The Detroit Lions have been busy in the 2025 NFL free agency period. They are working to keep their best players and bring in new talent. GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have emphasized a “draft, develop, and re-sign” philosophy, which has been evident in their offseason strategy.
Detroit made some important moves in free agency. Defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike re-signed with the team for one year.
Staying home: #Lions DT Levi Onwuzurike, just off the best year, is signing back with Detroit, sources say. Returning from a back injury that limited for two seasons, he impressed in 2024.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2025
He gets a 1-year, $5.5M deal in a deal done by CJ LaBoy of Wasserman. pic.twitter.com/KCpJ3xi7c0
Plus, linebacker Derrick Barnes signed a three-year, $25.5 million deal, joining Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone to strengthen the linebacker group.
The #Lions have agreed to a 3-year $25.5M extension for Derrick Barnes, a key part of their defense. $16M of the deal is fully guaranteed on signing, per me and @MikeGarafolo.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2025
Deal done by agents Brian Mackler and Jon Perzley of @SPORTSTARSNYC. pic.twitter.com/jv8nrjrUwv
The Lions also added cornerback D.J. Reed with a three-year, $48 million contract. He’s a top player who will bring experience and consistency to the team.
And here’s your confirmation: DJ Reed’s agency confirms he’s signing a three-year deal with the Lions worth $48M. pic.twitter.com/daczN4TlYf
— Richard Silva (@rich_silva18) March 10, 2025
Recently, they also re-signed key players like RB Craig Reynolds, DL Pat O’Connor, TE Shane Zylstra, and LB Mitchell Agude. While they’ve focused on keeping their current roster, the team is still looking to add new talent.
Lions also bring in fresh talent
The Lions have re-signed their own players and brought in new talent to improve their team. So far Holmes has signed veteran players like cornerback D.J. Reed, defensive tackle Roy Lopez, and linebacker Grant Stuard.
Reed is one of the best cornerbacks available this offseason, filling the spot left by Carlton Davis III, who joined New England. Lopez and Stuard are tough players who will strengthen the defensive line and linebacker positions.
#LIONS 2025 OFFSEASON TRACKER:
— ʟɪᴏɴ ᴋɪɴɢ (@LionsRoyalty) March 18, 2025
-added Agude to 'Returning Players'
-updated cap space#OnePride pic.twitter.com/b6ecxFZ56B
Tight end Kenny Yeboah and quarterback Kyle Allen were also added as veteran reserves, enhancing the team’s overall depth. Most of the work this offseason has been re-signing players who already fit well with the Lions.
