Free agency looms for the Detroit Lions after a drab end to their 2025 campaign. Finishing out the year by hovering around .500 was not even close to their goal to begin this season, but issues with their offensive line, injuries, and getting used to two brand new coordinators made all of these failures make sense, in the end.
There's still one more game left on the Lions' schedule, though, and it's a big one. The Chicago Bears are hosting the Lions in Week 18 to close out two very different years for these two NFC North squads. The Bears have already clinched the divisional title, and a postseason spot. Detroit is just looking to play spoiler on the road.
In addition to that team motive, some individuals are likely in need of huge performances in order to remain on the Lions' radar this upcoming free agency.
3 Lions that have to show out for Lions vs. Bears in Week 18
Marcus Davenport
Let's offer a defense of Marcus Davenport before explaining why he must have a good game to close out his 2025 season with the Lions.
Brad Holmes put an immense amount of pressure on him, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and essentially the entire defensive line this season to step up and help Aidan Hutchinson in the pass rush. He made no attempt to improve their pass rushing depth in free agency or in the draft, and he stood firm at the trade deadline despite it being an obvious problem for them.
Yes, Hutchinson has ended up having a great bounce back year after breaking his leg in 2024, and Muhammad's 11 sacks were a nice compliment to Hutchinson. But, they took so long to get to quarterbacks each week that it was clear they should've ultimately taken a swing on an additional pass rusher this season.
Enter Davenport. The defender did not have a compelling 2025 season, stacking up just one sack through eight games played, and still dealing with injury woes that made him a risky signing to rely upon to begin the year. If he could piece together a good final contest, it's possible he plays himself into another deal with the Lions - it just might not be a lucrative one.
Graham Glasgow
After Kingsley Eguakun was poached by the Cleveland Browns, it left the Lions with essentially one starting option at center: Graham Glasgow. Glasgow, who was brought back this season after the sudden retirement of Frank Ragnow, has not been the starting center Detroit would've needed to be successful this season.
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He's graded out at a 57.4 overall on PFF, which is good for 34th overall amongst 41 eligible starting centers in the league. He isn't a free agent entering the 2026 season, but he could easily flip back over to guard in order to anchor the line with Tate Ratledge. The team very obviously needs to find another center, especially if Glasgow shows more below-average play in Week 18.
Rock Ya-Sin
Rock Ya-Sin has been a very decent addition to the Lions' starting secondary, but it wouldn't be surprising to any fans that tuned in to Detroit's preseason games.
He was nearly lights out in coverage through those contests, although he's struggled as of late against tougher assignments. Still, Ya-Sin might be a worthy insurance re-signing for the lions to consider heading into 2026, and he can prove that if he could help shut down Caleb Williams' air game in Week 18.