{"id":268659,"date":"2026-03-10T08:45:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T12:45:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=268659"},"modified":"2026-03-10T08:38:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T12:38:47","slug":"detroit-lions-free-agency-day-one-recap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2026\/03\/10\/detroit-lions-free-agency-day-one-recap\/","title":{"rendered":"Detroit Lions Free Agency Day One Recap"},"content":{"rendered":"

What a day. The NFL\u2019s \u201clegal tampering\u201d period started with a bang. Dozens of players agreed to terms with new teams. Deals were pouring in at ludicrous speed.<\/a> For better or worse, the Lions stuck to their recent pattern of not being overly active on the first day of free agency. That said, Detroit still had a busy day. A handful of Lions are now former Lions, and a couple of new faces are on their way to Motown. If anyone needs to catch up on the day\u2019s events, here is my Detroit Lions\u2019 free agency day one recap:<\/span><\/p>\n

Whirlwind Day Across The NFL<\/span><\/h2>\n

Once the clock struck noon, the NFL\u2019s annual free agency feeding frenzy was off to the races. All 32 teams started their roster construction for the 2026 season. Whether adding fresh newcomers or saying goodbye to familiar faces, each franchise began its march toward Super Bowl LXI.<\/span><\/p>\n

That includes the Detroit Lions, who are looking to put last season\u2019s disappointment in the rearview mirror. With a team expected to contend for a championship, Brad Holmes is facing his most important offseason to date as GM. Lions’ fans wondered if he would attack the holes spread out across the roster? Would he aggressively pursue the biggest names available? Or would he choose to wait until the market settles and prices come down? Would he allow the Lions\u2019 own free agents to walk, or would he spend enough to keep them in Detroit?<\/span><\/p>\n

True to form, Holmes did not sign any marquee players on day one. That doesn\u2019t mean the Lions didn\u2019t have an eventful day. Holmes was able to snare two new players who can be difference makers. Detroit also saw several of its own free agents move on. Let\u2019s see what moves the Lions made.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lions\u2019 Notable Signings <\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Cade Mays, Center<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Lions have their new center, inking former Carolina Panther Cade Mays<\/a> to a three-year, $25 million deal, including $14 million guaranteed. Mays is a big, powerful addition at 6\u20196 and 325 pounds. His addition addresses the Lions\u2019 biggest positional need, as Frank Ragnow\u2019s retirement before last season left a gaping hole in the middle of Detroit\u2019s offensive line.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mays is still young. He will only be turning 27 in April. Already an impressive pass blocker, Mays’ traits can be effective in the Lions\u2019 gap-scheme-oriented running game. In the run game, Mays has the upside to be above-average. Once he becomes better at operating in space, Mays will be a complete center. Lions\u2019 offensive line coach Hank Fraley will go to bed happy tonight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Detroit\u2019s signing of Mays is a big step for the offensive line to get back to controlling games. Although I had hoped that Holmes would open up the checkbook for Tyler Linderbaum, who is set to join the Las Vegas Raiders<\/a>, Mays is a smart, cost-effective alternative who brings stability to the center position. This move will also allow Tate Ratledge to remain at right guard and not be forced into a position change after a strong rookie campaign. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. <\/span>Larry Borom, Offensive Tackle<\/span><\/h3>\n

Holmes was also able to secure much-needed help at tackle when he reached a deal with Larry Borom.<\/a> After spending his first four seasons with the Chicago Bears,<\/a> the 2021 fifth-round pick spent the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins<\/a>. Starting 11 games for Miami, Borom only allowed two sacks in his 404 pass blocking snaps, per PFF. The financial details of Borom\u2019s deal with Detroit have not yet been disclosed, but his one-year deal with the Dolphins in 2025 was for $2.5 million.<\/span><\/p>\n

Borom has mainly been a right tackle during his NFL career, but he also has experience playing both left tackle and guard. Boron should be able to compete for the Lions\u2019 currently vacant left tackle spot. With Detroit expected to take a left tackle early in the 2026 NFL Draft, Borom provides the Lions with an excellent option to be their swing tackle. Another solid find for Holmes that doesn\u2019t break the bank.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lions\u2019 Notable Departures <\/span><\/h2>\n

