The Detroit Lions were great in 2024, but there are still upgrades to be had in 2025. Which position needs the greatest overhaul this offseason?
The offseason is a time to build upon the previous season’s flaws. Despite an incredible 15-2 season, the Detroit Lions ’ playoff loss illustrated that even the best teams are not immune to flaws. With the 2025 season on the horizon, what must the Lions do to avoid a similar ill-fated result?
There are many avenues of improvement that the Lions could go, whether it be via free agency or the draft. Almost every position on the team could warrant an upgrade or two this offseason, perhaps besides punter Jack Fox—even then, you could justify a camp body to ease his training camp workload. Wide receiver depth is needed, capable offensive linemen are always a plus, the defensive line could use starters and backups, the secondary has some difficult roster decisions to make. There are a lot of upgrade to be had—it all depends on how Detroit is willing to play it.
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Which position needs the greatest overhaul this offseason?
My answer: Defensive tackle. This was a tough choice between defensive end and defensive tackle, but I give the edge to the tackle group.
While the defensive ends were gutted last season, it is a group that could retain some of their core members in 2025. Aidan Hutchinson will be back, as will Josh Paschal. Za’Darius Smith is still under contract, and while he could be a salary cap casualty , I think the Lions look to bring him back on a new deal. The Lions could also re-add depth pieces like Al-Quadin Muhammad or John Cominsky for (likely) minimal deals. Even Marcus Davenport could be a buy-low option coming off an injury. I would love for the Lions to add a pass rusher in the draft, but I don’t think it is a position that needs a major overhaul.
The defensive tackles, meanwhile, concern me. Alim McNeill is a star, but having suffered an ACL injury in Week 15, there is no guarantee he is ready to start 2025. DJ Reader proved his worth, but there is only so much the veteran nose tackle could do without his partner in crime. One of the biggest free agent decisions for the Lions is Levi Onwuzurike. He had the best season of his career, but given his injury history, would Detroit feel comfortable buying high? Mekhi Wingo has some promise in his injury-shortened rookie season, yet is he ready for a starting role?
The elephant in the room is Brodric Martin. The young nose tackle has had a rough start to his NFL career. His rookie season was largely redshirted, seeing the field for just three games. Just when he was showing some promise during the 2024 preseason, he suffered a knee injury that kept him out until November. When he did return, it was in an extremely limited capacity, being active for just two games. Even after McNeill’s injury, Martin was passed over by the likes of Myles Adams and Chris Smith on game day.
I do not feel confident with the current defensive tackle group heading into 2025. McNeill is coming off a serious injury, Wingo and Martin are unknowns, Onwuzurike is a pending free agent, and everyone else on the team not named Reader is bottom-of-the-depth-chart caliber. Regardless of whether Onwuzurike is lost or re-signed, I think the Lions need to add some proven defensive tackle depth. Two early names I have in mind are Poona Ford and Teair Tart, both of whom had solid seasons for the Los Angeles Chargers . The Chargers might not be able to afford both in free agency, and I think either one could be a fit for the Lions.
Are there any other positions in need of more work this offseason? Let us know in the comments below.