What's next for the Lions? Previewing a crucial Detroit offseason
After a franchise record 15 wins in the regular season, the Detroit Lions were stunned at home by the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
The Lions won the NFC North and were the No. 1 seed in the NFC entering the playoffs. However, injuries on defense and a superb performance from Jayden Daniels and the Commanders derailed Detroit’s promising season.
MORE: What we learned: Jayden Daniels shines as Commanders roll Lions
Dan Campbell and the Lions now go into the offseason disappointed, but the cupboard isn't bare in the Motor City. What’s next for the Lions? USA TODAY Sports analyzes Detroit’s offseason as they now begin to prepare for 2025.
Lions key free agents
Carlton Davis
Davis started 13 games for the Lions before a fractured jaw landed him on injured reserve. He was Detroit top cornerback at the time of his injury. He allowed a 55% completion percentage and a 77 passer rating when targeted.
Kevin Zeitler
The 13-year veteran allowed five sacks and 18 pressures in 1,047 snaps at guard this year.
Zeitler was a key member on Detroit’s offensive line, but the Lions might elect to go younger at the position next year. Zeitler will be 35 years old at the start of next season.
Levi Onwuzurike
Onwuzurike filled in nicely for the injured Alim McNeill (knee). The defensive lineman started a career-high 10 games and logged 28 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and 13 QB hits.
Lions free agency preview: 3 moves to make
Defensive end
Aidan Hutchinson’s return from a brutal leg injury will certainly help the Lions defense. However, the Lions could use another young defensive end on the opposite side.
Ohio State’s J.T. Tuimoloau could be available at the end of the first round. Tuimoloau would fit in Detroit’s 4-3 defensive scheme.
Cornerback
The Lions matchup vs. the Commanders was an example that the Lions need to shore up their pass defense. Daniels picked Detroit apart for 299 passing yards and two touchdowns. CB Terrion Arnold and DB Brian Branch are building blocks in the secondary. The Lions need to build around the two young defensive backs.
As Carlton Davis is set to be a free agent, Chargers free-agent CB Asante Samuel Jr. could be a fit in the Motor City. Samuel is a nice cover corner, but his tackling in space needs work.
Guard
The Lions drafted guard Christian Mahogany in the sixth round of the 2024 draft. Is Mahogany ready to take over should Zeitler move on?
The Lions could select a guard in the early rounds of the 2025 draft. Tate Ratledge, Tyler Booker and Dylan Fairchild are considered the top guards in this year’s draft.
2025 NFL MOCK DRAFT: Expert projections after wild card weekend
Lions draft needs
The Lions may have some key draft needs, depending on what they do in free agency. Here's what they are:
Defensive end
Guard
Cornerback
The Lions have six picks with which to work in the 2025 NFL draft:
Round 1
Round 2
Round 4
Round 6 (via Tampa Bay)
Round 7
Round 7 (via Dallas)
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lions offseason preview: Key free agents, draft needs, moves to make
