The opening weekend of the NFL is already in the rearview mirror, and, if you can believe it, there are still some former Lions on the free-agent market, waiting for employment.
It was a busy offseason for Detroit as Brad Holmes had to construct a roster and make moves that he deemed necessary for a Super Bowl run. Unfortunately, that also meant cutting dead weight. It wasn’t just Holmes making the tough decisions either, as there was one major piece of the puzzle who took himself to free agency, deciding to move on from the Lions altogether.
There are a few prominent former Lions still looking for work.
Who are they?
Taylor Decker
This one might be the most shocking of all former Lions still searching for employment. Taylor Decker got his start for the Lions all the way back in 2016 when he was selected in the first round. The 16th overall pick immediately became the starter at left tackle and was named to the All-Rookie Team.
After his rookie contract expired, he signed a five-year, $70 million extension with Detroit in 2020 and then started every single game that he played in over his Lions career. Unfortunately, that career ended in 2025 when he requested to be released after being asked to take a pay cut.
Since asking for a release and being granted one, Decker has yet to be signed. There are at least a few teams out there who could use his services, but is he asking for too much?
Josh Paschal
Another former high draft pick by the Lions, Josh Paschal was Detroit’s second-rounder in the 2022 NFL Draft. The first-team All-SEC defensive end was expected to help the Lions’ pass rush immediately after an impressive career at Kentucky, but he just couldn’t stay healthy.
Throughout his Lions career, he was always either playing through injury or out with an injury. It felt like he couldn’t stay on the field long enough to really make an impact.
Though he showed some flashes of being that edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, he appeared in just 34 games across four seasons with 62 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and five sacks. If he could have stayed healthy, he would have had a long, successful Detroit tenure, but unfortunately he was cut loose in the offseason. He remains on the market.
Graham Glasgow
There were some Lions fans calling for Detroit to go out and re-sign Graham Glasgow due to all the offensive line injuries that the team had suffered leading up to the season, but Brad Holmes and Co. cut ties for good, it seems.
The third-round pick in 2016, two rounds after Decker, out of Michigan, started most of his career with the Lions until 2020, when he was signed by the Broncos. He spent three seasons there before getting another chance with the Lions in 2023. He was released this offseason and has yet to be signed by a new team.
Could the Lions have used him? Sure, but it doesn’t seem like there will be a third stint. Even though he hasn't officially announced his retirement, chances are that he has already played his final NFL game.
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