The Detroit Lions have made finding deals in free agency a habit, and though they have plenty of cap space, they could choose that approach again in 2025.
Defensively, the Lions are going to need multiple players to patch holes along their defensive line and secondary. They could either decide to take a few big swings on the market, or could sign bargain free agents to quality deals.
Along the defensive front, the Lions are going to need multiple reinforcements to change their fortunes. Interestingly, they've been projected to land an underrated name. Bleacher Report writer Alex Kay picked the Lions as the ideal spot for Philadelphia Eagles' free agent defensive tackle Milton Williams.
"It’s hard to imagine the Eagles finding a way to meet Williams' market value, which could rise to as high as $15 million per year. While he’s been important to their success, he’s a bit of a luxury for a team that has more pressing holes to fill and extensions to dole out in wake of lifting the Lombardi Trophy."
"The Detroit Lions would be an ideal landing place for Williams. Not only would he reinforce a defensive line that cratered last season after a string of injuries, but he’d be in an ideal position to dominate and contend for more Super Bowls by working next to an elite edge defender in Aiden Hutchinson."
The contract Kay projects for Williams? Four years at $50 million dollars, which could be a value for an ascending player. Williams has put up 132 tackles and 11.5 sacks in his career. The Eagles won't be able to keep everyone, and the Lions could damage their NFC rivals by grabbling a key depth piece.
Bleacher Report calls Milton Williams a potential free agent steal for 2025
The fact Bleacher Report has the Lions landing Williams is notable. Already, he's been a favorite free agent for the publication this year, and many believe he only needs a bigger role to prove his worth in the league.
Moe Moton named Williams to his list of possible under the radar free agent steals for the 2025 offseason, citing his ability to make an instant impact whenever he sees the field.
"In Philadelphia, Williams has been mostly a backup, starting in only 19 out of 67 games while playing less than 49 percent of the snaps in each of his four seasons with the club."
"However, Williams recorded 36 tackles, nine tackles for loss and four sacks in 2022. Following a forgettable 2023 campaign, he bounced back with a career-high five sacks, 10 quarterback hits and seven tackles for loss this past season."
"Perhaps Williams has benefitted from playing alongside six-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro Fletcher Cox and former first-rounders Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. Still, he's worth the gamble with his pass-rushing upside going into his age-26 season."
If the Lions put Williams with their strong defensive line, he could benefit in a similar way as he has in Philadelphia. Most believe the Lions need to add pass rushers, but a player like Williams could help fortify the interior.
