Nose tackle Kyle Peko is facing free agency, and while he only played five games for the Detroit Lions, coaches liked him enough to possibly bring him back.
When we talk about all of the Detroit Lions ’ defensive injuries in 2024, the name of nose tackle Kyle Peko rarely comes up. People are understandably more quick to point out the likes of Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Marcus Davenport, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Carlton Davis, and more.
That’s a shame because Peko was an underrated part of Detroit’s stout defensive front, particularly early in the season. And when Peko suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 6, the Lions defense was never really the same.
Now, Peko faces free agency. Will the Lions opt to bring back the 31-year-old defensive lineman or move on? Let’s continue our 2025 Lions free agent series.
Here’s a look at our previously-written free agent profiles: WR Tim Patrick , G Kevin Zeitler
Kyle Peko
Expectations heading into 2024
Peko was signed late in free agency (May 7), but there was some optimism he may serve a role with the team. For one, he was reuniting with Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams. Peko had two stints with the Tennessee Titans while Williams coached there. Additionally, Peko started 10 games in 2024 for the Titans, meaning his endurance was still there at 31 years old.
And with DJ Reader rehabbing from a torn quad, it wasn’t clear if Peko would have to start early in the season or if Reader would be ready by Week 1. Either way, Peko—who only cost the Lions $1.2 million on a one-year contract—was a smart signing, as the Lions weren’t likely to start developmental player Brodric Martin in the beginning of the year.
Actual role in 2024
Note: PFF grades combine regular season and playoffs and reflect a minimum 20% snaps at that position
5 games (1 start): 2 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 QB hits — 86 snaps, 9 special teams snaps
PFF grade: 45.8 overall grade (Did not qualify for ranking)
PFF run defense grade: 36.8
PFF pass rush grade: 58.3
PFF tackle grade: 67.6
Peko didn’t make the initial 53-man roster, although that was mostly by technicality. Given his veteran status, he didn’t have to clear waivers, and Detroit was able to sign him immediately to the practice squad. And because Reader was, indeed, not ready to start the year, Peko was elevated, got the Week 1 start, and played nearly half of his season snaps (37 of 86) in the opener. After the game, he was signed to the 53-man roster. When Reader returned after missing just one game, Peko’s role dropped to about 15-20% of defensive snaps.
Unfortunately for Peko, he suffered a torn pectoral muscle against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6. The injury required surgery and ended his season.
Assessing his play is tough. I don’t believe PFF grades properly evaluate the kind of player Peko is. PFF awards things like penetration, tackles for loss, and pressures, while Peko’s job is predominantly to eat up blocks and not lose ground. He is there to help free up the Lions’ linebacking corps to play downhill and make Detroit’s run defense tough to penetrate.
In that respect, he was successful. There was no string of games the Lions were better at defending the run than in the first five contests. Just take a look at our On Paper chart for the Lions run defense this year:
They held the Buccaneers and Cardinals to about half of their regular yardage averages and well below their yards per carry average. Really, the only slip up while Peko was in was the Seahawks game, which was Detroit’s first without Derrick Barnes.
While it would be silly to credit Peko for all of the Lions’ early run defense success, it is certainly noteworthy how Detroit’s coaching staff unpromptedly talked about how critical of an injury it was at the time.
“That was a huge, huge loss,” defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said. “I actually talked to him this morning because he actually went into his surgery and just told him how much that we were going to miss him, and I don’t take him for granted at all for what he did. So, that was a tough one also.”
“Peko’s been one of those just kind of silent producers for us,” coach Dan Campbell said. “Does all of the dirty work and he’s the one who frees up Alex (Anzalone) and Jack (Campbell) and (Malcolm Rodriguez) Rodrigo and those guys to make the plays that they make. He held down the fort until Reader got back and then he’s a rotational guy, so we hate it for him. We’re going to miss him, too.”
Detroit’s run defense didn’t fall off a cliff, but it certainly wasn’t up to Detroit’s high standards. Reader provided strong play at nose tackle, but he was regularly averaging over 60% of defensive snaps in the back half of the season, which is less than ideal for a 30-year-old coming off two major injuries.
Outlook for 2025
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent
Peko is facing free agency yet again, and he’ll be entering the 2025 season at age 32.
Pros of re-signing
There is very little risk in re-signing Peko. He has scheme familiarity (assuming the Lions don’t make big changes), he’ll come cheap, and it won’t prevent Detroit from making other moves at the position. Peko provides dependability and average gameplay. Most importantly, he provides experience among a Lions defensive line that remains relatively young.
Cons of re-signing
At some point, the Lions are going to have to see what Brodric Martin can do. The Lions’ 2023 third-round pick has only made five game appearances and played 53 snaps in his first two seasons. Adding Peko could take away from those opportunities, although there’s nothing inherently wrong about adding some competition to push Martin.
Additionally, you’re talking about re-signing a 32-year-old coming off a serious injury. While Lions general manager Brad Holmes has certainly not shown any hesitancy in signing players off major injuries, perhaps he should be a little more cautious moving forward.
Is there interest from both sides?
Hard to say. We didn’t get much of an opportunity to talk to Peko after his injury. Certainly, there will be questions about a possible retirement from his end given age and injury. But given his postseason Instagram post , he was at least thankful of the opportunity the Lions offered.
“So many ups and so many downs in year 9 but truly grateful and blessed for my oppertunity [sic] here! @detroitlionsnfl
Nothing but love! Thank you Detroit!”
As for Detroit’s side of things, the way the coaching staff talked about him, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them considering another one-year deal for Peko.
Cost?
Given his age, injury situation, and general low production throughout his career, Peko will almost certainly cost Detroit just the veteran minimum (about $1.17M).
Conclusion
If Peko wants to continue his NFL career, I would not be surprised to see the Lions bring him back, but he would not be guaranteed a spot on the roster. Detroit needs to get younger at that position, whether that means finally giving Martin the opportunity, drafting another player, or spending a little more in free agency.
One thing to consider is that the Lions have seemingly gone through nose tackles every single season. They’ve quickly replaced the likes of John Penisini, Isaiah Buggs, and Benito Jones, so it wouldn’t be hard for Detroit to find a relatively cheap replacement if they hope to upgrade from Peko. But, again, they talked highly of Peko in a way they never really did of the previous few players, so I see no problem in throwing him a vet-minimum deal.