The Lions have an advantage at final cutdowns they haven’t had in years, and the timing couldn’t be better
Detroit sits 17th in the waiver order after picking 28th a year ago, putting Brad Holmes in a much better position to attack quarterback and offensive-line depth after cuts.
The Detroit Lions hold the 17th waiver priority this season, a significant jump from 29th a year ago, and it could help them address multiple roster needs before and during the 2025 season. With final roster cuts looming on Sunday, Detroit finds itself in position to snag talent at guard, quarterback, and running back as teams trim their rosters to 53 players.
This is where having a down season can help a team like the Lions who are looking to rebound right back. They’re going to have that higher waiver claim, and it matters more than fans might realize.
The guard battle is still wide open
Lions coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday that the guard competition remains up in the air and may stay that way. He even acknowledged that the player who wins the job might not be on the roster yet. That tells you everything about where Detroit’s head is at right now.
One name worth watching is Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, the former first-round pick who could potentially be released. The Lions had some interest in him previously, and if he hits the waiver wire, there’s a path to claiming him. He could compete for the left guard spot or provide depth at center.
| Priority | Team | Guard competition | QB competition | RB competition | My read |
| 1 | Raiders | 🟨 Medium | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | Could definitely look at OL |
| 2 | Jets | 🟨 Medium | 🟨 Medium | 🟨 Medium-low | One to watch |
| 3 | Cardinals | 🟧 Medium-high | ⬜ Low | 🟨 Medium-low | Real G threat |
| 4 | Titans | 🟨 Medium | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | Could upgrade RG |
| 5 | Giants | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | Not worried |
| 6 | Browns | 🟨 Medium-low | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | Plenty invested in OL |
| 7 | Commanders | 🟨 Medium-low | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | More C/OT concern |
| 8 | Saints | 🟧 Medium-high | ⬜ Low | 🟨 Medium-low | Watch at G/IOL |
| 9 | Chiefs | 🟨 Medium | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | Already shopping OL |
| 10 | Bengals | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | Need tackle more than G |
| 11 | Dolphins | 🟥 High | 🟨 Medium | ⬜ Low | Biggest threat |
| 12 | Cowboys | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | Tackle is their OL issue |
| 13 | Falcons | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | Very settled here |
| 14 | Ravens | 🟨 Medium-low | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | Interior OL, but center-specific |
| 15 | Buccaneers | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | Pretty settled |
| 16 | Colts | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | ⬜ Low | Depth could improve, not urgent |
| 17 | Lions | 🟥 Need | 🟥 Need | 🟨 Secondary | — |
The problem? A few teams with higher waiver priority also need interior offensive line help. The Cardinals, Saints, and Dolphins all sit ahead of Detroit, and the Dolphins in particular have guard listed as a top need, according to people I’ve talked to. If Powers-Johnson clears those three teams, the Lions have a legitimate shot. For guard help, though, free agency might be the better route. Vested veterans bypass the waiver wire and go straight to free agency, giving the Lions a cleaner path to adding experienced interior linemen.
Quarterback is where Detroit has the best shot
The quarterback situation is where the 17th waiver claim really shines. Let’s say the Tennessee Titans cut quarterback Will Levis. Maybe the New York Jets show interest, and the Dolphins could look for a backup since they don’t have much behind Malik Willis. But beyond those two teams, the path clears up fast for the Lions.
If Anthony Richardson, Levis, Aidan O’Connell, or any of the quarterbacks Lions fans have been buzzing about hit the waiver wire, Detroit has a pretty good shot at claiming them.
The need is real, too. Josh Dobbs has gotten almost no reps in practice, and his preseason game Saturday left a lot to be desired. Two turnovers and not much to show beyond a 50-yard rushing touchdown. Meanwhile, everything in that game was coming up Luke Altmyyer. You can understand why the Lions might want to add another arm.
Running back is a secondary concern
The Lions tried out Kareem Hunt on Tuesday, which raises some questions. Maybe Isiah Pacheco’s injury is worse than we thought, even though Campbell said he expects Pacheco to be back by Week 1. Detroit should have more answers on that front after speaking with Campbell on Wednesday.
I don’t personally think the Lions need a running back. They have Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki, and while the team might feel they could upgrade, it’s not a position I’m paying a ton of attention to. It’s a secondary need at best.
This advantage lasts all season
Here’s the thing people might overlook. The Lions don’t just hold the 17th waiver claim for cut day. They hold it all season long. After the trade deadline, vested veterans also hit the waiver wire instead of going straight to free agency. So if a good veteran gets released in November or December and doesn’t fit where he’s at but could fit the Lions, Detroit will have the 17th claim on him.
It may not be the biggest advantage in the world, but it’s an advantage. And for a team trying to bounce back, every edge counts. Let’s see how the Lions use it.
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