Scouting Super Bowl LX: Free Agents the Lions Should Have Their Eyes On
As Super Bowl LX kicks off between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, fans in Detroit are watching with a different lens. While the rest of the football world soaks in the final game of the 2025-26 season, Lions fans are already looking ahead - and tonight’s matchup offers one last live look at potential offseason targets.
Let’s break down the unrestricted (and a few restricted) free agents from both Super Bowl rosters who could be on the Lions’ radar this spring.
Quarterback: A Familiar Face in DeVito
Tommy DeVito (Patriots, RFA, PFF grade: 51.3)
DeVito’s name might raise eyebrows, but there’s a connection here worth noting. He has a history with Lions passing game coordinator Mike Kafka, which could make him a depth option if he hits the market.
As a restricted free agent, his price tag could range from $3.5 to $8.1 million - not exactly bargain-bin territory for a QB3. Still, if the Lions want a developmental backup with system familiarity, DeVito could be a name to watch.
Running Back: Big Talent, Bigger Price Tag
Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks)
Walker’s talent is undeniable - he’s explosive, elusive, and ranked as the No. 6 overall free agent by PFF. But his projected deal (three years, $27 million with $20 million guaranteed) likely puts him outside Detroit’s financial comfort zone, especially with David Montgomery still in the picture. Unless the Lions are planning a major shakeup in the backfield, Walker is probably a luxury they can’t afford.
Keaontay Ingram, Craig Reynolds, Ty Johnson
There’s some history here - Johnson was let go by Lions OC Drew Petzing in Arizona, and Reynolds had a stint in Detroit before. While reunions aren’t out of the question (we’ve seen players circle back before), none of these backs project as more than depth pieces.
Wide Receiver: Shaheed Shines, But Not a Fit
Rashid Shaheed (Seahawks, PFF: 66.5)
Dareke Young (Seahawks, PFF: 70.6)
Shaheed has made an impact since arriving in Seattle, earning a top-30 free agent ranking and a projected three-year, $42 million deal. But with Detroit’s wide receiver room fairly locked in, especially at the top, there’s not a clear path for him to carve out a major role. Young, meanwhile, has flashed some potential, but doesn’t project as a significant upgrade over what the Lions already have.
Tight End: Hooper Checks a Lot of Boxes
Austin Hooper (Patriots)
Hooper signed a one-year, $5 million deal with New England last offseason, and that price point could be right in Detroit’s wheelhouse. He’s a savvy veteran with experience in Petzing’s offense and would be a strong candidate to compete for the TE2 role behind Sam LaPorta. With the Lions expected to lean more into 13 personnel (three tight end sets), Hooper would be a valuable addition both on the field and in the locker room.
Offensive Line: Depth Option at Tackle
Josh Jones (Seahawks)
Jones got some late-season starts at left tackle for Seattle and has experience at both tackle and guard. While he struggled after leaving Arizona in 2023, he’s settled into a swing tackle role in Seattle - a role that could be valuable in Detroit. With his training camp experience under Petzing, Jones could be a name to watch for the Lions’ OT3 spot.
Interior Defensive Line: Familiar Face in Tonga
Khyiris Tonga (Patriots, PFF: 70.7)
Tonga backed up Roy Lopez in Arizona in 2024, but found a starting role in New England during the second half of this season. If the Lions lose Lopez or DJ Reader in free agency, Tonga could be a cost-effective rotational option on the interior. He’s not a splashy name, but he brings size and experience in a similar system.
EDGE: Mafe Brings Versatility, Chaisson Brings Juice
Boye Mafe (Seahawks, PFF: 69.2)
K’Lavon Chaisson (Patriots, PFF: 60.3)
Mafe is the more complete player of the two, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 261 pounds. While he’s earned attention for his pass-rush ability, his run defense has quietly become a strength. He played only about half of Seattle’s defensive snaps, but his impact was felt - enough to earn a No. 22 ranking on PFF’s free agent board and a projected three-year, $49 million contract.
Chaisson, on the other hand, is more of a specialist. He racked up a career-high 7.5 sacks this season and played roughly 63% of New England’s defensive snaps, with a heavy lean toward pass-rushing situations. At 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, he’s a bit lighter than Mafe and more one-dimensional, but he could still be a rotational edge option if the Lions are looking to juice up their pass rush.
Linebacker: Thomas Trending Up
Drake Thomas (Seahawks, RFA, PFF: 73.3)
Chazz Surratt (Seahawks, PFF: 50.5)
Thomas went undrafted in 2023 but earned Seattle’s starting WILL linebacker job by Week 4 this season - and never looked back. He’s shown real growth in both run defense and coverage, and his arrow is pointing up. As a restricted free agent, Seattle may not let him get away, but if he does hit the open market, he’s exactly the kind of ascending player the Lions could target.
Surratt, meanwhile, is more of a depth piece and special teamer at this stage.
Cornerback: Familiarity vs. Fit
Josh Jobe (Seahawks, PFF: 55.8)
Tariq Woolen (Seahawks, PFF: 60.1)
Jobe has a history with Lions defensive backs Brian Branch and Terrion Arnold from their time at Alabama, which could make for a smooth transition. He’s been battling for playing time in Seattle and could be a low-cost addition with upside.
Woolen, while talented, isn’t the best fit for Detroit’s man-heavy scheme. Add in his projected three-year, $45 million price tag, and it’s hard to see the Lions making a serious push for him.
Safety: Two Underrated Options
Coby Bryant (Seahawks, PFF: 67.4)
Jaylinn Hawkins (Patriots, PFF: 78.8)
Both Bryant and Hawkins are coming off career-best seasons and have landed on PFF’s top-70 free agent list. Bryant started his career as a nickel corner before transitioning to safety, where he’s found his footing over the past two years. Hawkins, after bouncing around early in his career, has found stability in New England’s defense.
Neither player is a star, but both are solid, starting-caliber safeties who could be intriguing targets if the Lions are looking to bolster the back end of their defense without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
While the Lions won’t be players for every name on the Patriots’ and Seahawks’ free agent lists, there’s no shortage of intriguing options. Whether it’s a veteran tight end like Hooper, an ascending linebacker like Drake Thomas, or a versatile edge rusher like Mafe, tonight’s Super Bowl offers Detroit one last chance to see potential targets in action - and maybe even envision how they’d look in Honolulu blue.