After a relatively quiet week, the Detroit Lions set off a flurry of activity on Wednesday, re-signing key personnel and picking up Grant Stuard in free agency.
Lions’ Next Steps Following Busy Day Of Free Agency
Lions General Manager Brad Holmes is busy extending the contracts of several key players whose contracts were up for renewal. Earlier this week, Holmes ensured that linebackers Derrick Barnes and Zeke Turner , along with defensive lineman Marcus Davenport, and tackle Dan Skipper remain in Detroit. On Wednesday, the Lions re-signed defensive linemen Levi Onwuzurike and Myles Adams, along with running back / special teams player Craig Reynolds.
Earlier today it was reported Trevor Nowaske and Anthony Pittman have been extended. Holmes also came to an agreement with his third free agency acquisition.
Grant Stuard -Newest Lions Free Agent
A four-year veteran and former seventh-round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Stuard spent the last three years with the Indianapolis Colts. In addition to playing linebacker with 40 total tackles (18 solo) and two tackles for a loss, he saw action as a special teams player with 342 special teams snaps last year. Easing his transition to Detroit, Stuard is reuniting with a familiar face in former Buccaneers coach, Kacy Rodgers.
“He’s a guy that comes in every day and works his tail off,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said of Stuard, a year ago. “And he got his opportunity and made the most of it.”
Lions Free Agency Losses
Holmes got high marks for acquiring former New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed and Arizona Cardinals nose tackle Roy Lopez in free agency. However, as expected, several former Lions players departed Detroit for bigger offers elsewhere. Carlton Davis and Kevin Zeitler accepted offers earlier this week. Yesterday, Kindle Vildor agreed to a one-year deal with Tampa Bay and the Miami Dolphins gave a one-year, $4 million contract to Ifeatu Melifonwu.
Meanwhile, Holmes is conserving salary cap dollars, prioritizing the contract extensions of Aidan Hutchinson , Alex Anzalone, and Kerby Joseph. Hutchinson in particular is expected to secure a big payday following the huge $160 million contract the Cleveland Browns awarded to Myles Garret . Garrett’s $40 million/year set a new bar for EDGE defenders. After establishing himself as one of the premier talents in the league, Hutchinson is deserving of a similar contract.
Joseph had an exceptional year with the Lions. After leading the NFL with nine interceptions in 2024, Joseph established himself as one of the league’s best safety’s. Although his accomplishments earned him an additional $1 million performance-based bonus, Joseph is deserving of a large payday with his new contract.
Anzalone is another player the Lions can’t afford to lose. An outstanding player and team captain, Anzalone’s very presence on the field elevates the play of all those around him. The Lions won their final game against the Minnesota Vikings largely because of Anzalone’s contribution.
Other Priority Re-Signings For The Lions
While the Lions can’t retain everyone, two other current Lions’ free agents should be prioritized for extensions.
Wide Receiver -Tim Patrick
Before the season began last year, there was a great deal of speculation as to who would emerge as the third receiver after Amon-Ra-St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Tim Patrick has earned that role. He made a big impact providing Jared Goff with a reliable third wide receiver. As the relationship between Goff and Patrick developed last season, he became a favorite alternate target in heavy coverage situations. In addition to having great hands and his sure-footedness on the field, Patrick proved to be a terrific blocker.
“I like him, I really do,” head coach Dan Campbell said of Patrick last season. “He fits us just the way he is, the way he works, his attention to detail, and he brings a little something different to us.” Praising Patrick’s “big guy” size and physicality, Campbell said, “He’s tough, so I’m glad he’s here.”
Earlier this week, Patrick made it clear he hopes to stay in Detroit. He was spotted wearing a jacket that said on the back, “I only want to work with the Lions.”
Linebacker -Malcolm Rodriguez
Still recovering from his torn ACL, Malcolm Rodriguez probably won’t be ready for the start of the season. But he is another player who deserves to remain with the Lions. When Anzalone went down with a broken arm, second year pro Jack Campbell and Rodriguez were two linebackers who stepped up in his absence.
Drafted by the Lions in the sixth round, the 5″11″ 234 lb. Oklahoma State talent ranked among the top of the 2022 NFL rookie class in multiple categories. Tying for the lead among NFL rookies with 12 tackles for a loss or no gain, Rodriguez ranked sixth among his fellow rookies with 83 total tackles. He was one of four NFL rookies with at least eight tackles, one sack, and a fumble recovery that year.
“Rodrigo” as he is known to his teammates has a great work ethic. He’s popular with fans and coaches alike. In addition to his 152 career tackles (79 solo) he has three sacks (two from 2024) three pass defenses, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Before his injury, Rodrigo was enjoying a career season. But once he’s fully recovered, with his drive and determination to improve, Rodrigo will continue to be an impact player for the Lions.
As predicted, Holmes and the Lions front office are focusing on getting the job done, quietly, efficiently and without drama or fanfare. Campbell has a terrific new coaching staff in place and things are looking good in Detroit.
Main Photo: Lon Horwedel – Imagn Images
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