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Ranking Lions' All-Time Best Free-Agent Signings

Read more on the Lions' best free-agent pick-ups since modern free agency began.

Christian Booher

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The Detroit Lions were plenty active in this year's free-agent cycle. On the defensive side, in particular, the organization moved swiftly to secure upgrades. 

It was the most active the team has been in recent years. Detroit general manager Brad Holmes is hoping the moves he made this offseason will pan out among the team's best. 

As training camp grows near, the team's best moves are worth revisiting. Here are the organization's six best free-agent signings since the NFL adopted its current form of free agency in 1993. 

6.) LB Stephen Tulloch

The addition of Tulloch stabilized the defense for five seasons. He became the team's starter immediately after signing in 2011, and would start 67 games in Motown. 

He played four full seasons with the Lions, with an injury-shortened 2014 being the exception. He surpassed 100 tackles in each of his full campaigns. 

In all, he totaled 485 tackles in five seasons, with 10 sacks and 34 tackles for loss. 

Unfortunately for him, the injury cost him what would've been his second playoff appearance as a Lion. He helped the team qualify in his first season of 2011, but was limited to just three games in '14. 

5.) WR Marvin Jones

Jones has returned to the Lions after a two-year hiatus. If he performs anywhere near his first stint, he could vault higher on this list. 

Arriving in 2015, he immediately became a top target for Matthew Stafford. He was a serviceable member of the receiving corps for his first two seasons, recording at least 800 yards in each. 

When Calvin Johnson Jr. announced his retirement following the 2016 season, Jones immediately filled the void. He had his first career 1,000-yard season a year later in 2017.

The veteran, in all, had 4,296 receiving yards in his first stint with the Lions. Detroit is hoping the 33-year-old will bring a similar level of production in his second go-around with the organization. 

4.) CB Dre Bly

Signing in 2003, Bly immediately became a key part of Detroit's secondary. He enjoyed four of the best seasons of his career in Motown, starting 54 games. 

In that span, he had 19 interceptions and five fumble recoveries, and was a two-time Pro Bowler. 

Like Jones, he's back in Detroit, beginning in 2023. He's now on the sidelines, working as the cornerbacks coach and overseeing the development of a new-look secondary. 

3.) K Matt Prater

With Jason Hanson retiring after the 2012 season, the Lions were left looking for that consistency throughout the following campaign. 

However, a twist of fate brought the answer to Detroit. After seven years in Denver, Prater was released after being suspended in Aug. of 2014. 

Upon serving his ban, he signed with the Lions in October of that season and became a mainstay. 

Over seven campaigns with the Lions, he nailed 84 % of his kicks including 38 from beyond 50 yards. Since he left ahead of the '21 season, Detroit has struggled to find the consistent leg. 

2.) S Glover Quin

One of the biggest additions to the secondary came in the form of Quinn, who instantly stabilized what was a shaky unit. 

He made every single start throughout his six seasons in Detroit, spanning from 2013-18. In his tenure, he picked off 19 passes and scored twice. 

Quin was part of two playoff teams in Detroit and made his only career Pro Bowl appearance in 2014. He retired following his final season with the Lions. 

1.) WR Golden Tate

After a productive start to his career in Seattle, Tate signed with the Lions, and became one of the best receivers of his era. He caught at least 90 passes in all four of his full seasons in Detroit, and went past 1,000 yards three times. 

Joining the organization in the late stages of Johnson's career, he was the perfect complementary wideout. Rarely did he drop passes, compiling a catch percentage of 69.8%. 

Before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2018 season, Tate became a fan favorite for his iconic moments on the field. 

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Christian Booher
CHRISTIAN BOOHER

Sports journalist who has covered the Detroit Lions the past three NFL seasons. Christian brings expert analysis, insights and an ability to fairly assess how the team is performing in a tough NFC North division. 

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