Lions 2024 Free Agent Predictions

How many free agents will Lions retain in 2024?

The Detroit Lions have plenty of decisions to make with free agency looming. 

Monday marks the start of the league's legal tampering period, which allows teams to contact players' agents and begin the process of negotiating contracts. As a result, the Lions will lose their exclusivity in negotiations with their free agents. 

Here are predictions on each of the Lions' 16 current free agents heading into Monday.

Tyson Alualu

The veteran defensive tackle provided much needed depth after Alim McNeill suffered a knee injury late in the regular season. Despite not making a significant impact, he was able to be a helpful piece on the defensive interior. 

Next season would be Alualu's 15th. With the Lions set to reload up front, it's likely that should he elect to return in 2024, it will be with a different team. Prediction: Departs

Ceedy Duce

After not landing a multi-year deal last offseason, Duce came to Detroit looking to prove his abilities. However, an injury cut his campaign short. In his absence, the Lions were able to find solid options at the safety position in Ifeatu Melifonwu and nickel cornerback Brian Branch. 

Duce is a talented player, but the Lions have plenty to be confident in their young players. As a result, a multi-year deal will likely come from elsewhere. Prediction: Departs

Anthony Firkser

Firkser served as tight end insurance throughout the year, spending most of the campaign on the practice squad. He was called upon to contribute late in the year, but didn't record a regular season catch. The Lions brought back Shane Zylstra, which likely spells the end of Firkser's tenure with the team. Prediction: Departs

Graham Glasgow

Glasgow revitalized his career with the Lions, after struggling late in his stint with the Denver Broncos. He began the year as a backup, but quickly ascended into a starting role. 

The veteran played multiple roles throughout the season, starting games at both guard spots as well as center. He's well-liked in the locker room, and has voiced a desire to remain with the organization. A return would be mutually beneficial. Prediction: Stays

Charles Harris

Harris had a breakout year in 2021, which earned him a new deal with the organization. However, injuries curtailed his production in 2022, and he was unable to rebound in 2023. 

After being demoted to a healthy scratch at points this year and finishing the year with just 1.5 sacks, the Lions will likely move on from the veteran. Prediction: Departs

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Will Harris

Harris' versatility made him an important part of the secondary, but he was unable to perform at a high enough level to warrant legitimate playing time. He was eventually passed in the rotation by Khalil Dorsey and Kindle Vildor later in the season.

With cornerback being a major area of need, the Lions would benefit from adding fresh talent. Harris has special teams value, so he will likely find a new team. Prediction: Departs

Jonah Jackson

In the final year of his rookie deal, Jackson struggled with injuries. His track record has been solid, though, as he has been a staple at the left guard position. Because of this, he could land a high-priced deal in free agency. 

When healthy, Jackson has been a massive part of the organization's success. However, the other priorities of extensions for players such as Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jared Goff could make a long-term deal difficult for Jackson, who could get a deal north of $15 million. Prediction: Departs

Jake McQuaide

McQuaide was called upon to provide competition in training camp, but was beaten out by Scott Daly. When Daly suffered a season-ending injury, McQuaide returned and provided stability. However, Daly impressed the special teams staff with his growth at the position. It will be his job to lose. Prediction: Departs

Matt Nelson

Nelson suffered an injury early in the season that held him out. He's provided reliable depth when available, but the emergence of Dan Skipper holding down the sixth-lineman role likely makes him expendable. 

Nelson has put enough on tape to warrant interest from other organizations, and could wind up being a depth addition for another team with the opportunity to compete for a starting job. Prediction: Departs

Romeo Okwara

Okwara wound up being one of the more productive options outside of Aidan Hutchinson and saw his role increase later in the year. Still, he hasn't had the same pop since suffering an untimely Achilles injury in 2021. 

The veteran can still provide depth, though. With Detroit needing to add to the room, Okwara could come back on a short-term contract to help provide competition. Prediction: Stays

Donovan Peoples-Jones

Peoples-Jones had a minimal impact for the Lions after coming to the organization in a trade deadline deal. With just five catches for 58 yards after being acquired, he wasn't able to assert himself in the receiver room. 

Detroit likes what it has in Jameson Williams and already boasts one of the league's best in Amon-Ra St. Brown. Peoples-Jones could provide special teams depth, but he didn't show enough last season to warrant a lengthy commitment. Prediction: Departs

Detroit Lions wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones catches a pass against the Chicago Bears / © Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Reynolds

While Reynolds' 2023 campaign ended on a sour note with struggles in the NFC Championship game, he has clearly become a favorite of Dan Campbell's for his willingness to do the dirty work within the offense. 

His reputation fits that of players who the Lions like to retain. While Reynolds' market may be too pricey, he has great rapport with Jared Goff and would continue to provide another solid veteran presence.

Retaining one of their wide receivers may not rule out the Lions still adding to the group in the Draft. Reynolds would provide excellent competition and depth in that scenario. Prediction: Stays

Dan Skipper

Skipper ascended to cult hero status for his role in the crushing loss to Dallas, as he was revered and met with loud cheers for the remainder of the year. More than that, he seemed comfortable as the Lions' extra offensive lineman. 

While there could be interest elsewhere, he has been a strong fit in Detroit and could remain in his sixth-man role for the offensive line. Prediction: Stays

Nate Sudfeld

Sudfeld's bid for the team's third-string quarterback role ended with a season-ending injury in the preseason finale. With Teddy Bridgewater retiring and Hendon Hooker still unproven, the veteran could return to Detroit to provide competition in training camp. Prediction: Stays

Kindle Vildor

After being signed to the practice squad midway through the year, Vildor wound up playing a big role on the active roster. Struggles at cornerback necessitated him entering the starting lineup. 

Vildor had his flashes, and proved to be a willing defender in the run game. With several free agents at the position, his veteran savvy could be a huge asset if he returns as a depth piece. Prediction: Stays

Halapoulivaati Vaitai

Vaitai has suffered two significant injuries in as many years. He considered retirement after last season, and could do so again this year after dealing with another back injury. Prediction: Departs