The Detroit Lions’ roster is at 90 players just weeks away from the start of 2026 training camp. It’s been a long offseason, but it’s almost coming to a merciful end. With a little time on our hands right now, let’s re-examine the Lions’ offseason moves and start with free agency.
Detroit’s list of free agency adds is pretty lengthy, and the linked list doesn’t even include the four UFL receivers the team added at the end of mandatory minicamp. But the thing that stands out most about the Lions’ free agency class
is that only one external free agent signing, center Cade Mays, ended up signing a multi-year deal. Quite literally everyone else is on a one-year deal, and only Larry Borom’s overall value eclipses $3 million.
The Lions’ strategy is clear: let’s find some bargin-bin players who are hungry and will outperform their contract. So today’s Question of the Day is:
What was the Lions’ most underrated free agency signing?
My answer: In my opinion, only Cade Mays is ineligible for this answer, given he signed a relatively big three-year, $25 million contract. Everyone else could qualify as underrated. And there are a lot of players that I really, really like.
Chuck Clark and Christian Izien were both very savvy signings for $2 million or less each. Clark brings a boatload of experience and leadership that will be needed while Brian Branch is sidelined and Kerby Joseph’s future is unknown. Izien is a promising young (26 years old) player who could develop into a long-term solution at safety if he fits Detroit’s scheme nicely this year.
I also maintain that Roger McCreary may be one of the most important adds this offseason. For one, a one-year, $1.4 million contract for a potential starting nickel cornerback is excellent value. Additionally, his versatility to play on the outside may come in handy these days after the release of Terrion Arnold.
On offense, Greg Dortch ($1.4M), Tyler Conklin ($1.3M), and Ben Bartch ($1.2M) all have very real chances to way outplay their contract.
Which Lions free agent signing do you think is not being talked about enough right now? Vote in the poll below, and share your thoughts in the comment section below.
