The Detroit Lions were, as easily expected, not all that active in the peak of 2025 free agency. D.J. Reed easily stands out as the headline signing, and other than that the move to release edge rusher Za'Darius Smith stands as the most notable thing that was done.
Regarding the move to release Smith, in light of a lot of bonus money he was due early in the league year, general manager Brad Holmes (however flimsily) said "we couldn't afford it" at the NFL Owner's Meetings this past week. The door seems to be open for Smith to come back, as it should be and as he remains available, but the chance it happens somehow also seems slim.
Holmes is deferring to a number of notable and large contract extensions the Lions have coming as the reason to not be spending in free agency this offseason. While that is certainly a big thing in terms of planning, the biggest money of those upcoming contracts won't be hitting the balance sheet this year, or possibly even next year.
So any further signings of veterans for the Lions, if there even are any, will be in the deepest part of the bargain bin among an already short list of viable options after the peak of free agency.
Proposed free agent fit for the Lions fits their template perfectly
On his list outlining one free agent who can help each NFL team, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox naturally had an edge rusher for the Lions.
"The Detroit Lions are expected to have standout pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson back and healthy in 2025. However, the Lions still lack a high-end complement opposite the 2022 first-round pick."
"Detroit may target its No. 2 pass-rusher in the draft—the B/R Scouting Department recently mocked Georgia's Mykel Williams to the Lions—but it could afford to add more veteran depth to go with Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport now."
"Dennis Gardeck is coming off a torn ACL and appeared in only seven games this past season. In 2023, however, he recorded six tackles (sic) and 20 quarterback pressures."
Gardeck has been the practical definition of a situational edge rusher in his career, never playing more than a 46 percent share of defensive snaps in a season in games he has suited up for. He had three sacks last season, six sacks in 2023 and his career-high for sacks is seven in 2020.
Before free agency Holmes revealed he had been checking out a Cardinals' offensive free agent, in reference to the Lions' Week 3 game against them last season. They signed a free agent from Arizona's defense, with Dan Campbell lauding how defensive tackle Roy Lopez did against center Frank Ragnow in that game. Gardeck had an interception in that game, so maybe he was/still is on the Lions' radar.
If Smith is not brought back, or a different veteran (Von Miller?) isn't signed to help the edge rusher situation, Gardeck (for better or worse) lands as an ideal fit for the Lions.
