4 free agent offensive linemen the Detroit Lions could sign before Week 1

2. Justin Pugh

Pugh has lingered as a possible fit for the Lions since a few months ago. So let's use some of what we wrote about him then as a jumping off point for right now.

A torn ACL ended Pugh’s 2022 season after five games, and he has mulled retirement in each of the last two offseasons, Back in early February, just before the Cardinals had hired head coach Jonathan Gannon, he told Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports he was looking “for the right situation” and wants to play for a winning team.


The Lions certainly qualify as a team who can win its division this year. Pugh, if his knee is healthy, brings a boatload of experience (119 career starts) across multiple line positions. He’s not really in a position to ask for much, and the Lions are of course well-positioned across the offensive line in terms of starters. There could be appeal for both sides. Pugh recently resurfaced, getting healthy come off his torn ACL and ready to continue his career.

A visit to Allen Park could certainly be in Pugh's "near future."

1. OT Jason Peters

After 11 distinguished seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and one with the Chicago Bears where he started 15 games, the now 41-year old Peters spent last season with the Dallas Cowboys in a backup role (one start, 235 snaps). He recently let it out, via ESPN's Adam Schefter, that he plans to play this season. It would be his 20th NFL campaign (he missed the 2012 season with the Eagles, so it would be his 19th actually suiting up if he gets his wish).

In his run with Dallas last year, around some missed time with a chest injury, Peters posted a solid 70.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus while splitting time between both tackle spots and left guard as the Cowboys dealt with injuries. That level of play, and bit of versatility, makes him an option the Lions should be considering regardless of his age.