Lions Eyeing Two Top Free Agents to Bolster Roster

Detroit looks to rebound from disappointing 2025 season with key additions on defense and offense.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Detroit Lions are looking to make a splash in free agency this offseason as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs despite high expectations. According to NFL writer Greg Auman, the Lions are targeting two top free agents - cornerback Jamel Dean from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and guard David Edwards from the Buffalo Bills.

Why it matters

The Lions have roughly $8 million in salary cap space to work with, so they'll need to get creative to land these high-profile free agents. Improving the secondary and offensive line were clear priorities for Detroit after their playoff miss last season.

The details

Auman projects the Lions will sign Dean, the fifth-best free agent cornerback, to a deal worth around $12 million per year. The 29-year-old had a breakout 2025 season in Tampa Bay with 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles. Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Edwards, rated as the top free agent guard, could command close to $20 million annually after starting the past two seasons for the Bills. His potential departure could force Buffalo to promote from within on the offensive line.

  • The Lions missed the playoffs in the 2025 NFL season.

The players

Jamel Dean

A 29-year-old cornerback who had a standout 2025 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.

David Edwards

A 28-year-old guard who has started the past two seasons for the Buffalo Bills and is considered the top free agent at his position this offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Dean, 29, had one of the league's more remarkable seasons, agreeing to an $8 million pay cut to stay in Tampa, then having a huge season with three interceptions and two forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus loves him, rating him as the NFL's No. 5 cornerback for 2025 and ranking him as the No. 5 overall free agent at any position.”

— Greg Auman, NFL Writer (foxsports.com)

“Edwards, 28, has been a bargain for the Bills the last two years, starting at guard while making $6 million for two years. He'll cost significantly more as a free agent, with some projections close to $20 million a year.”

— Greg Auman, NFL Writer (foxsports.com)

What’s next

The Lions will need to clear additional salary cap space in order to sign both Dean and Edwards to the lucrative deals they are projected to command on the open market.

The takeaway

By targeting top-tier free agents at cornerback and guard, the Detroit Lions are signaling their intent to quickly rebuild their roster and return to playoff contention after a disappointing 2025 season. These high-profile additions would significantly bolster the team's secondary and offensive line.