For most NFL fans, the offseason boils down to two key events: free agency and the NFL Draft. Sure, teams make re-signings or trades during the months after football, but when it comes to restocking for
an NFL season, the greatest turnover comes from signing free agents and drafting rookies.
Yet which is more important for the Detroit Lions entering the 2026 season?
Both have their merits. With free agency, it is the best way to get NFL-proven talent, though it often comes with pricey salaries—salaries that can be difficult to navigate if said NFL-proven talent proves untrue. With the draft, you can build up a foundation on cheap rookie contracts, meaning you can get home run talents for a fraction of their open market value—however, the transition from college football to professional football is a road many prospects fail to navigate.
The Lions are coming off a disappointing 2025 season. With a crucial offseason ahead of them, which method of player acquisition will be more important for a successful 2026 campaign?
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Will free agency or the NFL Draft be more important for the Detroit Lions?
My answer: Free agency.
From 2021 through 2023, the Lions were carried by their draft classes, but after back-to-back drafts with modest initial returns, Detroit may have to lean on external talent to bolster their roster. Detroit has questions at offensive line, tight end, defensive end, linebacker, cornerback, safety, not to mention a need for depth across the board. Even if they hit home runs with their first- and second-round selections, the draft alone will not be enough to plug their numerous weak points.
I think free agency will be a critical part of the offseason. The Lions do not have ample cap space to spend on top-tier free agents, even with the increased salary cap. Detroit may target one moderately expensive free agent, but that might be their maximum. Where Brad Holmes will need to earn his paycheck is via shrewd free agent moves. Think of players like Kalif Raymond, Alex Anzalone, Amik Robertson, or Roy Lopez. These were players that came in on modest contracts but outperformed their salary almost right away. The Lions will never be able to afford an elite offensive tackle or edge rusher, so these types of signings have to come via cheaper free agency deals or the draft with hopes exceeding expectations.
The key point to remember is that most well-run teams use the draft as a means to enrich their roster, not plug holes leftover from free agency. Historically, the Holmes-led Lions have not been a team to enter the draft with glaring must-draft weaknesses. In 2025, the Lions drafted Tyleik Williams despite having signed Roy Lopez. In 2024, the Lions drafted Terrion Arnold despite having signed Amik Robertson and acquired Carlton Davis. In 2023, the Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs despite having signed David Montgomery. The lone exception to this trend might be defensive end Aidan Hutchinson in 2022, but they also had the second-overall pick, guaranteeing that a top-tier pass rusher would be available.
Free agency will set the tone for the Lions’ draft. I would fully expect them to target an offensive lineman in free agency, and whether that is a tackle, center, or guard, it will change the Lions’ offensive line approach in the draft. Inversely, the Lions may sign a rotational pass rusher to replace Marcus Davenport and Al-Quadin Muhammad, but that might not deter them from selecting an edge early if the fit is right. However, they would not be forced to take an edge to address a weakness—filling weaknesses in free agency allows for teams to draft for talent, not need.
If the Lions are to be successful in 2026, free agency will play a big part. A rookie or two is not enough to put this team over the hump. They will need contributors up and down their roster, and with only so many draft picks to play with, free agency will be the best avenue to acquire said contributors.
