Starting Monday at noon, teams are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents. At 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, the new league year begins and with it the official start of free agency where those deals can be signed.
It's the first opportunity for Lions general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell to address roster needs.
The Lions still have some work to do freeing up more salary cap space so they can pursue their targets in free agency, but Holmes will make sure they have enough room to cover free agency and any possible extensions for current players coming down the line.
With free agency less than a week away, here's a look at five of Detroit's biggest needs heading into the new league year:
1. CENTER
The Lions released starting center Graham Glasgow earlier this week. Holmes said moving right guard Tate Ratledge to center is still an option when speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The good thing for Detroit is this is a good free-agent center class led by Baltimore's Tyler Linderbaum, who is expected to set a new salary market at the position. Detroit might not have the resources to make that kind of play at the position, but other veterans like Connor McGovern (Buffalo), Cade Mays (Carolina), Ethan Pocic (Cleveland), Tyler Biadasz (Washington) or others could step in and stabilize the position for years to come.
Top free agents: Linderbaum, McGovern, Mays, Pocic, Biadasz
Top draft prospects: Sam Hecht (Kansas State), Jake Slaughter (Florida), Trey Zuhn III (Texas A&M), Connor Lew (Auburn), Logan Jones (Iowa)
View photos of the offensive linemen at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Memphis offensive lineman Chris Adams (01) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Florida offensive lineman Austin Barber (02) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Northwestern offensive lineman Evan Beerntsen (03) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Miami offensive lineman Markel Bell (04) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas A&M offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (05) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Boston College offensive lineman Jude Bowry (06) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Alabama offensive lineman Parker Brailsford (07) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kentucky offensive lineman Joshua Braun (08) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Memphis offensive lineman Travis Burke (09) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kentucky offensive lineman Jager Burton (10) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas offensive lineman DJ Campbell (11) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Arkansas offensive lineman Fernando Carmona (12) lifts weights at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Boise State offensive lineman Kage Casey (13) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indiana offensive lineman Pat Coogan (14) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Miami offensive lineman Anez Cooper (15) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas A&M offensive lineman Dametrious Crownover (16) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kansas offensive lineman Enrique Cruz Jr. (17) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Illinois offensive lineman J.C. Davis (18) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ucla offensive lineman Garrett DiGiorgio (19) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker (20) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Wake Forest offensive lineman Fa'alili Fa'amoe (21) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano (22) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kentucky offensive lineman Jalen Farmer (23) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (24) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (24) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oregon offensive lineman Alex Harkey (26) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kansas State offensive lineman Sam Hecht (27) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Maryland offensive lineman Alan Herron (28) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (29) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Penn State offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane (30) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Iowa offensive lineman Logan Jones (31) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn offensive lineman Connor Lew (32) lifts weights at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Utah offensive lineman Caleb Lomu (33) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (35) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia offensive lineman Micah Morris (36) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Febechi Nwaiwu (37) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Duke offensive lineman Brian Parker II (38) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi offensive lineman Diego Pounds (39) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oregon offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon (40) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (41) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas A&M offensive lineman Ar'maj Reed-Adams (42) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama offensive lineman Jaeden Roberts (43) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge (44) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Notre Dame offensive lineman Billy Schrauth (45) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Penn State offensive lineman Drew Shelton (46) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Florida offensive lineman Jake Slaughter (47) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Iowa offensive lineman Beau Stephens (48) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Boston College offensive lineman Logan Taylor (49) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Northwestern offensive lineman Caleb Tiernan (50) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Missouri offensive lineman Keagen Trost (51) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn offensive lineman Dillon Wade (52) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Notre Dame offensive lineman Aamil Wagner (53) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Washington offensive lineman Carver Willis (54) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (56) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas A&M offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III (57) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
2. EDGE RUSHER
Detroit had a nice duo on the edge last season in Aidan Hutchinson (14.5 sacks) and Al-Quadin Muhammad (11.0), but Muhammad is headed toward free agency and Detroit could look to add a younger veteran to the mix to pair with Hutchinson for the foreseeable future. The Lions had solid sack totals in 2026 (49) but their pass rush win rate of 32 percent was near the bottom of the league.
