The Detroit Lions have made finding deals in free agency a habit, and even though they have plenty of budget room, they may take that strategy again in 2025.
Defensively, the Lions will need several players to fill gaps in their defensive line and secondary. They might choose to take a few huge swings in the market or sign bargain free agents to decent deals.
To turn their fortunes around on defense, the Lions will require many additions. Interestingly, they’re expected to land an undervalued name. Bleacher Report writer Alex Kay believes the Lions are the best fit for Philadelphia Eagles free agent defensive lineman Milton Williams.
“It’s difficult to picture the Eagles finding a way to match Williams’ market value, which might reach $15 million per season. While he’s been instrumental in their success, he’s a bit of a luxury for a team with more pressing needs to fill and contracts to sign after winning the Lombardi Trophy.”
“The Detroit Lions would be a perfect destination for Williams. Not only would he strengthen a defensive line that struggled last season due to a slew of injuries, but he’d be in a prime position to dominate and compete for more Super Bowls by working alongside a top edge defender in Aiden Hutchinson.”
Kay’s proposed deal for Williams? Four years for $50 million dollars could be a good deal for an emerging athlete. Williams has made 132 tackles and 11.5 sacks in his career. The Eagles will not be able to keep everyone, and the Lions may hurt their NFC rivals by acquiring a critical depth component.
According to Bleacher Report, Milton Williams could be a free agent steal for 2025.
It’s worth noting that the Lions have signed Williams, as reported by Bleacher Report. He’s already a favorite free agent for the publication this year, and many believe he just needs a larger role to prove his worth in the league.
Moe Moton included Williams on his list of potential under-the-radar free agent steals for the 2025 summer, citing his propensity to make an immediate impact whenever he hits the field.
“In Philadelphia, Williams has been mostly a backup, starting in only 19 out of 67 games while playing less than 49 percent of the snaps in each of his four seasons with the club.”
“In 2022, Williams recorded 36 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and four sacks. After a dismal 2023 season, he rebounded with a career-high five sacks, ten quarterback hits, and seven tackles for loss this season.
“Perhaps Williams has benefited from playing alongside six-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro Fletcher Cox, as well as former first-round picks Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.” Still, he’s worth the risk given his pass-rushing potential entering his age-26 season.”
If the Lions pair Williams with a powerful defensive line, he could prosper in the same way he did in Philadelphia. Most believe the Lions need to add pass rushers, but a man like Williams may help shore up the inside.