2. EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad
Another pass rusher the Lions should consider bringing back is Al-Quadin Muhammad. After being decimated by injuries during the season, Detroit signed Muhammed to the practice squad in October.
Muhammad was eventually promoted to the active roster and played in the final six games of the season. He also lined up in 39 defensive snaps against the Commanders and was among the better defenders on the team that game, receiving a 63.7 PFF grade.
The 29-year-old edge defender finished his Lions tenure with three sacks, four tackles for loss, and five QB hits in 293 defensive snaps.
The Lions currently have Aidan Hutchinson, Josh Paschal, and Marcus Davenport in their EDGE rotation. Two undrafted free agents from last year, Nate Lynn and Isaac Ukwu, are still on the roster, but they are unproven players.
Detroit seriously needs to add more depth and talent to its pass-rush rotation. They will likely make that a priority in the 2025 NFL Draft, but they have to bring back either Za'Darius Smith or Muhammad. Otherwise, it will continue to be an area of weakness for Dan Campbell.
3. LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
One of the more surprising moves of the Lions offseason was releasing Jalen Reeves-Maybin in a cost-cutting decision. Only a year prior, Detroit had signed him to one of the richest special-teams contracts in franchise history, giving him a two-year, $7.5 million extension.
While Reeves-Maybin dealt with injuries and only played in ten games last season, it's obvious that the team values him. It's hard to imagine that head coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes had a drastic change of heart about Reeves-Maybin after one year.
Throughout his career, the 30-year-old has been a stellar special teams player. He has played 82% of special teams snaps in 2023, making his first Pro Bowl, and over 78% of ST snaps last year. Amidst all the Lions' injuries, he increased his defensive role from 8% of snaps a year prior to 24%.
Moreover, Reeves-Maybin is a fan favorite in Detroit. He has been a good team leader and an excellent locker-room presence. He was scheduled to count $4.75 million against the cap next season and the Lions saved $2 million in cap room by his release. It wouldn't be a bad idea to bring him back on a one-year deal with a lower salary.