The Detroit Lions made it a top offseason priority to retain as many key contributors as possible from a season ago. Despite disappointing in the postseason, the Lions believed that the injuries played a huge part in their defensive collapse down the stretch, and bringing back the same core of players gave them the best chance of contending in the 2025 season.
That doesn't mean, however, that there weren't any significant changes to the roster. Carlton Davis was replaced by DJ Reed, and Za'Darius Smith and Jalen Reeves-Maybin remain unsigned in free agency. On Tuesday, the Lions made another addition on the defensive side of the ball. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Detroit was adding veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham.
Lions Add LB Zach Cunningham Ahead of OTAs
After a successful four-season stint with the Houston Texans, Cunningham has been bouncing around the league since he was waived in December 2021. He spent 1.5 seasons with the Titans before joining the Eagles in 2023 and the Broncos in 2024. Last year in Denver, Cunningham registered four tackles in seven games, only appearing in 15 defensive snaps.
The former second-round pick was an important part of the Texans defense earlier in his career, leading the league in tackles in 2020. He earned himself a four-year, $58 million deal, but wasn't able to finish that contract in Houston. Now at 30 years old, Cunningham is looking to find a long-term home that would allow him to compete for a Super Bowl.
The Detroit Lions kick off their offseason program with the OTAs on Wednesday. This will give the coaching staff a chance to take a closer look at Cunningham and make that determination about the linebacker rotation in the 53-man roster before the season.
The veteran defender could eventually find himself on the practice squad looking in, but last season in Detroit was proof that you need competent veterans as depth pieces. The Lions had to rely on unproven players, especially at the linebacker position, after injuries to Derrick Barnes, Alex Anzalone, and Malcolm Rodriguez throughout the season. The Cunningham addition could at least provide some insurance in case of a repeat of last year.