{"id":268249,"date":"2026-03-07T18:21:42","date_gmt":"2026-03-07T23:21:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=268249"},"modified":"2026-03-07T18:21:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T23:21:42","slug":"five-upcoming-free-agents-the-detroit-lions-should-sign","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2026\/03\/07\/five-upcoming-free-agents-the-detroit-lions-should-sign\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Upcoming Free Agents The Detroit Lions Should Sign"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s about that time. The NFL’s new league year is almost upon us. With the annual free agency feeding frenzy set to begin next week, now is the perfect time to make a shopping list for the Lions. Hundreds of players are set to hit the market. I have picked the five upcoming free agents the Detroit Lions should sign.<\/span><\/p>\n

How The New League Year Works\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Beginning on Monday, March 9, at noon (ET), the league\u2019s \u201clegal tampering\u201d period will begin. Teams can begin negotiating with this year\u2019s crop of free agents. New contracts for players switching teams cannot be signed, however, until 4 pm (ET) on Wednesday, March 11, when the new league year officially starts.<\/span><\/p>\n

The NFL recently set its salary cap for the upcoming season at $301.2 million, around $22 million more than last season. That figure represents approximately an 8% increase and a total five-year cap increase of about 40%. Needless to say, plenty of players are about to get their bag.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Much Cap Space Do The Lions Have?<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s complicated. According to Spotrac, the Lions currently have about $5 million in available cap space. Not even enough to sign their incoming draft class. It could have been worse, but Detroit can carry over around $19 million in unused cap space from 2025 into this year. Due to trades and automatic void years for some of their pending free agents, the Lions have over $26 million in dead money attached to their 2026 salary cap.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, none of that <\/span>really <\/span><\/i>matters. The Lions, like most teams, will be making plenty of moves in the near future to create enough cap space to bring several new faces to Detroit. In fact, the Lions can create $128 million in new cap space just by executing a few “simple restructures”. Players with high cap hits, like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and a few others, can expect to see their salaries converted into a signing bonus, allowing that cap hit to be spread over multiple years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Detroit Has Already Begun Creating Cap Space<\/span><\/h2>\n

If any of you have slept this past week, you probably missed a breaking news story regarding the Lions. Taylor Decker announced he will be returning<\/a> for 2026. Terrion Arnold is involved in a serious legal situation<\/a> in Florida. Detroit traded RB David Montgomery<\/a> to Houston. Decker then asked for his release<\/a>, which was granted, after the two sides could not agree on a pay cut.<\/span><\/p>\n

Those transactions have affected Detroit\u2019s salary cap. Releasing Decker freed up $11.6 million (with about $9.4 million in dead cap). Trading D-Mo created $3.5 million ($4.9 mil dead). The Lions also parted ways with starting center Graham Glasgow,<\/a> saving them $5.6 million ($2.9 mil dead).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Assuming more cap casualties are forthcoming, and at least a couple of contracts will be restructured, the Lions will have the freedom to be active when free agency begins (if they choose to be). That said, here are five free agents from other teams I think GM Brad Holmes should aggressively pursue once the tampering period begins:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Tyler Linderbaum, Center, Baltimore Ravens<\/h2>\n

Detroit signing Tyler Linderbaum would be a franchise-altering move. The regression of the Lions\u2019 offensive line in 2025 was the main catalyst in the team missing the playoffs. After Frank Ragnow retired, Detroit turned to Glasgow at center, and he had a subpar season. Now Glasgow is gone, and center is arguably the Lions\u2019 biggest need.<\/span><\/p>\n

Linderbaum can immediately bring Detroit\u2019s offensive line back to its dominant ways. Players of his caliber are rarely available. Shockingly, Baltimore is allowing him to hit the market. Inking the 25-year-old, three-time Pro-Bowler will be expensive. Linderbaum is expected to reset the market for centers with a deal that could reach $25 million in AAV. In my opinion, Linderbaum is worth every dollar. With Linderbaum and Penei Sewell, the Lions would have two of the best linemen in the league. Securing the top overall free agent could propel Detroit to the top of the NFC.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Trey Hendrickson, Edge, Cincinnati Bengals<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Lions have been linked to Trey Hendrickson for quite some time, with nothing ever materializing. It is time for that to change. The 4-time Pro-Bowler and 2024 First-Team All-Pro, whose relationship with the Bengals has deteriorated over contract issues, is finally free. The Lions should not hesitate to pounce.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hendrickson is projected to land a deal paying him north of $30 million per year. That\u2019s a big commitment to give a player already in his thirties, but the Lions are built to win now. Lining up Hendrickson opposite Aidan Hutchinson is a mouth-watering scenario for Lions\u2019 fans. With 81 career sacks, including 17.5 in both 2023 and 2024, Detroit would be adding a game-wrecker. Hendrickson\u2019s addition would make the Lions\u2019 defensive line downright scary.<\/span><\/p>\n

