Best remaining free agents for the Detroit Lions after the first wave of free agency

The Lions still have some good options left on the market

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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Oct 26, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Anfernee Jennings (33) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The first wave of free agency is in the books, and the Detroit Lions signed seven players. They have a lot of money left, and they’re not likely done yet. Here are the best remaining free agents for the Lions at positions of need that we feel they haven’t filled yet. Some of the other positions you’re expecting are likely to be taken care of in the draft.

Note: Some of these experts are from last week’s list of best players remaining

Edge Rusher

Cameron Jordan

This one just makes too much sense. Jordan is finally about to leave New Orleans, and the best place for him to go, in my opinion, is Detroit. A defense that knows how to use him and is built based on Dennis Allen’s defense in New Orleans. The Lions could do a one-year deal, and Jordan can put up numbers as he did in 2025, while also being a guiding light for the rookie edge the Lions are expected to draft.

Jadeveon Clowney

He’s become a gun for hire in the last decade, playing for seven different teams since he was the first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He’s still playing really well at every stop. Last season in Dallas, he had 40 pressures and nine sacks for the Cowboys. He’s a perfect candidate for a one-year deal.

Joey Bosa

In my opinion, I don’t like the fit here. But to bring up Reisman again, he believes Bosa is one of the best fits for the Lions. He had 54 pressures and 3.5 sacks last year. He can be had on a one-year deal worth $11.5 million.

Von Miller

Miller is 37 years old, but he had a strong season in 2025 with 36 pressures and 10 sacks. A stronger run defender than Martin, but also seven years older. He can be had on a one-year deal worth $10 million.

A.J. Epenesa

Another guy, I don’t personally see the vision on, but he’s shown flashes in the past of being a pretty strong pass rusher. The problem is that it was in the past. Last year wasn’t that great for him as part of the rotation. He had 28 pressures and three sacks. If the plan is to have him in Detroit as part of a rotation with younger players, then it makes sense. But he’s not a starter.

Anfernee Jennings

Another rotational edge who could help the Lions out a lot. He’s a lot like Marcus Davenport in the sense that he’s more of a big-end type of guy who is really good at stopping the run. That’s not to say he can’t get home, but we’re looking for guys who can be a part of a package at this point.

Other edges to watch

  • D.J. Wonnom
  • Kyle Van Noy

Safety

Ifeatu Melifonwu

How about a reunion for the Lions and Iffey? He can be a solid depth piece for the Lions at this point, and if the Lions want to bring back that safety blitz, Melifonwu can still very much provide that for Detroit.

Other safeties to watch

  • Xavier Woods
  • Daniel Thomas
  • Rayshawn Jenkins

Interior Defensive Lineman

DJ Reader

This one makes a lot of sense. Reader recently said he was open to returning to the Lions and that his agent was working to possibly make it happen. I know Reader did not turn out to be the elite nose tackle he was for the Bengals in Detroit, but he was a more than capable starter and would be a solid part of the Lions’ rotation with Tyleik Williams.

Other IDL’s to watch

  • Andrew Billings
  • Benito Jones
  • Sam Roberts
  • James Lynch

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