NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2024 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year began Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, which means free agent signings can be made official after that. The first round of the 2024 NFL draft begins April 25 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2024 NFL free agent signing by the Detroit Lions and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Kevin Zeitler, G
Zeitler is signing a one-year deal with the Lions, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
What it means: After losing guard Jonah Jackson through free agency to the Los Angeles Rams, Detroit has added a great addition to fulfill that spot -- at least for this season. He is coming off a Pro Bowl year with the Baltimore Ravens in his 12th season and is expected to contribute immediately to an already strong unit that features All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell and Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow. This is a great pickup for the Lions, especially after losing such a pivotal piece in Jackson.
What's the risk: By signing him to a short-term deal, this is a smart move for Detroit. This past season, the Lions only surrendered 31 sacks on 646 dropbacks (4.8%), which was the fourth-best rate in the NFL. So, it'll be a tall task to continue that elite protection for QB Jared Goff. Zeitler is known for his durability, playing in 91.9% of his teams' offensive snaps over his career. Durability has been an issue at times for the Lions' offensive line, so Zeitler's ability to stay available will be welcome.
DJ Reader, DT
The former Cincinnati Bengals standout signed a two-year deal worth up to $27.25 million, with over $9 million guaranteed, per NFL Network.
What it means: Lions general manager Brad Holmes continues to build Detroit's defense with a massive signing. The run-stuffing veteran is the fourth addition to the defense, which hopes to drastically improve, particularly on the line. Detroit's defense allowed 23.2 points per game, which ranked 23rd in the league. Reader started in 14 games for Cincinnati last season, registering 34 tackles, a sack and seven QB hits.
What's the risk: Reader is an eight-year veteran with previous stints in Houston and Cincinnati, but he is working himself back from a major injury. He suffered a quad tendon injury that pushed him to the injured reserve list on Dec. 18, so health is a moderate concern. But Reader has been productive throughout his career as a fifth-round pick in 2016 and is expected to be a strong interior option to pair with Alim McNeill on the line.
Graham Glasgow, G
It's a 3-year, $20 million deal that includes $9.5 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
What it means: The Lions have locked down one of their top free agents before the start of free agency. Glasgow had a solid year last season and displayed his versatility with the ability to switch spots in the interior while still being effective. He started 15 games in 2023 and provides a veteran presence within a team that's looking to reach the next level after tasting playoff success for the first time in more than three decades.
What's the risk: This is a moderate risk for the Lions with Glasgow being 31 years old and the team still faced with the decision on what to do with its other guard Jonah Jackson, who is also set to become an unrestricted free agent. However, Glasgow's ability to play both guard spots and even play center this past season, when necessary, makes him a versatile option on the offensive line.
Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR
Peoples-Jones returns to Detroit on a one-year contract.
What it means: Peoples-Jones brings depth to a loaded Lions offense and he's familiar with the system. He was traded to Detroit from Cleveland in October for a 2025 sixth-round pick and adds size and versatility to a talented receiving corps. He appeared in eight games and started in one for the Lions last season, catching 5 passes for 58 yards. He is also a Detroit native, attending Detroit Cass Tech in high school and the University of Michigan.
What's the risk: On a one-year deal, there's not much of a risk with signing Peoples-Jones, who is just 25 years old. He only had a few catches last season, and it was his least productive season throughout his career, but the Lions see potential under offensive coordinator Ben Jonson.
Zonovan Knight, RB
The Lions announced they have re-signed Knight.
What it means: Knight is expected to compete for the RB3 spot with Craig Reynolds behind the duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Knight made a couple of appearances last season, running three times for 13 yards before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers. He also made one catch for eight yards.
What's the risk: Health is one of the biggest concerns with this signing. Although Knight adds depth in the running back room, his durability is a concern in this low-risk signing.
Marcus Davenport, DE
Davenport agreed to terms on a one-year deal on Monday.
What it means: Davenport has the potential to fulfill Detroit's need to help the pass rush. He also has familiarity with head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who were both on the coaching staff during his tenure with the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted as the 14th overall pick in New Orleans in 2018 and has 23.5 career sacks and has been effective on the edge which could help Aidan Hutchinson.
What's the risk: Based on the length of the deal, it doesn't put the team in a bad position moving forward. However, Davenport appeared in just four games with the Minnesota Vikings this past season, recording two sacks due to an ankle injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season. His health could be a concern, but he's proven to be a factor when healthy, with seven forced fumbles in six seasons.
Amik Robertson, CB
Robertson agreed to a two-year deal worth $9.25 million that could be worth up to $10.75 million with incentives, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
What it means: With this move, the Lions bring in more help to the secondary after also trading for former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis III on Monday. Robertson, a fourth-round pick in 2020 out of Louisiana Tech, was productive in his first four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. He had four interceptions over the past two seasons along with 15 passes defended.
What's the risk: The Lions have continued to invest in the secondary although there's no guarantee he will start this upcoming season. However, not only does Robertson add depth, but he can also play in the slot and on the outside. One of the knocks on him is that he's 5-foot-9, but he has started in 19 games over the past two seasons in Las Vegas, so he has some meaningful experience.
Dan Skipper, OT
Skipper returns to the Lions on a one-year deal.
What it means: Skipper entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2017 but has found his niche as a beefy lineman who can play backup tackle and appear in jumbo packages as a tight end. He appeared in 11 games for the Lions last season, starting in one. In the regular season finale, he also caught a 4-yard pass against Minnesota during the 30-20 victory at Ford Field.
