Photo Credit: Brooke Sutton/Getty Images.

As we know, NFL free agency is right around the corner, and the Lions have quite a few needs going in. We will be putting together a daily series, featuring a few options at two positions that I believe have a realistic shot of happening. We will start with Quarterback and Running Back.

After going 9-8 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2022, Detroit is in a unique spot with roster construction, having the overall talent to contend, but falling short. They have a top-20 pick, and could have more than enough money to fill the holes, given a few restructures.

For this simulation, the Lions will restructure Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St Brown, Alim McNeill, and Penei Sewell, clearing up just over $91 million. We were able to do this with the ‘Be A GM’ mode on the new ‘Stick To The Model’ website https://sticktothemodel.com/?via=MFN. Use our code MFN2026 to save! This leaves the Lions sitting at about $82 million, before the rookie class.

This does not mean the Lions will spend $80 million, but that they have some wiggle room to make a few deals. As aforementioned, the Lions have holes, and free agency is the best way to get immediate impact players, which the Lions need.

So I thought what better way to do it other than picking a few realistic options the Lions could/should sign this free agency period. Lets take a look at the list.

Quarterback:

The Lions have their solidified starter here, with Jared Goff having played high level ball since joining the Lions, but they still need a legitimate backup in case Goff were to ever go down. There are a lot of options, but I wanted to go with someone the Lions would feel comfortable with in a pinch, but who also brings a veteran presence, and maybe some added mobility we don’t see from Goff. There are multiple that fit this bill, but for simulation sake, I will pick just one.

The Pick: Marcus Mariota.
Mariota was the 2nd overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, but he didn’t quite pan out. However, he has shown the ability to play at a solid level. He became the starter in Atlanta in 2022, and filled in well for Jayden Daniels in 2025, recently showing he still has some juice left. Now, would I want Mariota leading my team in 2026? Definitely not, but he could certainly be the perfect backup for Goff. He has the ability as a pocket passer, and has added mobility Goff doesn’t. He also has the veteran presence, and high character traits the Lions look for in their players.
HM: Jimmy Garappolo, Tyler Huntley, Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston.
At the end of the day, the Lions just need a reliable backup who could start in a pinch if necessary. You’ll see a pattern here, older, more mobile quarterbacks with legitimate starting experience. Detroit just needs some consistency at the QB2 spot, and all of these guys offer that.

Running Back:

With David Montgomery’s recent trade to Houston, the Lions need a back to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs. Brad Holmes got very good value, and cleared some cap space by making the trade, but opened up a hole at RB2. The Lions may draft one, but that’s a conversation for another article.

The Pick: Brian Robinson Jr.
Robinson would be the absolute perfect Montgomery replacement. Very similar styles, with his bruising, powerful rushing attack. Robinson is also younger, and cheaper, only expected to get around $3 million per year, per Spotrac. Over his career, he has only ever averaged less than 4.0 yards per carry once, in his first season with Washington. He has proven himself as a solid back, and a perfect second option to Jahmyr Gibbs. He had a very similar role with the 49ers that he would have here in Detroit, and averaged 4.3 yards per carry, showing he can do it at a high level.
HM: Kenneth Gainwell, Najee Harris, JK Dobbins, Tyer Allgeier.
The Lions need a true RB2 that can start in a pinch, if necessary, but offers something different than Gibbs style wise. I think the Lions would be best off adding a power back to compliment Gibbs’ speed style, but I could see them opting for a different style back. This free agent class is pretty solid, which will give the Lions a lot of options here.

Overall, the Lions have needs here, but it shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg to improve here. Trading Montgomery certainly opened a hole, but with the value we got, along with the potential to add a solid back for cheap in free agency, it was a no-brainer for Brad Holmes.

Stay tuned for our next installment of the series!

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