The Lions Still Have Three Open Roster Spots and Fans Want to Know What’s Next
The Detroit Lions have three open roster spots right now. Four if you count the extra spot they get from Ahmed Hassanein having an international exemption.
While everyone’s been asking about the big names still out there, the reality is Brad Holmes isn’t chasing headline grabbers at this point. He’s looking for specific fits. Depth pieces. Competition. Guys who make football sense without breaking what’s already working.
So here are eight remaining free agents who actually make sense for what the Lions are building:
IDL Benito Jones
A reunion story that makes too much sense to ignore. Jones was a solid nose tackle for Detroit before spending two years in Miami. He knows the system, he can play rotational depth, and he won’t cost anything close to breaking the bank.
Sometimes the best moves are the boring ones. This would be boring in all the right ways.
Edge Cam Gill
Currently the UFL’s sack leader, and once that spring season ends, he’s likely to get another NFL shot. Gill is a former Lion who can provide depth and contribute on special teams.
The Lions love their former players who’ve gone out and proven something elsewhere. Gill fits that mold perfectly.
LB Germaine Pratt
Jimmy Rolder was the fourth round pick at Will linebacker, and yes, he could land the starting spot. But he doesn’t really have anyone to compete with there beyond Malcolm Rodriguez.
Pratt gives Detroit another veteran option with starting Will linebacker experience. Even if he only holds the job half the season before handing it to Rolder, that’s still value. Competition makes everyone better.
LB Jahlani Tavai
A former Lions second-round pick who didn’t work out here, then went to the Patriots and started for years. The redemption arc writes itself.
Tavai could compete for that same Will linebacker spot, providing veteran presence while the Lions wait for Rolder to get ready. At minimum, he’s great competition during training camp. And yes, I know what you’re thinking about second-round picks from the old regime, but Tavai proved himself elsewhere.
Edge A.J. Epenesa
Epenesa got signed by the Browns during free agency but failed his physical, so the deal fell through. The Lions have their starter in Derrick Moore and their rotational guy in D.J. Wonnum, but depth never hurts.
The move here is simple: give him a physical, see if he can pass it, and if so, the defensive line gets even deeper. Worth a look at the very least.
Edge Mike Danna
Danna shouldn’t be a starter, but as part of a rotation, he’s not a horrible choice. He can generate pressure, though he’s been somewhat of a liability against the run.
If the price is right and expectations are managed, Danna could add some pass rush juice to the rotation without being asked to do more than he’s capable of.
Edge Keshawn Banks
Another UFL standout who leads that league in pressures with 31 and has five sacks. Banks is younger and has had training camp opportunities with the Packers, Patriots, and Cardinals.
Detroit loves finding talent in alternative leagues. Banks fits that profile of a developmental piece with upside.
IDL Devonnsha Maxwell
The best interior run defender in the UFL with an 85.9 PFF grade this season. At 25, Maxwell could compete to be that one more interior piece the Lions still need.
He had a shot with the Bengals and is young enough to still have NFL upside. Sometimes the best finds are hiding in plain sight.
Are these the under-the-radar moves that put this defense over the top, or are we overthinking depth pieces again? Let me know what you think below.
Love how Brad is thinking about this. The Benito Jones move especially feels like the kind of smart depth play that wins football games. We don’t need flashy free agents right now, we need guys who understand the system and can step up if needed. This is how you build something that lasts.
I get the logic on some of these, but I’m not sure about throwing a bunch of UFL guys and former failed picks at the problem. I trust Brad but I’d need to see how these guys actually fit in practice before I’m convinced this is the move.
This is what a real front office looks like. We used to panic and throw money at big names every offseason and it never worked. Brad’s doing the boring, smart stuff that actually builds depth. That’s how you get competitive year after year.
The Germaine Pratt idea really appeals to me because it gives Rolder the time and space he needs without throwing him to the wolves right away. Competition in camp is everything and Holmes gets that. Plus Tavai as a reunite story? That’s the kind of redemption arc this fanbase loves.