On Thursday, we learned on the annual conference call with NFL Network’s draft expert and insider Daniel Jeremiah that the Lions have been doing homework on free agent offensive tackles ahead of the tampering period opening up on March 9th.

With that in mind, here are the top five free agent tackles who could come in and start for the Lions right away:

Braden Smith, Colts right tackle

Let’s start at the top. In my opinion, this is the best fit for the Lions based on the available targets. The reason is that Smith has consistently shown himself to be a reliable run blocker in his career. He did have some struggles there in 2025, but in 2024 and 2023, he put up some strong numbers that would surely get the Lions’ attention. He’s also good on outside zone runs. That’s precisely what Drew Petzing wants to run. In terms of pass blocking, Smith did allow 26 pressures in 2025, but only one sack. In this scenario, you’re moving Penei Sewell to left tackle. He’s projected to get a three-year deal worth $53 million.

Jermaine Eluemunor, Giants right tackle

A very strong pass-blocking right tackle. Eluemunor allowed 19 pressures and four sacks in 2025. For comparison’s sake, Penei Sewell also allowed 19 pressures. Eluemunor is an older player at 31, and you can see how this would be a short-term type of deal to get the best pass blocker they can get in free agency and a guy who can play right now. The only thing that gives some pause here is that he’s not the best run blocker in the world. He’s not horrible either. He’s projected to get a two-year deal worth $42 million.

Rasheed Walker, Packers left tackle

In many of my peers’ opinions, Walker is the best tackle available in this year’s free agency class. I don’t personally see that. There’s a reason the Packers are not extending this still very young left tackle. He allowed 40 pressures in 2025. 40! It only led to five sacks, but man, that’s not that great. But it was still a better season than Taylor Decker had. If the Lions get the good Walker, the guy from 2024, this is worth it. If they get the 2025 guy, the projected four-year $82 million deal is way too much.

Larry Borom, Dolphins right tackle

Borom is pretty even keel at both pass blocking and run blocking. He was very good for the Dolphins at pass blocking, allowing just 15 pressures and two sacks in 2025. It was actually the best year of his career, and it was also the most snaps he’d ever played in the NFL. He’s usually been a swing tackle. This is probably the cheapest route the Lions can go. But is he a full-time starter?

Jonah Williams, Cardinals right tackle

The connection with Petzing helps a lot. Williams was pretty good in Arizona and Cincinnati when he was healthy. The problem is that the last two years, he’s struggled with injuries, and it’s affected how much he can be on the field. That’s going to give everyone pause for sure. But it does present a very cheap option for a bridge tackle in the event the Lions still draft a guy.