If Brad Holmes was serious about trading for Maxx Crosby<\/a>, he should be laying out the red carpet for Hendrickson. With Crosby being dealt to Baltimore, the Lions pivoting to Hendrickson is the next best thing. It is time for Holmes to go big-game hunting with Trey Hendrickson squarely in his sights.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Riq Woolen, Cornerback, Seattle Seahawks<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Tariq
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To say the Lions need help in the secondary would be an understatement. With both Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph currently suffering from major injuries, the back end of Detroit\u2019s defense is a mess. I selected Dillon Thieneman in the first round of my latest mock<\/a> to help alleviate Detroit\u2019s need at safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cornerback is another pressing need, but for different reasons. With Terrion Arnold embroiled in legal drama, his availability for 2026 is in question. Amik Robertson, the Lions\u2019 starting nickelback, is expected to depart in free agency. Detroit\u2019s cornerback situation is getting murkier by the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Riq Woolen can help stop the bleeding. The 6\u20194, 210-pounder brings elite size and speed to the table, and would fit well across from the 5\u20199 D.J. Reed. Woolen started his career in Seattle with a bang, making the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2022. After being a top corner during his first two seasons, Woolen\u2019s play has fallen off a bit. For that reason, Woolen\u2019s market may not be as robust as he hopes. If that is the case, the Lions should capitalize.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Lions were thought to be a potential suitor for Woolen at last year\u2019s trade deadline<\/a>. Now that the Super Bowl champion is a free agent, Detroit should sign him. He would be an upgrade over Arnold. Until Arnold shows improvement, the Lions can let him battle Ennis Rakestraw, who has barely seen the field since being drafted in the 2024 second round, to replace Robertson in the slot.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Jamaree Salyer, Left Tackle, Los Angeles Chargers<\/span><\/h2>\n

Jaramee Salyer is a very intriguing option for the Lions.<\/a> Able to play anywhere on the offensive line, he can immediately compete for a starting job in Detroit at multiple spots. With Taylor Decker leaving the Lions after a decade, Detroit needs a left tackle in the worst way. Salyer started at LT for the Chargers after Joe Alt was lost to injury, and performed admirably. While I fully expect Detroit to draft a tackle early this year, the 2022 sixth-round pick can serve as a bridge starter until the new rookie is ready. If the Lions are fortunate to draft a tackle capable of starting right away, Salyer can be Detroit\u2019s swing tackle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not yet established as a full-time starter, Salyer should be an affordable option. Whether as a short-term starter or a premium backup option, the Lions would be wise to bring in a versatile lineman who, at just 25, seems like he is on his way up in the NFL.<\/span><\/p>\n

5, Leo Chenal, Linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs<\/span><\/h2>\n

With Alex Anzalone (sadly) looking like he is on his way out of Detroit, the Lions find themselves needing to replace a productive and integral player in the middle of their defense. Luckily, Leo Chenal has the talent to fill the large void that Anzalone\u2019s departure will create.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chenal is coming off a solid 2025 season in Kansas City and represents a potential long-term starter in Motown. Despite his production, Chenal is expected to be quite affordable. Spotrac estimates his next contract to be only around $5 million per year.<\/a> At that price, Chenal would be a no-brainer for the Lions. A terrific run defender, Chenal can also be trusted in coverage, which is of utmost importance in the Lions\u2019 scheme. While it would be sad to see Anzalone wearing a different jersey, Chenal is a much younger, potentially cheaper option. With plenty of needs all over the roster, bringing in a solid starter on a reasonable contract would be a significant victory for Brad Holmes and the Lions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Like you, I can\u2019t wait to see who the Lions bring to town in free agency. It is an exciting time for NFL fans everywhere. Drop a comment and let everyone know who you want the Lions to sign. Also, be on the lookout for my follow-up article where I pick five Lions\u2019 free agents I believe they should retain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Main Image: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s about that time. The NFL’s new league year is almost upon us. With the annual free agency feeding frenzy set to begin next week, now is the perfect time to make a shopping list for the Lions. Hundreds of players are set to hit the market. I have picked the five upcoming free agents […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5722,"featured_media":264956,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6431,24],"tags":[7467,9028,9166,9130,2573,8887],"class_list":["post-268249","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl-teams","category-lions","tag-detroit-lions-news","tag-jamaree-salyer","tag-leo-chenal","tag-tariq-woolen","tag-trey-hendrickson","tag-tyler-linderbaum"],"modified_by":"Mike Roberts","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268249","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5722"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=268249"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268249\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":268300,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268249\/revisions\/268300"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/264956"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=268249"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=268249"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=268249"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}