As the 2025 NFL offseason approaches, the Detroit Lions are at a crossroads. After a decade of struggling to find stability and success, the team has shown real promise under head coach Dan Campbell, with a growing core of talented players leading the charge. With their window of opportunity opening wider, Detroit will need to make strategic decisions regarding which players to retain in order to continue their upward trajectory. The 2025 free agent class is stacked with key contributors to the Lions’ recent success, and the front office must prioritize which players to re-sign based on both their on-field impact and long-term potential.
Here’s a ranking of the Lions’ 2025 free agents, from the most important to re-sign to those who could be expendable.
1. Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR)
Position: Wide Receiver
Age in 2025: 23
Importance: 10/10
Amon-Ra St. Brown is not just one of the best players on the Detroit Lions, but also one of the most underrated wide receivers in the NFL. After entering the league as a fourth-round pick in 2021, St. Brown quickly established himself as Jared Goff’s go-to target and one of the league’s most reliable pass catchers. By 2025, he will likely be entering his prime years, and keeping him in Detroit is absolutely essential for the Lions’ long-term success.
St. Brown’s unique combination of route-running precision, reliable hands, and ability to make plays in critical moments makes him one of the best young wideouts in the league. He consistently leads the team in receiving yards, touchdowns, and receptions, and with a top-tier quarterback like Goff, keeping St. Brown in the fold ensures a continued high-powered offense. Losing him would not only create a major hole in the receiving corps but would also set back the team’s offensive development.
Given the rise of St. Brown’s national profile and the potential for him to become one of the NFL’s top wide receivers, the Lions cannot afford to let him hit the open market. Locking him up long-term is a must.
2. Jared Goff (QB)
Position: Quarterback
Age in 2025: 30
Importance: 9/10
Though there were questions surrounding Jared Goff’s future in Detroit after he was traded from Los Angeles, the former No. 1 overall pick has found a home in Detroit and turned the offense into one of the most efficient in the NFL. Goff’s leadership, poise under pressure, and ability to deliver the football with accuracy make him a key piece of the puzzle for the Lions’ offensive success.
At 30 years old, Goff is likely entering the second half of his career, but he’s shown that he can still play at a high level. The Lions’ offense functions best with Goff under center, as he provides stability and experience to an offense with plenty of young, emerging stars. With the rise of players like St. Brown and the acquisition of talented running backs, re-signing Goff ensures that Detroit has continuity at the most important position on the field.
While there may be temptation to explore the quarterback market in the future, Goff’s performance in 2024 and his fit in Detroit’s system make him a priority to keep in the fold for the foreseeable future.
3. David Montgomery (RB)
Position: Running Back
Age in 2025: 27
Importance: 8/10
After a strong first year with the Lions in 2023, David Montgomery proved to be a valuable piece of the offense in 2024, serving as a steady, hard-nosed ball-carrier with excellent vision and the ability to move the chains in crucial moments. As the lead back in the Lions’ two-back system alongside Jahmyr Gibbs, Montgomery has showcased a physical running style that works perfectly in Detroit’s power-run game.
Montgomery is more than just a bruising runner—his ability to contribute in the passing game and his overall versatility make him a significant asset in an offense that features both a strong running game and dynamic passing attack. While the Lions’ backfield also features the electric Jahmyr Gibbs, who may take over as the primary option in future seasons, Montgomery’s leadership and consistency are vital to the team’s short-term success. Given the relatively short shelf life of running backs and Montgomery’s solid start in Detroit, re-signing him should be a priority to maintain a strong ground game in 2025.
4. James Houston (OLB)
Position: Outside Linebacker
Age in 2025: 26
Importance: 8/10
James Houston has been a revelation for the Lions as a pass rusher, and his development into one of the team’s top defensive playmakers has been one of the most exciting storylines in recent seasons. Houston’s relentless motor, ability to bend around the edge, and knack for getting to the quarterback make him a difference-maker on Detroit’s defense.
While the Lions have several promising young pieces on defense, Houston’s ability to impact the game as a pass rusher has been invaluable. His sack numbers have been impressive, and he has the kind of explosive athleticism that can disrupt offenses. The Lions will need to continue to build their defense around players like Houston, who provide both short-term impact and long-term upside. Re-signing him will ensure that Detroit’s pass rush remains formidable as they continue to contend for NFC North titles and playoff berths.
5. Kalif Raymond (WR)
Position: Wide Receiver
Age in 2025: 30
Importance: 7/10
Kalif Raymond has been an unsung hero for the Lions in the passing game, providing a reliable target in the slot and as a deep threat. His speed and ability to stretch the field have complemented the more traditional playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and made Detroit’s offense even more difficult to defend. While Raymond may not have the high-profile production of St. Brown, his ability to create mismatches and serve as a versatile weapon is highly valuable.
Though Raymond is not as essential as St. Brown, re-signing him would provide depth to an already talented receiving corps and keep the offense potent. Given that he can still be a key contributor on special teams as well, it would be wise for the Lions to retain him for continuity’s sake.
6. C.J. Gardner-Johnson (S)
Position: Safety
Age in 2025: 27
Importance: 7/10
C.J. Gardner-Johnson made an immediate impact when he joined the Lions, bringing leadership, ball skills, and toughness to the secondary. His versatility allows him to play both safety spots and even in the slot, providing the Lions with a dynamic playmaker in the defensive backfield. His ability to create turnovers and be a disruptive force is a valuable asset in Detroit’s defense.
While the Lions have other pieces in the secondary, Gardner-Johnson’s impact has been undeniable, and re-signing him would solidify the defensive backfield. That said, the Lions have depth at safety and could address the position in the draft or through free agency, which may make it a tougher decision for the front office to retain him.
7. John Cominsky (DE)
Position: Defensive End
Age in 2025: 29
Importance: 6/10
John Cominsky has been a solid contributor on the Lions’ defensive line, providing depth and versatility as both an edge rusher and interior player. His ability to contribute in multiple positions along the line makes him a useful piece for the defense, but his impact hasn’t been as significant as some of the other key free agents.
While Cominsky’s experience and flexibility are valuable, the Lions may look to bolster their defensive line through the draft or in free agency, making his return somewhat less of a priority.
8. Jack Fox (P)
Position: Punter
Age in 2025: 29
Importance: 6/10
Jack Fox has been one of the best punters in the NFL, consistently pinning opponents deep in their own territory and providing valuable field position for the Lions. Though punters are often overlooked in free agency discussions, Fox’s excellence is important for a team that relies on strong special teams play.
Re-signing Fox should be a priority, but considering the relatively lower cost of punters and the ability to find solid replacements, his importance is somewhat lower than that of the other key contributors on the roster.
9. Cameron Sutton (CB)
Position: Cornerback
Age in 2025: 30
Importance: 5/10
Cameron Sutton has been a steady veteran presence in the secondary for the Lions, but with his age and the emergence of younger corners like Jeff Okudah, Sutton’s future in Detroit could be up in the air. While his leadership and experience have been valuable, the Lions may look to focus on younger cornerbacks as they continue to develop their defense.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions’ 2025 free agent class features several key players, each of whom plays a crucial role in the team’s continued success. Retaining Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jared Goff, and James Houston should be the highest priorities, as these players represent the core of both the offense and defense moving forward. While others like David Montgomery and C.J. Gardner-Johnson are also vital contributors, the Lions have the depth and flexibility to make strategic decisions based on the team’s long
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