As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches and free-agent rumors start to stall, teams across the league are still reassessing their needs for potential low-key upgrades, typically by adding role players and depth pieces.
Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated recently highlighted his top eight remaining NFL free agents, laying out ideal landing spots for each. Unsurprisingly, the Detroit Lions made the list, with defensive lineman Calais Campbell mentioned as a perfect fit. It's not the first time the Lions and Campbell have been in the same conversation as a potential fit, either.
It’s easy to overlook veteran players during the early rush of free agency, especially aging players, depth, or special-teams-type pieces in their positional group. Yet bringing in experienced talent can be a wise move for organizations seeking stability and depth, like the Lions, particularly as the draft looms and roster holes remain.
I feel the Detroit Lions are still searching for the right complement to Alim McNeill on their defensive front, and they have an opportunity here to really improve in the short term at a value meal price.
Campbell, now 40 (don't let that deter you), continues to defy the odds in terms of longevity and productivity.
In 2025, he posted a 72.2 overall Pro Football Focus (PFF) defensive grade, ranking 26th among 134 qualified interior defensive linemen. His pass-rush grade of 65.1 placed him 49th, while a run-defense mark of 69.2 was good for 16th at the position. Last season with the Arizona Cardinals, Campbell compiled 35 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and nine hits.
Get this, though: just a year prior, Campbell’s 2024 season was nothing short of remarkable. He earned an 82.3 overall PFF mark, seventh-best among qualified defensive tackles, along with a remarkable 85.9 run-defense grade, the top in his class.
Imagine that the league’s best interior run defender was a 38-year-old. It’s the kind of reliability and versatility that the Lions could use, especially as they look to strengthen their line and shore up run defense in 2026.
While Campbell’s grades dipped slightly from his 38 to 39-year-old season, he remains a productive role player. He would bring both leadership and competitive edge, qualities valuable in a locker room as the Lions hope to once again eye another deep playoff run.
Manzano’s article also highlights another familiar name for Detroit fans in former left tackle Taylor Decker. Decker is ranked as the sixth-best remaining free agent, with the Baltimore Ravens identified as his best fit.
Here's what Manzano had to say about Taylor Decker.
"Decker has had an eventful offseason. First, the Lions asked him to take a pay cut, but he put pressure on the organization after he announced that he’s committed to playing an 11th NFL season. Ultimately, the Lions made him a cap casualty and will likely fill their left tackle opening in the draft. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Decker is forced to retire, considering that there’s good depth in this year’s draft class for tackles. It would be wise for Decker to join a contender and be more of an insurance player in case of injury. He has dealt with injuries in his career, but Decker has played in at least 14 games the past three seasons."
As the Lions continue to weigh their pre- and post-draft options, adding Campbell, who could help anchor their defensive line, as I want to stress again, in a rotational role, and help push the team closer to contention. Sometimes, the best upgrades come not from splashy signings, but from steady, experienced hands quietly waiting for the right opportunity. Campbell checks those boxes.