Photo Credit: Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images.

NFL free agency is right around the corner, and the Lions have quite a few needs going in. Legal tampering opens today at 12pm EST, which could change some things going into official free agency on Wednesday. We already covered Quarterback and Running back here, Wide Receivers and Tight Ends here, Offensive Line here, and Defensive Line here.

As we know, NFL free agency is right around the corner, and the Lions have quite a few needs going in.

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.

Linebacker is huge need for Detroit, as Campbell and Barnes are the only true impact players under contract. They also lack depth, which as we know, the Lions need more than most. For this reason, I will be picking both a starter level option, and a depth option.

Linebacker:

In my opinion, the Lions have a huge need at off-ball linebacker. Losing Anzalone and Rodriguez in free agency leaves us with just two starters under contract. Luckily for the Lions, there is a plethora of talent in both the draft and free agency at the linebacker position. I think the Lions should double dip, signing one in free agency, and taking one in the draft. Don’t be surprised if they draft one higher than you think they should.

Starter: Leo Chenal.

Chenal 25, is the ideal candidate for the Lions. He adds versatility, with the ability to play all over the field, and has elite athleticism that would fit perfectly next to Campbell and Barnes. Chenal played the SAM in Kansas City, or the strong-side linebacker. Barnes currently plays there, but I’d feel fine with moving either player over to WILL, as both have the necessary athleticism and ability to do so. Chenal hasn’t necessarily been a top tackler in the NFL, but he has been a consistent fixture for the Chiefs. PFF graded him as the 18th best linebacker in the entire NFL with a 75.1 overall grade in 2025. He also had a 76.2 run defense grade and a 72.6 coverage grade, both above average for linebackers. Per Spotrac, he is projected to get about $5 million per year, but I’d expect a higher salary than that for him.
HM: Bobby Okereke, Quincy Williams, Quay Walker, Bobby Wagner, Matt Milano.

Depth: Kenneth Murray, Germaine Pratt, Micah McFadden, Krys Barnes.
The Lions need multiple players, so I listed a few that could make sense. I wouldn’t be all that surprised if they signed multiple players from my list. I like the idea of signing high level athletes here, as well as veterans that have played in multiple systems. You also always want some sort of special teams production out of depth linebackers.

The Lions desperately need linebackers, and luckily this free agency has a smattering of different types to choose from, both starters and backups.

With legal tampering opening today, some of these names may be off the list rather fast, we will keep an eye out.

We will be posting defensive backs today as well. Stay tuned for our next installment of the series!

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