1. <\/span>Alex Anzalone, Linebacker<\/span><\/h3>\n

Alex Anzalone\u2019s departure marks the end of an era in Detroit. One of the original Lions of the Brad Holmes\/Dan Campbell regime, Anzalone is leaving the Motor City<\/a> to sign a two-year, $17 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Upon his arrival in 2021, the former New Orleans Saint became a fixture in Detroit\u2019s defense. Originally the Lions\u2019 MIKE Linebacker, Anzalone seamlessly transitioned to WILL LB to make way for 2023 first-round pick Jack Campbell to take over in the middle. Even at a new position, Anzalone maintained his production while providing important leadership to a rebuilding unit. Now a Buc, Anzalone\u2019s absence leaves a mammoth hole at a vital position in Kelvin Sheppard\u2019s defense. Expect the Lions to go shopping for a new WILL LB as free agency continues and\/or use a premium draft pick in 2026 to fill the void.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Detroit
Main Photo: Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. Amik Robertson, Cornerback<\/span><\/h3>\n

Signed by the Lions in 2024, Amik Robertson quickly became one of the shrewdest and impactful additions of Holmes\u2019 tenure as GM. Robertson brought a swagger and Dawg mentality to a defense in desperate need of both. Now Detroit\u2019s former Nickelback is off to Washington, agreeing to a two-year, $16 million deal with the Commanders.\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Robertson\u2019s time in Detroit was a major success, and his impact will be hard to replace. Lions\u2019 fans will fondly remember Robertson\u2019s time in Detroit, especially shutting down Vikings\u2019 superstar WR Justin Jefferson in Week 18 of 2024<\/a>, in a game to decide the NFC North. <\/span><\/p>\n

3. <\/span>Roy Lopez, Defensive Tackle<\/span><\/h3>\n

Roy Lopez was included in my list of free agents the Lions should retain.<\/a> Seeing him leave is both disappointing and surprising, as he quickly became an integral piece of the Lions\u2019 defensive line. Lopez is returning to the Arizona Cardinals,<\/a> the team Detroit snagged him from, on a two-year deal worth $11.5 million.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without Lopez in the fold, the Lions must find a strong DT3 either in free agency or the draft. Prized 2024 signing D.J. Reader is also expected to leave, although he has expressed interest in staying in Detroit.<\/a> However, with 2025 first-round pick Tyleik Williams ready to start, Reader may prove too expensive for a likely reduced role.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lopez was a stout run stopper who also showed the ability to get to the quarterback. I am surprised retaining Lopez wasn\u2019t a bigger priority for Holmes. A DT rotation of Williams, Alim McNeill, and Lopez would have been a major strength for the defense. With Lopez (and likely Reader) gone, the Lions must now dedicate resources to finding a suitable replacement. Resources that could have been used to shore up other holes on defense. Needless to say, I am not a fan of the decision not to retain Lopez.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Kyle Allen, Quarterback<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Lions now need a new backup QB after Kyle Allen agreed to a deal to back up Josh Allen (no relation) in Buffalo.<\/a> Allen\u2019s new deal is for two years and $4.1 million, possibly reaching $6.1 million with incentives. An affordable deal with an above-average backup, it is mildly surprising to see the Lions choosing to delve into the QB2 market yet again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Allen came to Detroit before the 2025 season. Expected to be just training camp depth and a possible practice squad member, Allen easily beat out 2023 third-round pick Hendon Hooker to become Jared Goff\u2019s backup. In fact, Allen was so good during the preseason that Detroit opted to move on from Hooker<\/a> after only two years. Now with Allen in Buffalo, the Lions must find a trustworthy backup for the fourth year in a row.<\/span><\/p>\n

My Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Lions are not as good a football team today as they were yesterday. Of course, that could change over the rest of the offseason, as free agency will rage on before we eventually get to the draft. The onus is now on Holmes to show his chops as GM. He must find quality replacements for the departing players and address the team\u2019s other needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Losing Anzalone, Robertson, and Lopez all at once is a painful blow to the Lions\u2019 defense. Already in need of at least one edge rusher and plenty of help in the secondary, Detroit must now deal with two pivotal starters and a premium backup leaving. With limited cap space (currently), the Lions may have a tough time patching up the holes all over the roster. I trust Holmes, though. He is proven to make correct decisions way more often than not. His prowess as GM must shine again, as the Lions lost many good players today.<\/span><\/p>\n

On offense, Holmes did a great job today. He shored up the team’s biggest need, center, by adding a very good player in Mays at a very reasonable price. Holmes also added quality depth and competition to the o-line with Borom, whose cost will not prohibit the Lions from selecting more offensive line help early in the draft.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today\u2019s transactions make me nervous as a Lions\u2019 fan, but I am eager to see what Holmes has in store for tomorrow. Can he snag Trey Hendrickson or Riq Woolen?<\/a> How do you feel about what transpired on day one? Who do you want to see Holmes go after? Leave your comments below.<\/span><\/p>\n

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