With 19 unrestricted free agents set to hit the market, the Detroit Lions face difficult roster decisions this offseason. General manager Brad Holmes has built one of the league’s deepest rosters, but retaining the right veterans will be critical to keeping Detroit in the NFC’s upper tier. Three names stand out as priorities: Al-Quadin Muhammad, Roy Lopez and Avonte Maddox.
Al-Quadin Muhammad
Muhammad delivered a career year in 2025 and proved to be more than rotational depth along the edge. The 30-year-old defensive end finished with 8.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hits and 11 tackles for loss while playing in all 17 games. He thrived opposite Aidan Hutchinson, benefiting from one-on-one matchups and consistently setting the edge against the run.
Beyond the numbers, Muhammad brought reliability to a unit that dealt with injuries throughout the season. His ability to rush from both a two-point and three-point stance gave defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn flexibility in pressure packages. Muhammad also graded out as one of Detroit’s most consistent run defenders on early downs.
From a financial standpoint, Muhammad is likely seeking a multiyear deal after outperforming a modest contract. A two-year deal worth $12-14 million, with $7-8 million guaranteed, would be a reasonable investment for a team in win-now mode. That structure would keep his 2026 cap hit manageable while rewarding him for a breakout season. Letting him walk would create another need on an already thin edge rotation.
Roy Lopez
Lopez quietly became one of Detroit’s most important interior defenders in 2025. The 27-year-old nose tackle posted 42 total tackles, five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, anchoring the middle of the defensive line. While those numbers will not jump off the page, his impact was felt weekly.
Lopez consistently absorbed double teams, freeing up linebackers to flow to the ball. Detroit’s run defense improved markedly when he was on the field, particularly in short-yardage situations. According to team metrics, the Lions allowed nearly a yard less per carry with Lopez lined up over the center compared to when he was off the field.
His durability also mattered. Lopez appeared in 16 games and logged over 50 percent of defensive snaps, a significant workload for a player in his role. In a division that features physical rushing attacks, retaining a dependable interior presence should be a priority.
Market value for rotational nose tackles typically falls in the $3-5 million per year range. A three-year deal worth roughly $12 million would secure continuity without straining the salary cap. For a team with championship aspirations, keeping Lopez maintains stability in the trenches.
Avonte Maddox
Maddox’s versatility could prove even more important in 2026. With injuries to Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch late in the 2025 season, Detroit’s secondary depth was tested. Maddox stepped in seamlessly, splitting time between nickel corner and safety.
He finished the year with 61 total tackles, seven pass breakups, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 15 games. His football IQ and communication skills stabilized the back end during critical stretches.
Maddox’s ability to play multiple positions makes him especially valuable in today’s NFL, where sub-packages dominate. If Joseph or Branch miss time again, Maddox can fill either role without a significant drop-off.
Financially, Maddox may command $6-8 million annually on a short-term deal given his versatility and experience. A two-year contract in that range would preserve depth while avoiding a long-term commitment.
Detroit cannot keep all 19 free agents, but prioritizing Muhammad, Lopez and Maddox would preserve defensive continuity. For a team chasing a Super Bowl, stability — especially on defense — may be worth every dollar.