The Detroit Lions have already had a lot of action during the free agency period. Cornerback D.J. Reed was the biggest signing of the group when the two sides agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract during the NFL’s legal tampering window and Detroit has spent most of the days since retaining some of their own players including defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike and linebacker Derrick Barnes.
But while the Lions have brought some talent in, they’ve also seen some players leave. Carlton Davis agreed to a three-year, $60 million deal with the New England Patriots on Monday and other players such as offensive guard Kevin Zeitler and cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu have already changed addresses.
That process continued when the Lions made a series of moves on Wednesday and it left another pair of players on the free agent market.
Lions Elect To Have 2 Players Hit Free Agency
The Lions came to a decision on four exclusive rights free agents (ERFA) on Wednesday, tendering offensive lineman Michael Niese and linebacker Trevor Nowaske and parting ways with offensive lineman Connor Galvin and defensive end Mitchell Agude.
Exclusive rights free agents are players with fewer than three accrued seasons and an expired contract who, if offered a one-year contract by their current team, cannot negotiate with other teams. These negotiations are usually simple as they’re determined by the team’s needs and space on the roster.
Nielse and Nowaske ended up on the right side of the coin, giving the Lions quality depth for next season. Niese played just 35 offensive snaps last year but can play either guard or center. Nowaske has also carved out a role on special teams for Detroit, which is key after Jalen Reeves-Maybin was released earlier this week.
For Galvin and Agude, the odds just didn’t fall in their favor. Galvin missed the entire 2024 season after suffering a torn MCL during the preseason but is lost in the shuffles as Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, Dan Skipper, Colby Sorsdal, Giovanni Manu and Jamarco Jones are all above him on the depth chart.
Agude spent most of last season on the practice squad and was elevated to the active roster late in the season but made just three tackles and a forced fumble on 40 snaps.
It’s the latest move that will help the Lions shape their roster as they look to chase an elusive Super Bowl appearance in 2025.