The Detroit Lions are facing several questions regarding the construction of their roster heading into the 2025 season.
With several long-term extensions handed out and seemingly more on the horizon, it's worth pondering whether or not Detroit has the cap space to make a free-agency splash. If not, the team may be more inclined to make a smaller move.
As a result, ESPN listed this dilemma as the Lions' biggest question as part of a piece exploring each NFL team's biggest offseason salary-cap question. Writer Dan Graziano's biggest question was whether the Lions could make a free-agency splash or make a low-risk move.
"The answer to both questions is yes," Graziano wrote. "The Lions are absolutely fine on cap space and could bring in a big-name edge rusher (*cough* Myles Garrett *cough*) if they want -- even with superstar Aidan Hutchinson coming back from his leg injury and extension-eligible. They're in a win-now window with most of their other key guys locked in long term. So yes, it's not wild to imagine a splash signing."
General manager Brad Holmes has traditionally made moves based on addressing needs rather than going after the biggest available free agent. As a result, it's intriguing to see what the Lions will do when free agency begins in March.
"But it's also true that it would be a little out of character for this Lions team to take that kind of a huge swing on an external addition," Graziano said. "Given the strategic and targeted way they've built this roster in the Dan Campbell/Brad Holmes era, I would say it's more likely they bring back Za'Darius Smith."
Here is a collection of Lions headlines on Monday, Feb. 24.
1.) The Detroit Free Press listed five players to watch at the NFL Scouting Combine, which begins this week.
2.) Detroit Football Network wrapped up its series on draft prospects by taking a look at this year's group of cornerbacks.
3.) Detroit Free Press columnist Jeff Seidel profiled new Detroit Tigers outfielder Jahmai Jones, whose father Andre and brother T.J. both played for the Lions during their respective careers.
4.) Multiple reports are indicating that Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is seeking $50 million a year with a new contract. The Rams have allowed Stafford's representatives to seek a trade.
