The free agency period officially begins on Monday, with teams being allowed to negotiate with players. Before then, however, teams are making roster moves to get their books in order and set themselves up for free agency. The Detroit Lions made a big signing on Friday by agreeing on a three-year, $25.5 million contract extension with linebacker Derrick Barnes.
The Lions followed that up by re-signing more veteran linebackers. First, they signed Anthony Pittman to a one-year deal, then brought back Ezekiel Turner, according to NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
#Lions sign Ezekiel Turner to one-year contract extension. Veteran special-teams ace stays in Detroit @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 7, 2025
NFL News: Lions Re-Sign Special Teams Ace Ezekiel Turner
Turner was a midseason addition by the Lions during the 2024 campaign. He first signed to the practice squad on November 6 and was promoted to the active roster ten days later amid extensive injuries on the defensive side of the ball. The 28-year-old defender quickly became a special teams ace and an important part of the rotation in Detroit.
The former undrafted free agent spent the first six seasons of his career with the Cardinals, almost exclusively playing on special teams. In Detroit, he played 72% of special teams snaps since joining while also playing 111 defensive snaps in nine games. Against the Commanders in the playoffs, he exclusively played special teams snaps.
The Detroit Lions have been busy in the linebacker room. They are reportedly releasing Jalen Reeves-Maybin, and some fans have been wondering whether Turner is being considered as a Reeves-Maybin replacement. In addition to Turner, Pittman, and Barnes, Detroit still has Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, Abraham Beauplan, and DaRon Gilbert under contract. Rodriguez will be coming back from a torn ACL, and upon his return, the Lions should have a stacked linebacker rotation.
Whether Detroit will keep all eight linebackers on the roster remains to be seen, but this is a good start to the offseason. What the Lions will do with their $51 million in cap space when free agency officially kicks off will be fascinating to watch.