What's the risk: Although Skipper has earned respect inside the Lions' locker room with his veteran presence, he has bounced around from the practice squad to the active roster throughout is career in Detroit, Dallas, Denver, Houston, New England, Houston and Las Vegas before earning an active roster spot with the Lions. That said, the Lions could still benefit from adding more depth at offensive tackle, but there's not much of a risk with this move being a one-year deal with someone who is familiar with the team and has contributed to big victories.
Khalil Dorsey, CB
Terms were not disclosed.
What it means: Dorsey appeared in 13 games this past season, earning two starts and posting four total tackles and a pass defended. However, his primary role was on special teams where he ended with seven tackles and 12 kick returns for an average of 20.3 yards per game, so he adds depth to the team in a few different roles.
What's the risk: Dorsey doesn't pose much of a risk because of his ability to contribute to Detroit's special teams' group. Although he was placed on the injured reserve list early in the season with an illness, he stepped up to help in the secondary later in the season once he was activated, but that's still an area where the Lions can improve defensively from a talent standpoint, which will likely happen through the draft.
Scott Daly, LS
Terms were not disclosed.
What it means: This means that the Lions are confident enough to return their special teams' group. Daly appeared in eight games this past season and 17 in 2022 and 2021, so there's a level of familiarity with him. His path to reaching the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018 also fits with the mold of the team within the locker room.
What's the risk: Daly finished the 2023 season with a knee injury during a field goal attempt in Week 8, and it required surgery. He was placed on the injured reserve list on Oct. 31, 2013. Other than health, as with all players, there's little risk.
Brock Wright, TE
Terms were not disclosed, but sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Wright signed a three-year, $12 million offer sheet that included $6 million guaranteed.
What it means: The Lions matched the San Francisco 49ers offer sheet to Wright just 2.5 hours before the deadline. He was a restricted free agent, and the Lions had five days to match. Detroit views him as a strong No. 2 option at tight end, behind Pro Bowler Sam LaPorta. Jared Goff has frequently displayed trust in his tight ends. Wright has just 43 receptions in his three seasons, but seven have been for touchdowns.
What's the risk: This move isn't much of a risk but offers extra security at the tight end position with a guy who has been productive in the Lions' system. Wright had 13 receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown in 14 games last season behind LaPorta.
Kindle Vildor, CB
Vildor signed a one-year, $1,292,500 contract with the Lions, including a $167,500 signing bonus.
What it means: The Lions want to continue to improve the defense, particularly in the secondary, and they will give Vildor another shot putting him on their practice squad in November. He ultimately worked his way onto the active roster where he helped the defense during the playoff run, starting in all three postseason games.
What's the risk: Most of Detroit's free agent resources were used towards adding help on the defense, and this move isn't too risky on a one-year deal. However, Vildor and the defense fell apart in the second half of the Lions' NFC Championship loss to San Francisco. allowed 28 passing TDs last year, which was the 6th worst in the league, so they could still use another CB possibly in the draft..
Craig Reynolds, RB
Reynolds signed a one-year, $1,080,000 contract with the Lions.
What it means: For the past three seasons, Reynolds has been the No. 3 running back in Detroit, where he has found opportunities to shine. He scored his first career postseason touchdown in the NFC divisional-round playoff game against Tampa Bay. He's a solid option behind David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
What's the risk: Although running backs are often viewed as a dime-a-dozen position with many gameplans shying away from the ground attack in today's NFL, the Lions still value them. The front office could have targeted another RB, but Reynolds has proven he can step up to the plate if necessary so it's not much of a risk.
Kayode Awosika, OG
Awosika signed a one-year, $705,000 contract with the Lions.
What it means: Awosika has appeared in 25 games for the Lions, starting in five, since signing in Detroit after being waived by Philadelphia in 2022. He adds depth to the line and has played both tackle and guard, displaying his versatility as a dependable reserve option.
What's the risk: There's minimal risk with this deal, given the circumstances. Awosika has proven his production at guard for the Lions in 2022, surrendering only 1.0 sack and zero penalties.
James Houston, LB
James Houston signed a two-year, $1,575,000 contract with the Detroit Lions, including an average annual salary of $787,500.
What it means: The Lions locked down one of their own exclusive rights free agents in Houston to help give the pass rush a boost going forward. As a rookie, Houston's 8.0 sacks tied for the third-most a Lions rookie has produced in a single season and ranked second among all NFL rookies in 2022, but he was sidelined for most of last season after breaking his ankle in Week 2.
What's the risk: What's the risk: Houston appeared in just two games last season, while spending the majority of the year on the injured reserve list after breaking his ankle. After bursting onto the scene with a strong rookie season, the third-year edge rusher will have to prove that his first year was no fluke, with the Lions ending with a Pass Rush Win Rate of 36% last season, sixth worst in the NFL.
Nate Sudfeld, QB
Sudfeld signed a one-year deal worth $1.21 million to remain with the Lions.
What it means: The Lions have secured a third quarterback behind Jared Goff and Hendon Hooker to add more depth to the room. Sudfeld is also familiar with the system and is respected by Goff. During training camp last year, Goff said there's no doubt that Sudfeld will be "ready to play if his number is called" and called his demeanor on the sideline during games "awesome."
What's the risk: It's unlikely Sudfeld will see any time on the field during the regular season and he's being guaranteed $300,000, which is a nice amount for someone in his role. The Lions could have considered another option in the free agent market or in the later rounds of the draft to save money, but it's not much of a risk with this move other than financially.