The Detroit Lions have a significant number of players set to be free agents in 2022. The biggest issue for the Lions will be infusing this roster with some talent. With one of the better cap situations in the NFL, Detroit should look to use their cap space to sign a couple of high-profile free agents.
Detroit Lions free agents in 2022
Following the conclusion of the 2021-22 NFL season, the Lions have 24 players with expiring contracts. 15 of them will be unrestricted free agents, six are exclusive rights free agents, and three are restricted free agents. Please note that all players are unrestricted free agents unless stated.
Free Agents: Offense
- Tim Boyle | QB
- David Blough | QB (RFA)
- Josh Reynolds | WR
- Kalif Raymond | WR
- KhaDarel Hodge | WR
- Tyrell Crosby | T
- Matt Nelson | T (ERFA)
- Evan Brown | C
- Will Holden | G
Free Agents: Defense/Special Teams
- Nick Williams | DE
- Charles Harris | DE
- Joel Heath | DE
- Jalen Reeves-Maybin | LB
- Alex Anzalone | LB
- Shaun Dion Hamilton | LB
- Anthony Pittman | LB (ERFA)
- Josh Woods | LB (RFA)
- Mark Gilbert | CB (ERFA)
- Tracy Walker III | S
- Dean Marlowe | S
- Bobby Price | S (ERFA)
- C.J. Moore | S (RFA)
- Scott Daly | LS (ERFA)
- Jack Fox | P (ERFA)
Top Lions offensive free agents
The Lions’ do not have any big-name offensive free agents. However, they do have some that are integral to the team’s growth and success. Let’s take a look at the most prominent free agents they do have on offense.
Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, and KhaDarel Hodge | WR
The Lions appear to have found their WR1, or at least a WR2 of the future, in Amon-Ra St. Brown. They now need to decide what to do with some of their ancillary pieces.
Josh Reynolds came over midseason from the Titans and had a couple of nice games. Kalif Raymond also served as their leading receiver at times. KhaDarel Hodge is nothing more than a rotational WR5/6.
Reynolds and Raymond are both 27-year-old journeyman receivers. They were forced to play over their heads due to injuries and the Lions’ lack of receiving talent in 2021.
Both receivers are worthwhile WR3/4s and will have spots on NFL rosters. If the Lions want to bring one or both back to serve as depth, they should do so for the right price. If the Lions are content with letting them sign elsewhere, their production is largely replaceable.
Tim Boyle and David Blough | QB
The Lions’ backup and third-string quarterbacks are both free agents. David Blough is a restricted free agent, but I wouldn’t expect the Lions to worry too much about losing him. He’s a career backup, at best.
Tim Boyle was forced to make three starts for an injured Jared Goff last season. He did not play particularly well in any of them. The Lions can and should look to upgrade their backup quarterback situation. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them retain Boyle, but it’s not necessary.
Top Lions defensive free agents
The Lions’ defensive players hitting free agency are largely role players. This is a unit that needs a serious overhaul either via free agency or the draft — likely both.
Nick Williams | DT
Nick Williams started all 17 games for the Lions in 2021. He took a pay cut prior to the 2021 season to remain in Detroit.
At a salary of $5 million, Williams is the most expensive free agent the Lions have. He’s now 32 years old, and this is a team very much in limbo right now. They have a couple of young pieces to build around in St. Brown and D’Andre Swift, but they still don’t have enough impact playmakers or their quarterback of the future. Williams seems more likely to continue his career with another team.