As the NFL title games approach, the Detroit Lions may be watching from home, but that doesn’t mean their offseason plans are on pause. With several potential free agents set to take the field this weekend, there are a few names Lions fans - and more importantly, the front office - should be keeping a close eye on. Detroit is in a position to build on its recent success, and upgrading key areas like the secondary and offensive line could be the difference between a playoff push and a deep postseason run in 2026.
Let’s take a closer look at four players who could be on Detroit’s radar - starting with a cornerback who fits the Lions’ defensive identity to a tee.
CB Riq Woolen - Seattle Seahawks
This one’s hard to miss. Riq Woolen has the size, speed, and coverage chops that would make him a natural fit in Aaron Glenn’s defense.
At 6-foot-4 with elite athleticism, Woolen thrives in man coverage - something the Lions leaned on heavily in 2025. He broke up 12 passes this past season and consistently held his own against top receivers, even if he didn’t rack up interceptions.
The Lions’ secondary showed promise last season, especially with rookie Terrion Arnold flashing elite potential before a shoulder injury derailed his year. Pairing Woolen with Arnold - or D.J. Reed, depending on how Arnold’s rehab progresses - would give Detroit one of the more versatile cornerback duos in the league.
But here’s the catch: Woolen is projected to command around $15.7 million annually. That’s a hefty number, especially with contracts like Alim McNeill’s ($19.8 million guaranteed in 2026) and Taylor Decker’s ($14.9 million base salary) on the books. If Decker retires or the Lions find a way to restructure or move McNeill’s deal, the financial path could open up.
It’s not a small investment, but for a team looking to shore up its pass defense and take the next step, Woolen might be worth the price.
TE Austin Hooper - New England Patriots
This one’s more about depth and insurance than star power. Sam LaPorta’s back injury kept him off the field late in 2025, and while the expectation is that he’ll return healthy, the Lions would be wise to have a reliable Plan B at tight end.
Enter Austin Hooper. At 31, he’s not the Pro Bowl-caliber player he once was, but he’s still a steady veteran presence.
He’s projected to land a modest $2.4 million deal, which fits comfortably within Detroit’s budget. With Hunter Henry firmly entrenched as the Patriots’ TE1, Hooper looks like a likely candidate to hit the open market.
For Detroit, this is about upgrading over Brock Wright, who struggled both as a blocker and a receiving threat down the stretch. Hooper won’t wow anyone, but he can catch, block, and hold the fort if LaPorta needs more time.
EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson - New England Patriots
Chaisson is a name that’s flown under the radar, but he quietly put together a strong 2025 season. The sixth-year edge rusher notched 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 54 total pressures - numbers that suggest he’s finally coming into his own as a disruptive presence off the edge.
For the Lions, who may be moving on from Al-Quadin Muhammad, Chaisson could be a cost-effective complement to Aidan Hutchinson. He’s not going to command top-tier EDGE money, and that’s exactly the kind of value Detroit should be hunting for if they’re not planning a splashy trade.
Chaisson’s game has improved each year, and while he may not be a household name, he plays with the kind of motor and versatility that fits the Lions’ defensive front.
LB Alex Singleton - Denver Broncos
One of the more under-the-radar storylines this offseason is the potential departure of linebacker Alex Anzalone. He’s still viewed as a capable starter, but if he walks, the Lions will need to fill that leadership and production void.
Jack Campbell is already a cornerstone of the linebacker unit, coming off a first-team All-Pro nod in just his second season. But pairing him with a veteran like Alex Singleton could be a smart move.
Singleton racked up 135 tackles for Denver in 2025, along with a sack, a forced fumble, and four passes defended. He’s not flashy, but he’s dependable - the kind of player who brings toughness, experience, and sure tackling to the middle of the field.
At this stage of his career, Singleton won’t break the bank, and he’d offer a stabilizing presence next to Campbell if Anzalone isn’t back in Honolulu blue.
Final Thoughts
The Lions have built a strong foundation, but the next phase of their evolution will come down to smart roster construction. Whether it’s making a splash with someone like Riq Woolen or finding value in veterans like Hooper or Singleton, this offseason presents real opportunities to solidify key areas.
Sunday’s games aren’t just about who punches their ticket to the Super Bowl - they’re also a scouting opportunity for a Lions team that’s not far from being in that conversation themselves.