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The Detroit Lions walked into the offseason this year with 30-plus free agents of their own. They managed to bring back 24 of them. But there are still some guys who are sitting around waiting for a phone call.
Today we’re going to attempt to find the best landing spots for each of them. Let’s jump into it.
Edge Za’Darius Smith
Smith’s release surprised some, but at the end of the day, the Lions did not want to get caught up in his void years and potentially have to pay him while he’s not on the team. Some think a reunion in Detroit could be the way to go, but at the end of the day, it’s hard to see that happening with the Lions appearing to be pointing their sights towards filling that hole in the draft.
The Bills make a lot of sense for Smith since they just parted with Von Miller. They could use some more edge help, and Smith brings that.
LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
This was another surprise. With a year removed from his All-Pro season, the Lions let him go in early March and then found their new guy in Grant Stuard.
The Titans feel like a good spot for him. It would be a return home for Maybin, who grew up in Tennessee and played for the Vols there. Plus, they could use some special-teams help.
Guard Kayode Awosika
It was a bit surprising that the Lions didn’t hold onto Awosika since he played fairly well in relief. He’s someone that you can expect other teams to be looking at ahead of camp.
The Ravens make sense for him since they need some interior offensive line help. While Awosika wouldn’t be expected to start for them, he could provide solid depth.
LB Ben Niemann
For as much as Dan Campbell talked about this guy last year, it’s a bit shocking he hasn’t been retained by the Lions. We’re not ready to give up on that yet. We’re predicting he’s back in Detroit by training camp.
Edge John Cominsky
Cominsky had a killer 2022 season but struggled to replicate that in 2023 and then missed the entire 2024 season. The Lions don’t appear to be looking to bring him back at this time.
The Panthers make a lot of sense for him because he’d reunite with Todd Wash there. It was under him that he had his best season.
K Michael Badgley
At this point I wouldn’t be shocked if Badgley is back with the Lions at training camp. It’s Jake Bates’ job, but the Lions still like to have multiple guys in the summertime, and this would allow Badgley to get back into things after his injury.
He did just have a workout with the Jets, though.
OT Connor Galvin
Had two good summers with two good preseasons and then he got hurt and missed the entire year. Just a super hard setback for a guy who was showing some things and probably would have been on the practice squad all year. The Lions should give him one more shot this summer. He has “swing tackle possibility” written all over him.
CB Emmanuel Moseley
I don’t want to be the guy who says a player should retire, but it’s been three really hard years for him with two torn ACLs and a torn pectoral muscle. At this point I hope he just gets a shot somewhere. It’s probably not going to be Detroit, though.
QB Teddy Bridgewater
We don’t know if Bridgewater is going back into retirement or what his plan is, but it’s pretty clear that you can’t rule out a return to Detroit for him. Dan Campell loves this guy.
DT Kyle Peko
Had a really good summer last year and earned a spot on the team. Then he got hurt, and it ruined what should have been a good year for him. With Roy Lopez in town, a return to Detroit seems out.
The Chiefs make sense for him sine they need some interior defensive line help. He’d be good depth there.
WR Allen Robinson
The last we heard, Robinson was considering retirement. That might be the best way for the former Pro Bowler to go.
