This page lists all the 2025 NFL Signings for the Detroit Lions. I’ve listed all of the NFL Free Agent Signing Grades here, which included the Signings. Because I’ve begun posting polls for the Signings, I thought it would make sense to list just the NFL Signings here, so archiving the voting would be easier.
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- Total Signings: 6
- Average Grade: A- (90.3)
April 2025 – Signings
Lions re-sign S Kerby Joseph (4 years, $68 million): A- Grade
signed on 4/23/2025
Kerby Joseph may not be a household name, but he certainly played like one last year. He was terrific, securing nine interceptions. He was one of the top safeties in the NFL, and now he’ll be paid like the best with this contract that’s worth $21.5 million per season.
Joseph is an outstanding player, and he isn’t even 25 yet. The 24-year-old former third-round pick deserved this sort of contract. I can’t quite grade it as an “A” because it’s no bargain, but the Lions did well to secure such a bright, young talent.
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March 2025 – Signings
Lions sign NT Roy Lopez (1 year, $3.5 million): B Grade
signed on 3/18/2025
Roy Lopez is a nose tackle who is mediocre against the run who doesn’t offer much as a pass rusher. He figures to be a decent depth player, so it makes sense for the Lions to sign someone like him, given the insane number of injuries they endured last year.
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Lions re-sign WR Tim Patrick (1 year, $4 million): A+ Grade
signed on 3/14/2025
Tim Patrick continues to be criminally underrated. Patrick was a great addition to the Lions last year, as he was obtained cheaply and out-produced the compensation. He’s not the same receiver he once was now that he’s 31, but he’s a reliable tertiary threat for Jared Goff who will continue to play at a very cheap price.
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Lions sign DT Levi Onwuzurike (1 year, $5.5 million): A+ Grade
signed on 3/12/2025
Based on other contracts we’ve seen, I’m shocked that Levi Onwuzurike didn’t get a massive deal. Onwuzurike doesn’t have much experience, but that can be said of some of the other highly paid defensive tackles. Onwuzurike played well last year, particularly in regard to pressuring the quarterback. He’s 27, so he still has room for growth. I love this 1-year “prove it” deal.
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Lions sign CB D.J. Reed (3 years, $48 million): A Grade
signed on 3/10/2025
It’s interesting that Aaron Glenn has gone from the Lions to the Jets, while D.J. Reed is making the opposite move. Reed will be playing for the Lions for the next three years, but won’t have Glenn coaching him.
This is a key signing for Detroit. Carlton Davis just left the team, so a replacement at cornerback was sorely needed. Reed is even better than Davis, so Detroit is making an upgrade at a very reasonable price. I love this move.
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Lions re-sign ILB Derrick Barnes (3 years, $25.5 million): B Grade
signed on 3/7/2025
Derrick Barnes had a great start to his 2024 season when disaster struck. He suffered torn ligaments in his knee and was knocked out for the year. He, as well as several other injured Lions, were sorely missed down the stretch.
Barnes should be 100 percent or close to it by the start of the new league year. This is a fair deal for him, as he’ll continue to be stout in the middle of the field, particularly when it comes to run support.
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