As the 2025 NFL season comes to its halfway point, teams and front offices are aggressively planning and reacting to the future of their franchises. Whether it be pending free agents, dealing with injuries, and evaluating future draft picks, NFL teams continue to prepare year round for the long-term future.
Recently, Bleacher Report came out with the top-50 pending free agents for the 2026 season, with the Detroit Lions being named potential fits for two players on the list. The Bleacher Report Scouting Department has been evaluating the fits based on current team performance, and team needs throughout the 2025 season.
The Lions are strapped headed into 2026 with their cap space, especially following the recent extension of Aidan Hutchinson. Per Over the Cap, they're working with just over $12 million next season. However, that won't stop BR's Kristopher Knox from dreaming.
Lions predicted to snag up two elite FAs in 2026
C Tyler Linderbaum
Lions fans have been wanting a bit more out of rookie offensive lineman Tate Ratledge, which may make this predication a bit premature. However, with the team leaning on 2nd year draft pick Christian Mahogany (who is now on injured reserve), the possibility of bringing in Linderbaum while pushing Graham Glasgow to guard remains on the table if needed.
Linderbaum's 5th-year option was recently declined, more or less because the option is worth $23.4 million in 2026. That would have been $5.4 million more than the NFL's highest-paid center. Linderbaum is on pace to dwarf Creed Humphrey's contract and will most likely warrant a contract as such, but with the Baltimore Ravens so far failing to extend him so far, it's unknown if a deal is possible for the Ravens.
READ MORE: Pay the man: Why Jack Campbell deserves his Lions extension now
DE Jonathan Franklin-Myers
If the Lions don't plan on drafting a high-caliber edge rusher within the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, an established veteran like Franklin-Myers may be in the cards. The Denver Broncos have extended several defenders like Nik Bonitto and Zach Allen, while also getting ready to make a push for Patrick Surtain II. This possibly leaves Franklin-Myers on the outside looking in.
The 2018 fourth round pick is set to go into his ninth season and is on pace to surpass his 2024 production. With Hutchinson inked until 2030, the Lions could make a push for the veteran if they don't add an EDGE through the draft, or if they decide not to retain Al-Quadin Muhammad.