NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2026 offseason, with analysis from our NFL nation reporters and grades from our experts.
The new league year began March 11 at 4 p.m. ET, which means free agents can now officially be signed. The first round of the 2026 NFL draft begins April 23 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2026 NFL free agent signing by the Detroit Lions and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Isiah Pacheco, RB
What it means: The Lions have found David Montgomery's replacement with former Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco. The 27-year-old started 12 games last season in Kansas City, logging 462 rushing yards and two total touchdowns while possessing a rugged style that should complement Lions Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs, much like Montgomery had done for the past three seasons.
Pacheco is a two-time Super Bowl champion and should fit seamlessly into Lions head coach Dan Campbell's system, which has been built on grit and toughness. After playing his first four years in Kansas City, Detroit will hope the move will spark a new beginning for Pacheco's career.
Cade Mays, C
Detroit is signing the former Panthers center to a three-year deal.
What it means: The Lions were still recovering from Frank Ragnow's retirement and failed return last season, but filled a major need adding Mays. His 94.3% pass block win rate ranked 20th among qualified centers last season, while allowing just one sack. Detroit still has other needs on the offensive line, especially after Taylor Decker requested a release last week, but adding Mays fills at least one hole in front of quarterback Jared Goff.
Teddy Bridgewater, QB
What it means: Head coach Dan Campbell absolutely loves Bridgewater. After losing backup QB Kyle Allen, who signed with the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday, Detroit returned to a familiar face in Bridgewater as their new backup for starter Jared Goff. Bridgewater previously was Goff's backup in 2023 then again in 2024. Last season, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he appeared in four games and completed 8-of-15 passes for 62 yards. Bridgewater is also well respected as a leader in the Lions locker room, and has served as a mentor to Lions receiver Jameson Williams and others.
Larry Borom, OL
Detroit is signing the former Miami offensive lineman to a one-year deal.
What it means: The Lions address another need on their offensive line with Borom, who is capable of playing either tackle spot. He's best suited as a backup, but has significant starting experience with 38 starts under his belt -- including 11 for the Dolphins last season. His 91.2% pass block win rate ranked 32nd of 68 qualified tackles and should provide functional depth to the lions offensive line.
Malcolm Rodriguez, LB
The Lions and Rodriguez have agreed to a one-year deal to bring him back to Detroit.
What it means: "Rodrigo" is a fan favorite in Detroit, notably after the Lions' 2022 appearance on the HBO series "Hard Knocks," which showcased his energetic style and fun personality. Rodriguez was a sixth-round pick by Detroit in 2022, Rodriguez saw limited action during a shortened 2025 season when he appeared in seven games after recovering from a torn ACL in 2024.
Last season, he logged 12 tackles and one tackle for loss. However, the Lions will run it back with one of their homegrown players who can be a solid rotational piece that can also add special teams value.
Rock Ya-Sin, CB
Ya-Sin is re-signing with the Lions on a 1-year, $4 million deal, a source told NFL Network.
What it means: The Lions are bringing back a veteran who already knows the system and can certainly help in the secondary with safeties Brian Branch (Achilles) and Kerby Joseph (knee) still fighting their way back from season-ending injuries.
Ya-Sin has proven to be solid in coverage. He can play on the outside and in the slot and is even capable of playing safety for a defense that lost some key pieces this offseason, including CB Amik Robertson and LB Alex Anzalone. He is also returning on a manageable, short-term deal that makes sense for the Lions.
Christian Izien, S
Izien is signing with the Lions on a one-year deal, sources told NFL Network.
What it means: Izien, who recorded 165 total tackles over the past three seasons in Tampa, will bring versatility to a secondary that has been banged up the past two years. The 2023 undrafted free agent appeared in 14 games in 2025, logging 25 tackles, a forced fumble and a tackle for loss. After agreeing to the new deal in Detroit, Izien wrote on X that he "can't wait to get to work and keep proving them wrong!"
Tom Kennedy, WR
What it means: The longest-tenured Lions player will return for his eighth season in Detroit. Kennedy, a former lacrosse player, originally joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and worked his way from the practice squad to an active roster spot while contributing on offense and special teams. He appeared in six games last season, with four receptions for 36 receiving yards. He also saw success as a kick returner and could compete for the No. 4 receiver spot, alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Isaac TeSlaa after the Lions lost veteran Kalif Raymond to the Chicago Bears via free agency.
Tyler Conklin, TE
Conklin, a former Charger, is signing a one-year deal with the Lions.
What it means: Lions Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta is coming off a season-ending back injury and Detroit is adding depth at the position by bringing in Conklin. He spent last season with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he caught seven receptions for 101 yards while appearing in 13 games. He is also returning to his home state after playing at Central Michigan; he's a native of Chesterfield, Mich.
Trevor Nowaske, LB
What it means: Nowaske re-signed with the Lions as a reliable depth piece after spending the past three seasons in Detroit. He appeared in 15 games last season, logging 22 total tackles, two tackles for loss and two QB hits with a fumble recovery and a sack. This is a safe move for Detroit as he's familiar with the system. He originally signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2023 out of Saginaw Valley State.
Roger McCreary, CB
McCreary has agreed to terms with Detroit on a one-year deal, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
What it means: The Lions added more competition and depth to their secondary with the addition of McCreary. The 26-year-old was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans where he started 38 games before being traded to the Rams at last year's deadline.
D.J. Wonnum, LB
Wonnum joins the Lions on one-year deal worth up to $6 million, his agents told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
What it means: After losing pass rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad to Tampa Bay in free agency following a breakout 2025 season, the Lions are in search of another starting-caliber edge rusher to play alongside Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson. Wonnum had only three sacks last season despite starting 15 games for the Panthers, but he could benefit from playing under Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who has a knack for bringing the best out of his players. Last season, Muhammad was a veteran journeyman who thrived in Detroit's system, recording career highs in sacks (11.0), tackles for loss (9) and quarterback hits (20). Perhaps Wonnum could do the same.
Damone Clark, LB
Contract terms for the former Houston linebacker were not disclosed.
What it means: The Lions added depth to their linebacker corps with Clark after losing Anzalone in free agency to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Clark was a fifth-round selection by the Dallas Cowboys in 2022 and spent his first four seasons with Dallas and the Houston Texans, excelling on defense and special teams. He has also developed a close relationship with Lions DC Sheppard, who is also an LSU alum, and is excited to work with him in Detroit.
Greg Dortch, WR
Dortch is signing a one-year deal, source confirms to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
What it means: Dortch will reunite with first-year Lions OC Drew Petzing from their days together in Arizona. The speedy receiver has spent the past five seasons with the Cardinals where he started in three games last season, logging 29 receptions for 206 yards and three touchdowns. He will replace former Lions receiver Kalif Raymond, who signed with the Chicago Bears after five seasons in Detroit.
Payton Turner, DE
What it means: The Lions have added a former first-round pick (2021). Turner spent the past season with the Dallas Cowboys, where he missed the entire year with a preseason rib injury. In four seasons, Turner has appeared in 31 career games, logging 48 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits and 5 sacks. He will have a chance to revitalize his career with his pass-rushing ability in a new situation.
Ben Bartch, G
What it means: The Lions continue to beef up their offensive line, making Bartch their third addition via free agency. Bartch, who is entering his seventh season, started in two games with the 49ers last season, primarily at left guard. The 2020 fourth-round pick out of St. John's (MN) has appeared in 55 career games, logging 24 starts.