Quietly, the Detroit Lions still have a roster spot open on the 90-man roster. While there is no requirement for the Lions to carry a full roster to training camp, there’s little reason for Detroit to pass on the opportunity to fill the entire roster. Salary cap space is not an issue, so why not add one more player to the roster and maximize competition?
There are certainly still some talented players out there. Whether it’s the 2024 NFL free agents who chose not to sign in the spring or the remaining players from the UFL who haven’t yet been poached, the possibilities are bountiful for Detroit to add one more player to the roster. The point being, not every free agent addition has to be a starter
Obviously, this player doesn’t have to be a big name. Sure guys like Justin Simmons and Quandre Diggs are still out there and Detroit would benefit from their acquisition, but Detroit may be wiser to add a receiver or simply add a special teams/depth option at any other position.
So today’s Question of the Day is:
Which remaining free agent should the Lions sign?
My answer: I’ve made the case of UFL receiver Hakeem Butler and I stand by that. I also would certainly love a reunion with the aforementioned Diggs, but I want to make a short case for a much more modest signing and a different reunion.
Linebacker Josh Woods was a key special teamer for the Lions when they were first trying to build a winner under Dan Campbell. He did his job extremely well to the point where he essentially “graduated” from the Lions to get an opportunity at real playing time on defense with the Arizona Cardinals last year. He did exactly that, making seven starts for Arizona, while only being relegated to 28 special teams snaps. He even manned the green dot for the Cardinals, giving him valuable experience as a leader and schematic expert.
Obviously, that’s going to make Detroit a tough sell for Woods. If he came back, he’d be no higher than fifth or sixth on the linebacker depth chart. He’d almost certainly be relegated to special teams at the beginning of the year, and no one would blame Woods if he wants to pursue a starting opportunity instead.
However, it is already late June and those opportunities are likely drying up. Additionally, the Lions can offer Woods several things most other franchises cannot: a real chance at a championship, a coaching staff that knows you, and a team environment that is clearly more healthy than the majority of NFL locker rooms.
As for what Woods can provide Detroit: trust. He not only would be a solid special teamer who could replace the loss of Anthony PIttman this offseason, but now with some defensive play under his belt, Woods can be yet another depth linebacker Detroit could trust on defense if the injury bug hits. With the new kickoff rule, special teams matters more than ever, and we know the Lions don’t skimp out on resources there.
One important caveat: Woods did finish last season on IR, missing the final three games of the season with a core injury. It’s unclear where his health stands today.
Let’s hear your favorite remaining free agency fits with the Lions.