The Detroit Lions have been relatively quiet during this free agency period, but their strategic focus on depth signings reflects a calculated approach as they look to build on their impressive 15-2 season last year. A key move came on March 18, 2025, when the Lions re-signed defensive tackle Pat O’Connor for his second season in Detroit.
O’Connor, 31, originally joined the Lions after spending six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He contributed 18 total tackles and a sack in just 12 games last season. His modest statistics, however, do not tell the whole story. According to Pro Football Focus, O’Connor registered 10 pressures on 134 pass-rushing snaps, reflecting a robust 7.7% career pressure rate. Notably, he also logged a 6.5% win rate on his pass-rushing attempts, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
The Lions' decision to retain O’Connor is particularly timely given concerns surrounding Alim McNeil, who is recovering from an ACL tear sustained last December. With McNeil's availability for the upcoming season in question, adding depth was essential. Alongside re-signing Levi Onwuzurike, the addition of Roy Lopez bolsters the defensive line as the Lions prepare for the challenges ahead.
Detroit general manager Brad Holmes recently emphasized the importance of depth during the NFL Scouting Combine. "It made it more evident that depth is a huge critical piece and that’s the entire year,” he noted, adding that sometimes unheralded signings, like O’Connor’s, could be what a team needs to succeed. Holmes continued, “So it might not be the first wave of free agency, it might not be the draft, it might be a Pat O’Connor during the summer that you add and you just never know that’s going to be that critical piece you need from a depth standpoint.”
The Lions have also worked to keep familiar faces within the organization, with key depth players like edge rusher Marcus Davenport, wide receiver Tim Patrick, and offensive tackle Dan Skipper agreeing to return for another season. The continuity could play a significant role in the Lions’ bid for a Super Bowl appearance next year.
Adding to the Lions' intriguing offseason is their most recent acquisition of cornerback D.J. Reed, formerly of the New York Jets. In a candid one-on-one with DetroitLions.com’s Dannie Rogers, Reed shared his insights on the team's latest draft pick, Brian Branch. Reed had actively lobbied the Jets to select Branch, a defensive back from Alabama, during the 2023 NFL Draft, claiming, "I’m a big fan of Brian Branch. Even when he was coming out of Alabama, I actually told coach (Robert) Saleh, I was like, ‘With the 17th pick, you’ve gotta get Brian Branch. This guy is a dawg.’"
It turns out Reed's instincts were correct, as Branch slipped to the Lions, who eagerly traded up to secure him at 45th overall. Branch has wasted no time making an impact in the league; after two seasons, he has compiled 7 interceptions, 15 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, and has already earned a Pro Bowl selection.
The decision to acquire Reed was, in part, motivated by the prospect of playing alongside a talented safety duo in Branch and Kerby Joseph, which Reed believes will elevate the team's defensive performance. "I’m really looking forward to playing with the safety duo," Reed expressed. "That’s something I was very excited about is I’m going to be playing with two All-Pro safeties, which that’s going to take my game to the next level and I think it’s going to turn up the whole defense.”
While the Lions have made notable acquisitions, fans of the Jets can take comfort in their own successful draft decision, having selected edge rusher Will McDonald IV with the 15th overall pick. McDonald has effectively strengthened the Jets' defense, recording 10.5 sacks and 24 quarterback hits last season.
As the Detroit Lions prepare for the upcoming NFL season, their commitment to building depth and retaining critical players reflects a strong foundation for success. With O’Connor back and new faces like Reed joining the team, the Lions are gearing up to enhance their performance and hopefully chase a coveted Super Bowl title. The strategic signings and retention of key players stem from a desire to maintain stability, while new players seem poised to propel the squad to even greater heights.
