The NFL offseason tends to fly by after the draft happens, which is the case this spring. Organized team activities (OTAs) are underway around the league as the offseason calendar reaches the end of June, giving unsigned veterans limited time to join new teams before July's training camps begin.
While being unsigned at this stage of the offseason isn't ideal for those free agents, teams like the Detroit Lions can use the situation to their advantage. Veteran FAs are likely willing to accept lesser contracts with June on the horizon, meaning the Lions should take a flyer on an available offensive lineman whose value could exceed his bargain price.
Lions Must Sign Free Agent OL Will Hernandez to Begin June
The Lions lost several key veterans this spring, including starting right guard Kevin Zeitler, who joined the Tennessee Titans on a $9 million contract once free agency opened. Although former 2024 sixth-rounder Christian Mahogany, as well as rookie OLs Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier, could step in to replace Zeitler, that doesn't mean Detroit shouldn't roll the dice on another name.
Thast's where free-agent blocker Will Hernandez comes in.
Hernandez, 29, is a former 2018 second-round pick who began his NFL career with the New York Giants before spending the last three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. The former UTEP product oozes with experience after starting in 91 of his 97 career appearances so far, making him a well-traveled vet whom the Lions' young OLs can learn from.
Although experience can come at a price, the Lions can likely sign Hernandez to a cheaper-than-usual contract due to his injury history. The Las Vegas, NV native has missed 16 games across the last three seasons, and was limited to just five appearances in 2024 due to a season-ending knee injury he suffered against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5.
Even if there are concerns after last season, Hernandez's pre-injury play should at least pique the Lions' interest. The 6-foot-2, 332-pound blocker played to a mark of 74.2 regarding pass protection, as well as a career-best 66.0 run block grade on Pro Football Focus before getting hurt, and picking up from where he left off would help take Detroit's O-line to the next level.
That's without mentioning how Hernandez has experience playing both guard positions, potentially adding another layer of versatility to head coach Dan Campbell's plans.
At the end of the day, a Hernandez signing is a low-risk, high-reward deal that can help the Lions in the long run. Injuries can pop up at any time throughout an NFL season, and having a reliable (and inexpensive) blocker like Hernandez waiting in the wings will make any potential offensive line-related injuries easier to swallow.