Montgomery’s playing time.
Although Montgomery is signed through 2027, it is fair to wonder if his diminished role will lead to him being a cap casualty this offseason. There are also rumors that Montgomery is not happy and will request a trade.
If the Lions want to get back to their winning ways, they need to recognize the value Montgomery brings to their offense. Even though Gibbs has established himself as one of the best RBs in the league, he is better when Montgomery is sharing the load. Montgomery has one more game (against his former team) to remind the Lions how much better they are when he is a big part of the game plan.
2. Al-Quadin Muhammad, Edge
Al-Quadin Muhammed has had quite a breakout season for the Lions. Originally signed by Detroit to help their injury-plagued defense during the 2024 season, Muhammad was seen as merely a depth piece. He was resigned for 2025 on a modest, one-year contract to serve as a reserve. After Marcus Davenport was injured (again) in Week 2, Muhammad was thrust into the starting lineup opposite Aidan Hutchinson. He has exploded as a pass rusher with 11 sacks on the season, good for ninth in the NFL. He has also shown his ability to wreck a game, having three games with at least two sacks.
Unfortunately for the Lions, Muhammad is a UFA after this season. Although already 30 years old, Muhammad is set to get paid when free agency hits. Anyone who can get double-digit sacks in the NFL is a hot commodity in free agency. Will it be the Lions who pay Muhammad? They surely won’t want to let him go. Even though they won’t have much salary cap space without restructuring a couple of contracts, Detroit should make keeping Muhammed one of its top priorities.
Though his age and below-average run defense will keep him from getting a massive deal, Muhammad has earned a hefty raise. He has one more shot at increasing his price tag this Sunday against the Bears. Another sack or two will potentially earn him a few million extra dollars. It’s fair to say that he has the most money on the line in Week 18 out of all of the Lions’ upcoming free agents. Muhammad will want to show every team in the league that he is worth breaking the bank for come March.
3. Rock Ya-Sin, CB
Another upcoming Lions’ UFA is Cornerback/Safety Rock Ya-Sin. Ya-Sin signed with the Lions before the 2025 season to add depth to the secondary. His positional versatility made him a valuable asset. He was asked to play outside cornerback, nickel, and safety as injuries in the secondary piled up this year. The former second-round pick filled in admirably wherever he was needed on the field.
Ya-Sin’s experience and ability to play multiple positions will earn him plenty of interest around the NFL. Since starting Nickelback, Amik Robertson has likely priced himself out of Detroit. Ya-Sin has an opportunity in Week 18 to show GM Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell that the Lions should bring him back for another season or two. With most of the Lions’ secondary still ailing this week, Ya-Sin has another opportunity to impress against Chicago. Either as a backup or a potential starter, Ya-Sin will use Week 18 to prove he still has plenty left in the tank.
4. Kalif Raymond, WR
Like Alex Anzalone, Kalif Raymond has been in Detroit since Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes took over in 2021. The speedy Wide Receiver has also served as the Lions’ punt returner during his time with the team. He has twice been named Second Team All-Pro (2022, 2024) for his excellent ability as a returner.
As a receiver, though, Raymond has seen his role on offense decline significantly over the last two seasons. After catching between 35 and 48 passes each season between 2021 and 2023, Raymond has seen his production drop to 17 and 21 receptions. It’s fair to wonder if Raymond will be playing his last game as a Lion on Sunday. He is set to become a free agent after the season, and the Lions spent a lot of draft capital to select WR Isaac TeSlaa in the third round last year. Tesla’s size and youth might make him a more attractive option to be WR3 next year than Raymond.
However, Raymond does have one more chance to show the Lions that he can still contribute on offense. Another explosive punt return would also showcase his ability to impact a game on special teams. Needless to say, Raymond has a lot to play for in Week 18.
5. Avonte Maddox, S
Lions’ safety Avonte Maddox is another versatile member of the secondary who is set for free agency at season’s end. Week 18 will surely go a long way toward determining whether Maddox will be a Lion in 2026.
As injuries to star safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch crippled the back end of the Lions’ defense, Maddox was thrust into a greater role than expected. He found himself as the new starting Free Safety. Maddox had his struggles, yet managed to settle in as a safety.
Since Branch suffered an Achilles tear near the end of the season, his availability for at least the start of 2026 is in serious doubt. The Lions must find able players to fill the huge hole Branch’s absence will leave. Maddox has another chance to prove that he is worth re-signing. Detroit will surely look to add new faces to its secondary room next year. That shouldn’t prevent Maddox from trying to leave a lasting impression that he belongs in the team’s plans for 2026. A strong game against the Bears should prove that Maddox is indeed worth a roster spot going forward.
(Side Note: I wanted to include LB Alex Anzalone on this list. Since he has already been ruled out for Week 18, I went only with players able to play in the finale.)
