After a frustrating 9–8 campaign that saw the Detroit Lions fall from Super Bowl favorites to NFC North outsiders, general manager Brad Holmes faces his most pivotal offseason to date. The disappointment of missing the 2025 postseason has clearly sparked a sense of urgency within the front office, as the team looks to move past a year defined by injuries and inconsistency.
Detroit is aggressively hitting the reset button — evidenced by the trade of David Montgomery and the stunning release request from veteran tackle Taylor Decker — in an effort to reload the roster and return to the dominant championship form that defined their 2024 run.
The Lions have already said goodbye to familiar faces, including Alex Anzalone and Montgomery, but they have wasted no time finding replacements. Holmes moved quickly on Monday to solidify the interior of the offensive line, securing center Cade Mays on a three-year, $25 million deal and adding former Dolphins tackle Larry Borom to fill the void left by Decker.
These aggressive early moves, combined with the extra draft capital acquired from the Montgomery trade, suggest Detroit is far from finished in its pursuit of high-impact veterans who can immediately restore the team’s physical identity.
Here is the full free-agent tracker for the Lions.
MORE NFL FREE AGENCY: Live tracker | Team-by-team grades | Best players available
Lions free agency rumors, news, updates
Lions sign C Cade Mays
- Date: March 9
- Source: Tom Pelissero
The Lions have found their replacement for Graham Glasgow, agreeing to terms with center Cade Mays on a three-year, $14 million deal. Mays, who recently served as a reliable starter for the Panthers and allowed zero sacks through over 700 snaps last season, provides Detroit with a cost-effective solution in the middle of the offensive line.
His arrival likely keeps Tate Ratledge at guard and ensures Jared Goff has a proven veteran snapping him the ball as the team looks to rebuild its front five following Taylor Decker’s release request.
Lions sign OT Larry Borom
- Date: March 9
- Source: Tom Pelissero
Detroit continued to overhaul its offensive line by agreeing to a contract with former Dolphins and Bears tackle Larry Borom. Borom brings much-needed veteran depth and starting experience to a unit currently in flux following the departure of Taylor Decker. While the exact financial terms have not yet been disclosed, Borom is expected to compete for a significant role on the edges as the Lions prioritize pass protection for the 2026 season
Lions free agency signings
- Lions sign C Cade Mays to three-year, $25 million deal
- Lions sign OT Larry Borom to free-agent deal
Lions completed trades
- Lions trade RB David Montgomery to Texans for OL Juice Scruggs, a 2026 fourth-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round pick.

1 hour ago
2
English (US)