It's time for the next wave of NFL free agency. The first wave is in the books and it was big. There were a ton of newsworthy moves by the Detroit Lions and the rest of the NFL. Now comes the stuff that flies under the radar, but is still just as important. 

The Lions aren't done yet. They still have to fill in some holes at some positions. There's still starting quality guys and great depth guys out there. Here's 10 players to keep an eye on for the Lions: 

Kevin Zeitler

The Lions lost Jonah Jackson to the Rams last week and they need to find themselves a starting left guard. Zeitler can be that guy for Detroit, even if it’s for the short term. Zeitler has played 182 games and he’s started 181 of them. He also has a Pro Bowl nod under his belt from last season. This would be a solid add for Detroit. He could come in and hold down that left guard spot while the Lions draft a rookie and get him ready to take over. 

Update: The Lions are signing Zeitler to a one-year deal.

Laken Tomlinson

I keep bringing him up as an option and I’ll keep doing so. Even if the Lions decide to bring him in and play him off the bench, it’s worth having a player that can contribute solid snaps. Lions fans are hung up on his early years with the Lions and how that didn’t go well, but this is a Pro Bowl guard that’s been a starter ever since he left Detroit. He is not that guy anymore. He’s a good player. 

Quandre Diggs

Everyone wants this to happen. Even guys that used to play for the Lions want Diggs to come back to Detroit. It’s a solid move for both parties. Diggs can come back and finish things up the right way in front of fans that he’s said multiple times how much he loved playing for. The Lions can also use him in the rotation that C.J. Gardner-Johnson didn’t want to be a part of. Diggs has a lot left to offer. It will be interesting to see where he winds up.  

Nick Scott

Here’s another safety. This one has ties to Brad Holmes. The Rams drafted Scott when Holmes was their director of college scouting. Scott has since gone on to be a starting safety. The Bengals released him as a cost cutting measure and now he’s available. This would be a solid rotational addition for the Lions and one that they can have around for a few years.

AJ McCarron

Hendon Hooker lost two valuable pieces to his progression when both Teddy Bridgewarter and David Blough retired. The Lions could use some veteran depth that has a great mind for the game and is able to work with the the second year player that’s going to get to hit an NFL field for the first time ever in the preseason. McCarron is great for that role. He has been a solid leader in the locker room for years and is someone that could be a coach someday. Every team needs a guy like that. 

Equanimeous St. Brown

Depth is a good thing. I’m interested to see what the older St. Brown brother can do in Detroit. He struggled with the Bears, but he showed some things with the Packers. It would be interesting to see what he could do on the same team as his brother. There is definitely a competitive thing there. You can see it on the podcast. I wonder what that would look like in camp. Maybe it could get the most of Equanimeous.   

Jadeveon Clowney

The Lions will more than likely look to add an edge rusher in the draft, but it’s worth taking a look at with Clowney. He had a big 10 sack season last year and he has the ability to go off at times. He didn’t get signed during the first wave, but the second wave is where he’ll likely find a home. The Lions could add a pass rusher for a significantly cheaper price than the guys that were signed last week, but still get similar production. 

Tre Herndon

Herndon is someone I’ve brought up before as a guy that can provide solid depth. He spent the last two seasons with new Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend and he played the best football of his career during that time. He would fit really well with Detroit as a guy that could rotate in and be a cornerback four for the Lions behind Davis, Sutton and Robertson. 

Avonte Maddox

Here’s another depth corner that has ties to the Lions coaching staff. He was in Philadelphia with special teams coach Dave Fipp and they’ve worked together before. Maddox is going to be a guy that’s likely to be on one of those prove it deals. He’s shown some flashes of good play, but he’s dealt with injuries in the last few seasons and it’s hurt him. Maybe coming to play for his hometown team could help do the trick and show that he can be a player that teams can trust to help out.

Tracy Walker

Yes, the Lions just released Walker as a cap casualty just a few weeks ago. That does not mean he can’t come back. The Lions have parted ways with players and brought them back multiple times already. Walker would just have to come back on a much cheaper salary and then be willing to be a depth guy. If he is, then it seems like an easy decision. If not, well then that’s why I put him last on this list.   

Way too early Detroit Lions 53-man roster prediction after the 2024 NFL Draft

We're getting close and closer to having football back. The 2024 NFL Draft is well into the rearview now and OTA's begin for the Detroit Lions on Tuesday.  As we get closer, the Lions final roster will begin to come more and more into view  Quarterback (2) Starter: Jared GoffBackup: Hendon Hooker Out: Nate Sudfeld […]