The 2025 season is officially over, and it’s time to look ahead for a Detroit Lions team that fell short of expectations.

With the coaching staff largely settled, the next key period will be free agency — a little more than a month away. The Lions, of course, will do their homework and evaluate good external fits for the team, but what about their internal free agents?

Let’s discuss each of Detroit’s 22 unrestricted free agents, placing them into three tiers.

Starting tier

LB Alex Anzalone

A five-time captain and one of the better coverage linebackers in the league, Anzalone is due for a pay bump. While he’s openly expressed his desire to sign an extension and retire as a Lion, the team was inclined to let this play out in free agency. An organization in need of veteran leadership or a culture shift could look to bring in Anzalone, similar to how the Lions did in 2021.

DT D.J. Reader

Reader signed two years ago as the Lions looked to solidify their run defense. Since his arrival, the Lions rank sixth in defensive rushing success rate, eighth in rushing yards allowed per game, 10th in explosive rush rate allowed, but just 20th in yards per rush. The Lions drafted Tyleik Williams in the first round a year ago, perhaps paving the way for Reader’s departure. He’s getting older, but can still contribute. He was a big brother figure in the D-line room.

Edge Al-Quadin Muhammad

Muhammad set career highs in sacks (11), pressures (53) and ranked 25th among qualified edge rushers in pass rush win rate at 15.4 percent. It was good timing, considering he’ll be 31 next month with a chance to cash in. Muhammad’s age and run defense will likely be factors in negotiations, and 7.5 of his 11 sacks came in three games. The Lions could also opt for a younger or more proven option.

CB Amik Robertson

Robertson represents what the Lions are about in terms of his on-field mentality and versatility. He’s been a starter at nickel and on the outside for two seasons, and said he’d like to remain in Detroit. However, he’s not the most disciplined player in coverage and the Lions did draft CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second round two years ago.

Edge Marcus Davenport

The reason Muhammad was able to have a career year is that Davenport — the player signed to start ahead of him — missed significant time in 2025. He played just eight games last season, which, to be fair, is more than he played in 2024. The more glaring issue is that he was largely non-existent in those games. Hard to imagine a reunion here, and at this point, Davenport is a starter in name only.

WR Kalif Raymond

The Lions value Raymond. There aren’t many players respected more in the locker room. He’s earned All-Pro recognition for his work as a punt returner and his teammates praise his leadership and work ethic. Second-year WR Dominic Lovett could be ready to step into the role if the Lions are looking to get younger/cheaper, but Raymond shouldn’t cost that much.

Notable reserves

CB Rock Ya-Sin

Ya-Sin provided steady, reliable play at an affordable rate. Teams are always looking for quality CB depth, so Ya-Sin could have more of a market than he did a year ago, but the Lions would be wise to try to bring him back — especially if Robertson departs.

DL Roy Lopez

Lopez was a key contributor in the run game. If the Lions let Reader walk, the combination of a second-year Williams and Lopez could fill the void.

LB Malcolm Rodriguez

Rodriguez started as a rookie in 2022, but was passed up and moved to a depth role upon the conclusion of it. He’s a high-quality reserve against the run, but leaves a bit to be desired in pass coverage. He shouldn’t cost much to retain, but another team might view him as a starter.

G Kayode Awosika

Awosika is usually one of the first interior linemen off the bench when the Lions need one. He’s a smart player who knows the playbook and can play tackle in a pinch. But the Lions have drafted three guards over the last two drafts (Christian Mahogany, Tate Ratledge, Miles Frazier). The Lions can make it work, as Awosika signed for just $1.4 million a year ago.

DB Avonte Maddox

A Detroit native and lifelong Lions fan, Maddox got to live out his dream of playing for his hometown team. More importantly, he offered quality depth in his role when healthy. If Maddox wants to return, the Lions could use him — as they navigate injuries at safety.

LB Grant Stuard

Stuard led the Lions in special teams snaps at 375 last season, and ranked 13th overall. He plays everywhere — kickoff, kick return, punt, punt return, you name it — and has proven capable of stepping in at LB in a pinch. If he doesn’t re-sign, they’ll need to replace him.

TE Shane Zylstra

The Lions trust Zylstra and his knowledge of the playbook, even though a knee injury sidelined him for months this season. New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing used 13 personnel at the highest rate in the league last season, there could be an expanded role for Zylstra this year. Could also be worth a look in the draft.

TE Anthony Firkser

Firkser played 187 snaps for the Lions this season — his most since 2021 with the Titans. Those snaps came as Sam LaPorta (back surgery) and Brock Wright (trachea/neck) missed time in the second half. LaPorta and Wright should be good to go in 2026, but there could be a spot for Firkser.

S Daniel Thomas

Added to the roster post-cutdown day, Thomas ended up playing 232 special teams snaps (fourth-most on the team) in 12 games, while logging 111 defensive snaps. With Kerby Joseph nursing a knee injury and Brian Branch recovering from a torn ACL, perhaps the Lions will bring Thomas back for depth and quality special teams play.

C Trystan Colon

Colon has center/guard flexibility and started a handful of games this season, though he struggled when called upon. The Lions should be looking to upgrade the center position as a whole this offseason, and given the depth at guard, Colon could be elsewhere next year.

T Jamarco Jones

It’s easy to forget, but Jones made the Lions’ initial 53-man roster ahead of Dan Skipper. He was the more consistent reserve tackle in training camp, but an ankle injury didn’t give him a chance to prove his worth. He was placed on season-ending IR before the year began. With Skipper retiring, the Lions will need veteran depth at tackle. Jones could offer it.

Others to monitor

QB Kyle Allen

Allen won the battle for QB2 over Hendon Hooker. It ultimately didn’t matter, as Jared Goff started all 17 games for the fourth consecutive season. If Allen can be a sounding board for Goff and make the necessary throws in practice, he’s the type of QB the Lions would keep around.

LB Zach Cunningham

Cunningham was getting some run with the defense as a reserve linebacker before landing on IR. He could be worth retaining if Rodriguez leaves.

DB Arthur Maulet

The Lions brought in Maulet during the season as injuries in the secondary piled up. He was a standout in the “Legion of Whom” win over the Bucs and finished with 106 defensive snaps over seven appearances.

S Jalen Mills

A late-season addition after Branch went down, Mills was more of a band-aid than a long-term piece. We’ll see if the team sees a future here beyond the two-game stint to end the 2025 season.

LB Ezekiel Turner

Turner tore his Achilles in Detroit’s preseason contest vs. the Texans and did not play in 2025. He had some bright moments off the bench in 2024, but the Lions didn’t necessarily miss him.