The Detroit Lions have had a busy week during the NFL free agency period, making several moves to improve their roster, though some decisions have drawn criticism from analysts. While it’s good to see the team active in the offseason, not all of their moves have been well-received.
One of the biggest losses for the Lions has been guard Kevin Zeitler, whose departure has raised significant concern. Zeitler, a key player on the offensive line, chose to leave Detroit and sign with the Tennessee Titans, which some experts consider an “underrated move.” NFL analyst Mike Payton believes this was a critical loss for the Lions, as Zeitler was seen as essential for maintaining the offensive line’s high performance. Payton gave the Lions an “F” grade for failing to retain him, acknowledging that Zeitler’s decision to prioritize family was a factor but suggesting that Detroit could have offered a more competitive deal to keep him.
Another notable loss was edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, which led Payton to assign the Lions a “D” grade for that move. Payton expressed disappointment, stating that while freeing up salary cap space was a positive, the team did nothing with the funds afterward. He noted that this could change over time, but for now, it seems like a move that may not pay off as hoped.
However, it’s not all negative for the Lions in free agency. Payton praised the team for signing cornerback D.J. Reed, calling it an “A” move. Reed was signed to a four-year, $48 million deal after the Lions lost Carlton Davis to the Patriots on a hefty $60 million contract. Payton commended Brad Holmes, the Lions’ general manager, for quickly securing Reed, who he believes is of equal or greater value than Davis but at a lower cost. Reed, who spent the last three seasons with the New York Jets, has accumulated 220 tackles, 32 pass deflections, and two interceptions, with strong coverage grades from Pro Football Focus (PFF) in recent years.
Additionally, the re-signing of defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike was another positive move, earning the Lions an “A+” grade from Payton. Onwuzurike had a strong 2024 season, and Payton praised the Lions for bringing him back at a significantly lower cost than expected, saving around $15 million off the projected price.
Despite some losses, the Lions have made some notable moves during free agency, with a mix of both positives and areas that need improvement.