The Detroit Lions had an impressive season, coming within one game of a Super Bowl berth despite their loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Looking ahead, the future seems promising for the Lions.
GM Brad Holmes and Coach Dan Campbell are likely already diligently evaluating the roster, identifying areas for improvement to overcome the challenges. From a personal perspective, they should have the trust of the fanbase to execute the necessary moves. As they enter the offseason, the Lions possess $58.6 million in cap space, ranking sixth in the NFL according to Over the Cap. This substantial amount will likely be essential to bolster the roster, especially with only 38 players currently under contract for the upcoming season.
Certain players demonstrated their value this season, earning a return to the roster, while others failed to meet expectations. The decisions on who to retain and who to release will be intriguing. Here’s the comprehensive list of the Lions’ unrestricted free agents.
Jonah Jackson
Detroit Lions guard Jonah Jackson warms up before the Denver Broncos game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (2) waves at the crowd during the second half against Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023.
Graham Glasgow
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 22: Graham Glasgow #60 of the Detroit Lions looks on during warm ups before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Halapoulivaati Vaitai
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai (72) blocks for quarterback Jared Goff (16) in the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Josh Reynolds
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 21: Josh Reynolds #8 of the Detroit Lions catches a pass for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Ford Field on January 21, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Charles Harris
Detroit Lions linebacker Charles Harris (53) stands on the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Romeo Okwara
Dec 26, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Julian Okwara
Detroit Lions outside linebacker Julian Okwara is pictured during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 51-29. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin celebrates a play against Denver Broncos during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023.
Donovan Peoples-Jones
Dec 10, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (19) runs with the ball after a catch against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dan Skipper
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper (70) against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Anthony Firkser
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs celebrates a touchdown with Detroit Lions tight end Anthony Firkser in the first half against the L.A. Rams at Ford Field on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2023.
Kindle Vildor
49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk catches the ball over Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor in the third quarter of the NFC championship game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024.
Will Harris
Oct 15, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Will Harris (25) reacts after intercepting the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Emmanuel Moseley
Oct 9, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Emmanuel Moseley (4) during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Nelson
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Matt Nelson (67) in action against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Jake McQuaide
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 21: Jake McQuaide #43 of the Detroit Lions leaves the field following a victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Ford Field on January 21, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Teddy Bridgewater
Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater wavers at fans during warm up before the Denver Broncos game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023.
Michael Badgley
Detroit Lions place kicker Michael Badgley (17) attempts a field goal against Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of the NFC divisional round at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.
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