This page lists all the 2026 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.
For updates follow me @walterfootball
🏈 2026 NFL Free Agent Signing Grades by Team (Synced 3.23.26)
- Total Signings: 6
- Average Grade: B+ (89.7)
March 2026 – Signings
Lions sign WR Greg Dortch: B+ Grade
signed on 3/18/2026
Greg Dortch hasn’t been an overwhelming producer in the NFL, but he’s had some nice moments. This seems like a quality signing for the Lions, as Dortch is familiar with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s scheme, having played under Petzing in Arizona. Dortch doesn’t have a clear role at the moment, but he provides some fine insurance in the slot if Amon-Ra St. Brown were to suffer an injury.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Lions sign DE D.J. Wonnum (1 year, $6 million): A Grade
signed on 3/17/2026
Charlie Campbell reported at the combine that the Lions were interested in Keldric Faulk at No. 17 overall. Detroit wants a bookend for Aidan Hutchinson. The team managed to acquire one, albeit for what appears to be for the short term.
D.J. Wonnum was a fantastic edge rusher for the Vikings prior to 2024. He didn’t do as much in Carolina the past two years, but dealt with injuries. At 28, he could return to full strength and be a great threat on the other side of Hutchinson. If not, then the Lions won’t stand to lose much.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Lions sign CB Roger McCreary (1 year): B Grade
signed on 3/13/2026
Roger McCreary was once a starting slot cornerback for the Titans. That changed last year when he was moved to the Rams. McCreary barely played in Los Angeles, so it’s not a surprise that he was available for a mere 1-year contract.
The Lions are in desperate need of defensive back depth, so this signing makes sense. McCreary, 26, can be a quality depth piece in Detroit’s secondary at a cheap price, so it’s hard to criticize this move.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Lions re-sign LB Malcolm Rodriguez (1 year): A+ Grade
signed on 3/10/2026
The Lions lost Alex Anzalone, so they absolutely had to keep Malcolm Rodriguez. They managed to do so, as Rodriguez was another obvious candidate for a 1-year “prove it” deal.
Rodriguez was a stout linebacker in 2024, particularly when it came to stopping the run. However, he was out for most of 2025 with an injury. He needs to show that he can remain healthy, hence this sort of a contract. The Lions will get Rodriguez at his best effort as he attempts to showcase why he’s worthy of a huge deal.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Lions sign RB Isiah Pacheco (1 year): B+ Grade
signed on 3/10/2026
The Lions lost David Montgomery, so they weren’t going to go into season with Jahmyr Gibbs as the only viable back on the roster. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Lions ended up adding a running back in Round 2-4 because of how much they love to run the ball.
Pacheco seems like an insurance policy in case the Lions can’t find a running back they like in that range. He’s a cheap signing who might be able to rebound to pre-2024 form. Pacheco was a rock-solid back until injuries derailed his career. He’s been putrid since, but perhaps being two years removed from his major injury could allow him to revert to his previous ability. If not, then the Lions aren’t really risking anything.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
Lions sign C Cade Mays (3 years, $25 million): A Grade
signed on 3/9/2026
The Lions already had their work cut out for them this offseason concerning fixing their offensive line. Jared Goff took nearly 40 sacks in 2025, so multiple offensive linemen were needed. Then, Taylor Decker departed, giving Detroit yet another hole up front.
This signing is a great start to repair the front. Frank Ragnow was sorely missed last year, but Cade Mays could be a decent replacement. He pass protected very well for the Panthers this past season. He was added to a deal worth less than $10 million per year, so this is a win for Detroit.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
