One of the more positive aspects of the Detroit Lions’ recent ascension up the NFL standings is how well-positioned the team is to keep the upward surge continuing long-term. The young Lions roster is geared to keep the core largely intact without losing hardly any key pieces heading into 2023.
The Lions have several players slated to hit free agency after this season ends. But only two of the pending free agents earned mention by PFF as one of the top five pending free agents at their respective positions. Wide receiver DJ Chark and right guard Evan Brown.
Those two are joined by running back Jamaal Williams as the only offensive starters with expiring contracts. Keep in mind that Williams shares that role with D’Andre Swift, while Brown was supposed to be the backup center instead of the starting right guard–though he’s played well enough to keep a starting gig.
On defense, there are four current starters playing out the end of their contracts:
- LB Alex Anzalone
- DT Isaiah Buggs
- S DeShon Elliott
- CB Will Harris
Cornerback Mike Hughes also plays quite a bit and started four games, though Hughes only played on special teams in the Week 13 win over Jacksonville. Kicker Michael Badgley, who has been excellent since taking over midseason, is also slated for free agency.
The Lions have contractual control over every other starter on both sides of the ball. Only Chark (53), Hughes (58) and Williams (85) earned places in the top 100 pending free agents from NFL Trade Rumors. That list probably needs to be updated with Williams as the top free agent talent in Detroit, but the broader point remains: the core of the Lions team will come back largely intact.
Even better, the Lions can augment that ample young talent with enough cap room to sign more impactful free agents than the current Lions who will be playing elsewhere in 2023. Detroit currently sits 12th in terms of available cap room entering 2023, per Over the Cap. If GM Brad Holmes wants to bring valuable players like Williams, Badgley or Elliott back — and they all very well could be — the team still has enough cap room and flexibility to bring in strong outside talent.
