Detroit Lions' updated roster after a wild first week of NFL free agency and trades

The first wave of NFL free agency is in the books. The Detroit Lions weren't as active as some of the other teams that were signing players every five minutes, but they made plenty of moves and improved their roster. 

Speaking of roster, now is a good time to see where things are at with the Lions roster. So we're going to break it all down position by position and see everyone that's currently with the Lions and try to map out where things are going. Let's jump into it. 

Quarterback (2)

Starter: Jared Goff
Backup: Hendon Hooker

What's Next: The Lions are more than likely going to add another quarterback at some point. History tells us that it's likely to be a veteran guy that can help Hendon Hooker come along in his process. They'll probably add a UDFA as well to help out at camp and maybe fight for a spot. 

Running back (6)

Starters: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery
Backups: Zonovan Knight, Craig Reynolds, Jermar Jefferson, Jake Funk 

What's next: Likely nothing. The Lions are set in this position. They have the best running back duo in the league and they have a very intriguing camp battle for the running back three spot between Knight and Reynolds. 

Wide receiver (9)

Starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Donovan Peoples-Jones
Backups: Antoine Green, Kalif Raymond, Tre'Quan Smith, Maurice Alexander, Tom Kennedy, Daurice Fountain

What's next: Josh Reynolds may not be returning to the Lions next season. He should have a solid market with teams that are desperate to add someo e. The Lions are a team that is in need of a definitive number two receiver and that's why a lot of signs are pointing to them picking one early in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Tight ends (4)

Starter: Sam LaPorta
Backups: Brock Wright, James Mitchell, Shane Zylstra 

What's next: I thought for sure that the Lions would look to add a tight end that could be a solid backup this offseason and what they did was show how much they like Brock Wright when they tendered him. They also brough back Shane Zylstra after he missed the entire 2023 season. It will be interesting to s e what happens in the draft. Will they address this position or are they all set? 

Offensive line (11)

Starters: Taylor Decker, Kayode Awosika, Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, Penei Sewell
Backups: Colby Sorsdal, Micheal Niese, Connor Galvin, Matt Farniok, Netane Muti, Dan Skipper 

What's next: The Lions are likely to add a starting caliber left guard at some point. Whether that's in free agency with a veteran or with a rookie from the NFL Draft remains to be see. But they definitely aren't done here.

Defensive line (11)

Starters: Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeil, DJ Reader, Marcus Davenport
Backups: John Cominsky, Levi Onwuzurkie, Brodric Martin, Mathieu Betts, Josh Paschal, Chris Smith, James Houston 

What's next: It's fully expected that the Lions will look to add another edge rusher at some point and that point is more than likely going to be in the draft. There's not a lot of options left in free agency at this time. 

Linebacker (6)

Starters: Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes
Backups: Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Malcolm Rodriguez, Mitchell Agude

What's next: The linebacker room went from a weakness to a strength pretty quick and they managed to do that with the same players. These guys just grew into their roles. The Lions might look to add to this room, but it will likely come from a late draft pick or an undrafted rookie. 

Cornerback (8)

Starters: Carlton Davis, Brian Branch, Cameron Sutton
Backups: Amik Robertson, Steven Gilmore, Khalil Dorsey, Criag James, Emmanuel Moseley

What's next: The Lions aren't done here. They've already continued to have visitors at the position in free agency and they're expect to be interested in drafting a corner. This is all a part of the Lions quest to rebuild this room and make it a strength after it was last years biggest weakness.  

Safety (3)

Starters: Ifeatu Melifonwu, Kerby Joseph 
Backups: Brandon Joseph

What's next: I mean, clearly they need more bodies here right? The safety market hasn't really moved in free agency yet, but when it does, I would expect the Lions to be a part of it. Detroit could also look to draft a safety after they had formal meetings with multiple guys at the NFL Combine. 

Special teams (3)

Starters: Michael Badgley, Jack Fox, Scott Daly

What's next: Not a lot. The Lions will probably bring in another kicker at some point and we'll get a kicker battle at camp in the summer. They may look to have a long snapper battle too.