4 still available free agents who can help the Lions after the 2026 NFL Draft, including a former Lions second-round pick
The Lions have 85 players on their roster right now, and they’re likely to look at the free agency market one more time to get to 90
The 2026 NFL Draft is over, and much of the undrafted free agent blitz is as well.
The Detroit Lions are sitting at 85 players right now, and they still need to get to 90 before training camp opens up. So they’re likely to add some extra players via free agency before then. Here are four guys who are still on the market that they might have some interest in:
LB Germaine Pratt
The Lions did just pick up Jimmy Rolder in the fourth round to play Will linebacker, and I do believe he can land the starting spot. But he doesn’t really have anyone to compete with there. Theoretically, it’s Malcolm Rodriguez. Adding Pratt gives the Lions another veteran option at camp with starting Will linebacker experience. Even if he only starts half the season and gives the job to Rolder, it’s worth it.
LB Jahlani Tavai
A former Lions second-round draft pick. It did not work out for him here, but then he went to the Patriots and started there for years. In a return to Detroit, Tavai would take that Will linebacker spot just like Pratt would, and he could be the starter while the Lions wait for Rolder to get ready to take over. At the very least, he’s a great competition at the spot during training camp.
Edge A.J. Epenesa
Epenesa did just get signed by the Browns during free agency, but then failed his physical, and the signing didn’t go through. The Lions have their starter in Derrick Moore and their rotational guy with D.J. Wonnum, but one more guy doesn’t hurt. Basically, the point here is that the Lions give him a physical and see if he can pass it, and then the defensive line gets even deeper. It’s worth a look at the very least.
Edge Patrick Payton
This guy is actually an undrafted free agent from this past weekend’s draft. It put him on this list because I’m surprised he wasn’t drafted and hasn’t been signed yet. Payton is one of those players who just hasn’t put it all together yet, but if he does, he can be a good hand to have around. He’s worth inviting to training camp to see what he can do.
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