The Detroit Lions checked all the right boxes in free agency, but not everyone is convinced.

While the front office stayed disciplined and effective, fans are reacting very differently to how it all played out.

With the free agency period running in its last weeks, Ben Solak, a new ESPN analyst, has proposed his annual free agency performance rankings. He ranked the Detroit Lions at No. 3 among all 32 teams participating in free agency. 

“These rankings are highly contextual,” Ben wrote.

He used a different approach to make his deduction. Firstly, he considered the individual situations of the teams, followed by the salary cap resources, depth charts, and schematic fits. 

“Detroit has more needs than it has money to throw around, but it did extremely well to take high-upside swings in the margins,” Ben Solak praised the Lions' free agency acquisitions. 

In his chart, the No. 1 team is the Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by the San Francisco 49ers, and at No. 3 it's the Lions. The Lions are followed by the New Orleans Saints. 

“The Lions also got a functional starter at center in Mays,” Ben Solak wrote.

The Detroit Lions’ acquisition of center Cade Mays, has been deemed to be the best move by Ben and other analysts. Mays was signed from the Carolina Panthers on a three-year contract. He stands at a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 62.4 with 726 snaps played. 

“Wonnum is ideally a No. 3 edge instead of a No. 2 option, but opposite Aidan Hutchinson, he can fill the Al-Quadin Muhammad,” Ben added.

D.J. Wonnum is a linebacker (LB) from the Panthers who has a PFF grade of 54.7 with 26 successful tackles.

Other major acquisitions in the Lions were running back Isiah Pacheco from the Chiefs. He has a PFF grade of 58.6. Pacheco has played 462 snaps. He is a two-time Pro Bowl winner.

Others are cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (PFF 62.8) from the 49ers and Roger McCreary (PFF 69.2) from the Rams. Last, it is offensive lineman from the Texans, Juice Scruggs, with a 45 PFF grade and 351 snaps played.

Although Ben was not so pleased by the signing of offensive tackle Larry Borom from the Miami Dolphins, due to Jared Goff’s alleged blindside protection. He reasoned that Larry is not that experienced. 

Despite that, he stands at the PFF grade of 60.7 and played 664 snaps in the last season. Best known for his swing tackle.

Detroit Lions Fans React Strongly to Free Agency Rankings and Recent Moves

The reaction around the Detroit Lions hasn’t matched the rankings. While analysts have placed their offseason in a strong position, fans are seeing it very differently, and they’re not holding back.

Some of the criticism is direct. One fan questioned the credibility of the rankings, saying, “Would be nice to know how much Brad paid for this PR.” 

Another kept it simple, “These rankings don’t matter until we’ve actually played games.” Others went further, targeting the roster moves themselves: “F** no. They signed a bunch of backups and guys who have spent more time on IR than on the field,” and “Backup Free Agency list or starter list.” 

One reaction summed up the frustration bluntly: “Smoking crack.”

At the same time, not all reactions dismissed the approach entirely. Some fans acknowledged the logic behind the moves. “It’s hard to believe it ranks 3rd. I don’t disagree much with the analysis. They certainly upgraded in certain spots, but zero home run signings and still plenty of holes to fill,” one fan noted. Another added, “An unbiased opinion. And a good one.”

That split reaction ties back to how Detroit operates. The front office didn’t chase headline signings. Instead, they followed a consistent approach, adding depth, targeting role-specific players, and keeping flexibility for what comes next. 

It’s a system built around building through the draft and using free agency to fill gaps rather than define the roster. With the draft ahead and room for further additions, Detroit’s offseason isn’t finished yet. 

What do you think about these rankings? Share your views on Ben Solak’s ranking in the comments.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Joyita Das