The Detroit Lions still have a few more questions to answer as they push into the third week of NFL free agency that has slowed considerably after the early flurry in March.
Detroit continues to patch holes with veteran signings, mostly on the defensive side of the ball given their depth struggles last season. That makes sense relative to how many problems the Lions had, but there are still big needs lurking on the roster.
Pro Football Focus analyst Dalton Wasserman re-racked the needs of every NFL team after the first part of free agency. As he pointed out, the top issue standing out in his mind revolves around how the Lions will replace Taylor Decker up front.
"The biggest question remaining for Detroit is who will protect Jared Goff’s blind side after the release of left tackle Taylor Decker. The Lions have yet to sign a starting-caliber option to play that spot, so they are expected to address it in the draft. They have the luxury of Penei Sewell’s versatility to play there in case they decide to draft a natural right tackle."
Brad Holmes signed tackle Larry Borom, but it's likely he will be counted on to be a depth player this fall much like Dan Skipper was before his retirement. Tackle is certainly a substantial hole, but there is likely to be a quick and easy fix coming in the draft. It pales in comparison to another spot with a far murkier future on the roster.
Defensive end is arguably a bigger need than offensive tackle for Lions
The Lions haven't done nearly enough to address their needs at defensive end. Detroit has needed a bigger veteran addition than Holmes has given them at this point in time, and that's true regardless of some of the other questions that persist on the roster.
Interestingly, PFF doesn't believe the spot to be the biggest need the Lions have. They listed it second on the pecking order behind offensive tackle as the biggest remaining issue with Detroit's roster. As Wasserman wrote, the Lions still need help in the trenches to get after the other team's quarterback in 2026.
"The Lions could also add trench help on defense. Aidan Hutchinson is currently their only returning player who recorded at least 25 pressures last season. A dive into a deep edge defender class would help solve that problem. Depth at linebacker could be needed, as well, particularly a coverage complement to Derrick Barnes."
Detroit added D.J. Wonnum to the mix and recently signed former first-round pick Payton Turner to the roster as well. Both of those players represent good depth, but don't cut it as it relates to a top-end addition. Detroit needs one more elite body on defense and not another bargain. The Lions are likely to draft a top offensive tackle, meaning the hunt for more capable pass rushers is the biggest deal the rest of the offseason.
The Lions still need to add pass rushers, especially after letting Al-Quadin Muhammad walk in free agency. As the offseason keeps going toward the end of the month, it's wise not to be distracted by this fact, especially as other similarly glaring needs continue to stand out on their own.