Apr 30, 2026, 9:21 PM CUT

Five Players Detroit Lions Must Sign In Phase Two of Free Agency

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 21: Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff 16 and Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell 58 lead the team out of the tunnel during pregame introductions the Detroit Lions versus the Pittsburgh Steelers game on Sunday December 21, 2025 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 21 Steelers at Lions EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2582025122101335

The 2026 NFL Draft is done and dusted. Now the Detroit Lions shift focus to the next step.

The roster is close, but not complete. Phase two of free agency gives them a chance to fix weak spots and add depth before training camp begins.

Here are five players Detroit Lions should look at to sign as they build for a playoff push and a stronger 2026 season.

Cameron Jordan (Edge)

Cameron Jordan, who turns 37 this July, still has production that matters. He recorded 10.5 sacks last season, and over his 15-year career with the New Orleans Saints, he has 132 sacks and 763 tackles.

Lions OL — 2025 NFL, American Football Herren, USA Regular Season: Detroit Lions at Washington Commanders Detroit Lions offensive line during the NFL regular season game at Northwest Stadium in Landover Maryland on November 9, 2025. The Detroit Lions defeated the Washington Commanders 44-22 Jeff Scudder / Image of Landover Maryland United States EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: x xJeffxScudderx JeffxScudderx iosphotos385269

Jordan can hold the edge and collapse the pocket with power. He would fit well next to Aidan Hutchinson and help mentor younger players like Derrick Moore.

Calais Campbell (Defensive Tackle)

Calais Campbell is close to 40 but still effective. He had 6.5 sacks and 43 tackles last season with the Arizona Cardinals. He is an active all-time leader in tackles for loss (196) and games started (259).

He can rotate on the line and support Alim McNeill. Campbell also brings experience that can help younger linemen improve and provide more stability to the unit.

Joel Bitonio (Offensive Guard)

Joel Bitonio is a proven player with strong pass protection skills. He played over 1,000 snaps last season with the Cleveland Browns and allowed limited pressure. The seven-time Pro Bowler can still perform at an elite level.

Also, the team still has concerns over the left guard spot, and Bitonio could be a reliable option.

Deebo Samuel (Wide Receiver)

The wide receiver spot is already filled with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, but the Lions still need to add some options.

Deebo Samuel had 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns in 12 starts with the Washington Commanders last season. He can help with short plays, motion packages, and also contribute to special teams.

Trevon Diggs (Cornerback)

Trevon Diggs is coming off a down year as he was dealing with injuries last season. But cornerback depth is still a question for the Detroit Lions, and Diggs will bring veteran experience to that room.

D.J. Reed had a dip in his performance with Detroit last year. He racked up just 46 tackles, far less than his 64 in 2024 and 76 in 2023.

And then Terrion Arnold is still developing, as he accumulated 31 tackles in seven starts last season.

Motor City doesn’t need a major reset, but targeting a few vets could help them fill the remaining gaps. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore