10 Offensive Free Agents Lions Could Sign in 2024

OG/OT Mike Onwenu

In 2023, Onwenu played both guard and tackle for the Patriots, demonstrating a very desirable level of versatility. Given the physical demands that linemen face on a weekly basis, the flexibility to play various positions and shift about is critical.

The Michigan product will be among the most sought-after lineman on the market, but Detroit may make a splash if it decides not to keep one or both of its starting guards, who are due to enter free agency.

WR Gabe Davis

Davis possesses lengthy speed and the potential to gash a defense. Davis, albeit erratic at times, has proven to be a valuable member of the Bills’ passing attack, totaling 2,730 yards in his first four NFL seasons.

While Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are crucial players at the position, Davis would provide the Lions with a big-bodied wideout to add to Jared Goff’s downfield threat.

OG Damien Lewis

Lewis is another tackle who is expected to leave the Seattle Seahawks after four seasons. He had an up-and-down 2023 season, allowing 29 pressures on 610 pass-blocking snaps while ending with a Pro Football Focus run-blocking rating of 57.9.

Given his promising start, he likely attract suitors in free agency. Lewis allowed three sacks last season and missed only one game with Seattle. He’s been dependable in his early career and would add to Detroit’s seasoned presence.

TE Adam Trautman

While Sam LaPorta has been named second-team All-Pro, the Lions will need to have solid depth behind him. Brock Wright was signed as a restricted free agent, but Detroit loves competition at every position.

Enter Trautman, a run-blocking specialist who can also contribute in the passing game. While he has contributed as a supplementary pass-catcher, Trautman’s worth stems from his ability to open up lanes for Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

OG/C Evan Brown

If Detroit wants to repeat last year’s success and reunite with a former offensive lineman, Brown could be a terrific fit. Brown signed with the Seahawks to play center, but he may be passed up on the depth chart by 2023 draft pick Olu Oluwatimi.

Brown has the inside versatility that the Lions value, as he can play either guard or center. He’d be a familiar face for the organization and may have an influence similar to Graham Glasgow’s previous season in Detroit.

TE Mike Gesicki

Whereas Trautman has more pop as a blocker, Gesicki is a chess piece that can be moved around on offense. He can play both in-line and in the slot, giving opposition defenses difficult matchups.

Gesicki had back-to-back 700-yard seasons with the Dolphins in 2020-21, but his output has slowed in recent seasons. In 2023, he failed as a run-blocker, earning only a 35.1 PFF rating. As a result, he’d probably be more effective in the passing game than LaPorta.

OT Josh Jones

Jones, a third-round pick in 2023, played last season with the Houston Texans after being traded by the Arizona Cardinals. Prior to joining the Texans, the blocker was expected to be a depth piece for Arizona.

However, he was unable to maintain control of the job in Houston, where he functioned mostly as depth. Jones might give crucial depth at the tackle spots, as the Lions are expected to keep both starters, Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker.

WR Noah Brown

Brown is a physical “X” receiver who can win contested catches. He had a nice chemistry with Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud before suffering an injury, and he had more than 500 receiving yards for the second consecutive season.

The Lions would benefit from adding more physicality to the wide receiver position. Given this year’s great draft class, Detroit might make a lesser move with a less sought-after player rather than pay a large contract with so many talented young players available in the draft.

RB Ty Johnson

Detroit boasts two reliable running backs in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. While both have fairly solid holds on the first two places, there may be a tussle for the team’s third option.

Craig Reynolds is the incumbent, but the Lions could look for a competitive veteran, such as Johnson, a former Lions running back. He has played for three teams and accumulated 1,057 yards in five seasons.

QB Brandon Allen

The Lions have yet to receive a true evaluation of young quarterback Hendon Hooker, who spent the majority of the year on the NFI list until being activated to the roster late in the season.

If Detroit wanted to increase competition for the backup quarterback position behind Jared Goff, bringing in a veteran like Allen, who has been a member of three Super Bowl-winning teams, would add to the quarterbacks’ pedigree.