{"id":269238,"date":"2026-03-15T09:30:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-15T13:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=269238"},"modified":"2026-03-15T07:34:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T11:34:18","slug":"five-remaining-free-agents-the-detroit-lions-should-sign","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2026\/03\/15\/five-remaining-free-agents-the-detroit-lions-should-sign\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Remaining Free Agents The Detroit Lions Should Sign"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first week of free agency has not disappointed. Players all across the NFL have found new homes and earned plenty of money. Some have stayed with their current teams. One <a  href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/articles\/ravens-cancel-maxx-crosby-trade-002235566.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">huge blockbuster trade fell through<\/a> before becoming official, sending shockwaves across the league. The Lions have had several of their own players leave town for other opportunities. GM Brad Holmes has brought in a few new faces, as well as retaining a couple of Detroit\u2019s own free agents. While the first wave of free agency has seen big names flying off the board, there is a lot of talent still available. The Lions still have holes scattered throughout the roster. Holmes has a lot of work left to do in making Detroit a legitimate Super Bowl contender. After picking five <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2026\/03\/07\/five-upcoming-free-agents-the-detroit-lions-should-sign\/\" target=\"_self\">free agents I wanted the Lions to sign<\/a> before free agency started, here are the five remaining free agents the Detroit Lions should sign.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Jadaveon Clowney, EDGE, Dallas Cowboys<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/03\/28\/jadeveon-clowney-panthers-signing\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Jadaveon Clowney has become a hired gun<\/a> at edge rusher over the past few years. It just so happens that the Detroit Lions are short on guns at edge rusher. Clowney can fix that problem as soon as he signs on the dotted line. The former number one overall pick has played for four different teams over the past four seasons. The Lions should become number five.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clowney is everything Detroit wants in an edge rusher. He is big, strong, and a plus defender against the run. After a season in<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/cowboys\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"> Dallas<\/a>, which saw Clowney amass 8.5 sacks, it is clear he still has plenty in the tank. Brad Holmes should be doing everything he can to bring Clowney to Detroit. Aidan Hutchinson needs a new running mate, as <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.buccaneers.com\/news\/buccaneers-add-edge-rusher-al-quadin-muhammad-2026-free-agency\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Al-Quadin Muhammad left the Lions<\/a> for the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/buccaneers\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Tampa Bay Buccaneers.\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While other suitable options, such as Joey Bosa and Cam Jordan, are available, Clowney should be Detroit\u2019s top target. Clowney will be available on a one-year deal, giving the Lions freedom to draft a top-end edge next month for the future. There is no remaining free agent at EDGE who would make a greater impact for the Lions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Cam Robinson, OT, Cleveland Browns<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With Taylor Decker longtime Lions\u2019 LT, having been released, it is surprising that Detroit has not done more to find his replacement. Brad Holmes has only brought in Larry Borom from Miami, but he would be better suited as Detroit\u2019s swing tackle. As of now, the Lions don\u2019t have a starting-caliber player to man Jared Goff\u2019s blindside. That is not an enviable position to be in come draft time. Needing a position so badly forces teams to reach, instead of being able to take the best player available.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cam Robinson can start for the Lions at LT, if needed. He would at least be solid competition if the Lions do select a tackle high in next month\u2019s draft, as expected. Robinson, while unspectacular, could stabilize the position temporarily. After a down 2025 season with the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/browns\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Cleveland Browns<\/a>, Robinson could sign a one-year \u201cprove it\u201d deal as he tries to reinvigorate his career. His addition to the Lions would in no way prevent Brad Holmes from drafting a tackle early in the 2026 draft.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Ifeatu Melifonwu, S, Miami Dolphins<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With serious injuries to both Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, the Lions\u2019 safety group is in dire straits. Why not turn to a familiar face for reinforcements? Melifonwu spent his first four seasons in Detroit after the Lions selected him in the third round in 2021.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melifonwu struggled with injuries during his time in Detroit. When healthy, however, he made a <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.detroitlions.com\/news\/melifonwu-building-confidence-after-strong-finish-to-season\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">strong impact on the field.<\/a> The versatile safety was able to stay healthy in 2025 and could help a Lions\u2019 secondary that is facing uncertainty. He is already familiar with Detroit\u2019s defense. Melifonwu could step right back in and fill a large role in Detroit for 2026. Holmes should be going after a safety, and Melifonwu\u2019s ability to cover, help against the run, and also be an effective blitzer, make him a very attractive option.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_219070\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-219070\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/Tim-Patrick-Lions-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Tim Patrick Lions\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-219070\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/Tim-Patrick-Lions-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/Tim-Patrick-Lions-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/Tim-Patrick-Lions-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/Tim-Patrick-Lions-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/02\/Tim-Patrick-Lions.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-219070\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates a touchdown against the Chicago Bears with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) during the first half at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Tim Patrick, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patrick is another former Lion whom Brad Holmes should be looking to bring back. Patrick, who lost two seasons to injury while with Denver, came to Detroit in 2024. His presence seemed to complete the Lions\u2019 offense. Detroit had been lacking a big \u201cX\u2019 receiver, and Patrick fit that role perfectly. At 6\u20195, Patrick gave Jared Goff a solid red-zone target while also providing terrific blocking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the Lions drafted WR Isaac TeSlaa in 2025, Patrick became expendable. Holmes <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.prideofdetroit.com\/detroit-lions-transactions\/140243\/detroit-lions-trading-tim-patrick-to-jaguars\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">traded him to Jacksonville<\/a> for a 2026 sixth-round pick. With Kalif Raymond leaving Detroit for Chicago, the Lions could look to reunite with Patrick, whose absence in 2025 was clearly felt as the offense struggled to maintain its 2024 dominance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Logan Wilson, LB, Dallas Cowboys<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Logan Wilson is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season. Highly productive over the course of his career, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46701489\/source-bengals-lb-logan-wilson-requests-trade-amid-reduced-role\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wilson fell out of favor in Cincinnati and was traded to Dallas at the deadline last year.<\/a> The Lions could bet on Wilson regaining his form after a change of scenery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.buccaneers.com\/news\/bucs-sign-lb-alex-anzalone-two-year-deal\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Anzalone leaving Detroit,<\/a> the Lions need an off-the-ball linebacker. Holmes has already re-signed Malcolm Rodriguez, who is an excellent reserve. Wilson could come in and immediately compete for a starting job. Over his entire career, Wilson has proven to be a solid LB. His addition would help alleviate some of the concerns Anzalone\u2019s departure has created.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What do you think? Leave your comments below. I\u2019d love to hear what remaining free agents you think the Lions should bring in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The first week of free agency has seen a lot of action. There are still plenty of talented players available for the Detroit Lions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5722,"featured_media":269266,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":true,"sfio_embed_code":"<smartframe-embed customer-id=\"1ffbae35d432d0d71911ca2a0b209fbb\" image-id=\"prsiD6KOz5nE\" style=\"width: 100%;max-width: 5400px;aspect-ratio: 5400\/3600\"><\/smartframe-embed><!-- https:\/\/smartframe.io\/embedding-support -->","_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":[24,6431],"tags":[33883,1273,7945,1473,6074,4542],"class_list":["post-269238","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lions","category-nfl-teams","tag-2026-nfl-free-agency","tag-cam-robinson","tag-ifeatu-melifonwu","tag-jadeveon-clowney","tag-logan-wilson","tag-tim-patrick"],"modified_by":"Sue Levine","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269238","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=269238"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269238\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":269267,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269238\/revisions\/269267"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/269266"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=269238"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=269238"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=269238"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}