Four former Lions who may return to Detroit in free agency this offseason

This article was motivated by a variety of sources. One of them is a group of irrational Detroit Lions fans who are contemplating whether the team should engage in a trade with the Rams in order to secure Matthew Stafford’s return. By the way, that is absolutely not the case.

The other is that Jalen Reeves-Maybin returned to the Lions in 2023 and had an All-Pro season, which prompted me to consider which players could return to Detroit in the upcoming offseason. Therefore, I am currently reinitiating the process for recreational purposes. The following are four former Lions who may return to Detroit in 2025 and the rationale behind their potential return.

KhaDarel Hodge, WR

Hodge’s offensive performance during his tenure with the Lions in 2021 was relatively unremarkable. He was selected to his inaugural Pro Bowl this year as a result of his performance as a gunner on special teams for the Falcons.

That is the area in which Detroit could benefit from his services this year. At present, Khalil Dorsey, their current gunner, is eligible for free agency following a leg injury sustained in December. We are uncertain about the future of the situation; however, we are aware that Hodge is proficient in that position and can also provide assistance on offense. Last year, the Lions were deficient in receiver depth, and this individual has the potential to address that issue, in addition to contributing to special teams. It is worthwhile to investigate.

S Quandre Diggs

Quandre, it is time to return home. The Lions have their starters at safety in Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, and they are expected to resign Ifeatu Melifonwu in free agency. However, given the number of moving parts in the secondary, it would be logical to retain Branch at the nickel position, start Melifonwu, and have Diggs return to Detroit as a backup. It is impossible to envision a Super Bowl victory without this individual.

He may not be the same player he was in Detroit or Seattle, but he still has the potential to play a depth role and plays with the same level of aggression as Dan Campbell and Kelvin Sheppard. Realize it.

CB Mike Hughes

At present, the possibility of Carlton Davis returning to Detroit is uncertain. The Lions are adequately equipped with starters in the event that this does not transpire; however, they could benefit from a truly reliable depth player, and Hughes is that player.

In 2022, he did not have the most successful season with the Lions; however, in 2024, he had a fairly satisfactory season as a starter for the Falcons. In Detroit, he could establish the position that the Lions had hoped Emmanuel Moseley would achieve this year. In a pinch, a rotational player who can flex in and out to serve as a starter. Hughes is also proficient in special teams.

Axis Julian Okwara

Defensive line depth is indispensable, and although Okwara will never be the individual we anticipated upon his graduation from Notre Dame, he demonstrated glimpses of potential as a quality depth player in Detroit and enjoyed a successful season with the Cardinals this year. Although this is unlikely to occur due to the Lions’ intention to conduct a complete renovation of the edge room, it is not a bad idea if they are seeking depth.

The Lions’ hiring of Tashard Choice shows the team’s dedication to the growth of Jahymr Gibbs and the Lions’ dedication to being a run first team