Lions 2023 Free Agent Predictions
The Detroit Lions’ hopes of future glory rest on some of the decisions made by general manager Brad Holmes and the front office during the upcoming free-agency period.
With a strong finish to the 2022 season that saw the Lions finish with a winning record, optimism is high for the Lions’ future. Now, Holmes and company have a chance to move even closer to contention by adding talent to the roster.
Before he can make moves, though, he has decisions to make regarding the current talent on his roster. The Lions have 18 unrestricted free agents, meaning Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have plenty of big choices to make.
Here are the players set to hit the market when free agency begins on Wednesday, along with predictions regarding who will decide to stay in Detroit and who will depart and play elsewhere in 2023.
LB Alex Anzalone
A leader on and off the field, Anzalone’s presence in the locker room has been key to Detroit’s turnaround over the last two seasons. On the field, however, the Lions could find an upgrade that would help take the defense to the next level. A return isn’t out of the question, though, as that leadership is pivotal to the Lions’ culture. Prediction: Stays
K Michael Badgley
Badgley was stable for the Lions after joining the team in Week 5. He doesn’t have the biggest leg, which is reason to look elsewhere in 2023. Prediction: Departs
LB Chris Board
Board was a solid special teamer who struggled during his time as a linebacker. There’s value in that special teams role, but his inability to consistently contribute on defense will make him expendable. Prediction: Departs
C/G Evan Brown
The versatile offensive lineman was valuable in a pinch for a long stretch of the 2023 season. He emerged as a starter following Halapoulivaati Vaitai’s season-ending injury, so he could be looking to go elsewhere as a starter in 2023. Prediction: Departs
EDGE Austin Bryant
Bryant was nearing a breakthrough after his four-and-a-half sack season in 2021, but he has struggled to stay healthy. With Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston showing plenty of promise as rookies, Bryant is likely on his way out in Detroit. Prediction: Departs
DT Isaiah Buggs
One of Holmes’ top additions in 2023, Buggs became a valuable player after being signed leading into training camp. He’s voiced his desire to remain in Detroit, and it should become a reality. Prediction: Stays
WR DJ Chark
When healthy, Chark was a valuable piece of the Lions’ offense. He’s a solid vertical threat with good speed and hands. The wideout has dealt with injuries throughout the last two seasons, though, and Detroit has two talented young wideouts in Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. This makes it tough to justify spending highly on Chark. Prediction: Departs
Detroit Lions wide receiver DJ Chark
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
DL John Cominsky
Another under-the-radar addition who paid dividends, Cominsky has also spoke out about his desire to remain in Detroit. He’ll have plenty of suitors, but his comments about remaining a Lion and the organization’s commitment to culture likely result in him coming back with a raise. Prediction: Stays
S DeShon Elliott
Injuries have doomed what has been an otherwise solid career for Elliott. His value showed itself, as the Lions struggled against the run with him sidelined. Hard-hitting safeties like him are hard to find, and Detroit could use his help. Prediction: Stays
CB/S Will Harris
Harris has had an interesting career with Detroit. He flipped from safety to corner out of necessity in 2021, and seemed to have found a niche as a slot corner. However, Detroit could benefit from adding younger talent to the position early in the 2023 draft. Prediction: Departs
CB Mike Hughes
Hughes ended the season playing ahead of former top pick Jeff Okudah, and held his own. His performance at the end of the year was much better than how he started. With Detroit potentially adding a corner through the draft, though, he’s expendable after a one-year investment. Prediction: Departs
RB Justin Jackson
The veteran running back had a nice season serving as the Lions’ kick returner and third option out of the backfield. He saw increased playing time as D’Andre Swift struggled with injuries, and provided Detroit with a steady hand. However, the Lions also have to make a decision on starter Jamaal Williams, and it’s unlikely they extend two running backs. Prediction: Departs
S C.J. Moore
A special teams ace, Moore provided the Lions with a spark when he returned to Motown midseason. However, he hasn’t proven he can be counted on at the safety position. Prediction: Departs
CB Amani Oruwariye
Oruwariye had a puzzling 2022 season, as he took a massive step back from his solid 2021 campaign. After being benched early in the year and playing spot duty late, a fresh start is necessary for the Penn State product. Prediction: Departs
T Dan Skipper
Skipper played well in Week 2 when called upon to start, but struggled later in the year. His versatility could be helpful in case of emergency, which makes him a worthwhile short-term investment. Prediction: Departs
QB Nate Sudfeld
The Lions have made it a point of emphasis to address the backup quarterback position. Sudfeld has bounced around the league, and isn’t a stable answer behind starter Jared Goff. Prediction: Departs
RB Jamaal Williams
After emerging as an emotional leader, Williams will be a top priority. His value will rise as a result of his 1,000-yard season, but the Lions should make every effort to bring him back as they look to reach contention. Prediction: Stays
LB Josh Woods
Woods has become one of the best special team players in the league, and can step in at linebacker when necessary. He was the team’s special teams captain and a good culture fit. Prediction: Stays