Detroit should be a desired location for a veteran pass rusher who will have the opportunity to play opposite Hutchinson with all the one-on-one opportunities that could provide.
There's a nice mix of established veteran pass rushers and youngsters looking to cash in on their second contracts in this year's free-agent market at EDGE. There's a size, style and experience level for just about any team looking to add a pass rusher along their defensive line this offseason.
Top free agents: Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati), Jaelan Phillips (Philadelphia), Odafe Oweh (Los Angeles Chargers), Boye Mafe (Seattle), Joey Bosa (Buffalo)
Top draft prospects: David Bailey (Texas Tech), Arvell Reese (Ohio State), Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami), Akheem Mesidor (Miami), Keldric Faulk (Auburn)
3. TACKLE
Veteran left tackle Taylor Decker, 32, announced last week he intends to play an 11th season in 2026. While that lessens the immediate need at the position for the Lions, Detroit still needs to start thinking long-term at the position as well as the swing tackle role for 2026. Competition is never a bad thing, even among veterans.
This isn't as strong a free-agent tackle class as we've seen in past years, but there are some veteran options who would be an upgrade at the swing tackle spot and give the team a veteran reserve option with experience. Detroit is still hopeful former third-round pick Giovanni Manu can develop into a contributor, but making him compete and earn that role is best for everyone.
Top free agents: Rasheed Walker (Green Bay), Jermaine Eluemunor (New York Giants), Braden Smith (Indianapolis), Jawaan Taylor (Kansas City), Braxton Jones (Chicago)
Top draft prospects: Francis Mauigoa (Miami), Spencer Fano (Utah), Monroe Freeling (Georgia), Caleb Lomu (Utah), Blake Miller (Clemson)
View photos of the defensive backs at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
North Carolina defensive back Marcus Allen (02) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oregon defensive back Jadon Canady (03) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina defensive back Brandon Cisse (04) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Bud Clark (33) participates in the Broad Jump at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Gregory Payan/AP Content Services for NFL)
Washington defensive back Tacario Davis (05) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Stephen F. Austin defensive back Charles Demmings (07) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
North Carolina defensive back Thaddeus Dixon (08) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia defensive back Daylen Everette (09) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Southern California defensive back Bishop Fitzgerald (35) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Toledo defensive back Andre Fuller (10) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
LSU defensive back A.J. Haulcy (36) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (14) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State defensive back Davison Igbinosun (15) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama defensive back Domani Jackson (16) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (17) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Arizona defensive back Dalton Johnson (38) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
South Carolina defensive back Jalon Kilgore (39) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Texas A&M defensive back Will Lee III (18) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
California defensive back Hezekiah Masses (19) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Houston defensive back Latrell McCutchin Sr. (21) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Toledo defensive back Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (40) participates in the Broad Jump at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Gregory Payan/AP Content Services for NFL)
Florida defensive back Devin Moore (22) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indiana defensive back Louis Moore (41) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
SMU defensive back Ahmaad Moses (42) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Texas defensive back Malik Muhammad (23) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Arkansas defensive back Julian Neal (24) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Iowa defensive back Xavier Nwankpa (43) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Kansas State defensive back VJ Payne (44) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Indiana defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (25) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Missouri defensive back Toriano Pride Jr. (26) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Washington defensive back Ephesians Prysock (27) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Southern California defensive back Kamari Ramsey (45) participates in the Broad Jump at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Gregory Payan/AP Content Services for NFL)
Duke defensive back Chandler Rivers (28) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Nebraska defensive back DeShon Singleton (46) participates in the Broad Jump at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Gregory Payan/AP Content Services for NFL)
Toledo defensive back Avery Smith (30) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Arizona defensive back Genesis Smith (47) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Oklahoma defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (48) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes (49) participates in the Broad Jump at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Gregory Payan/AP Content Services for NFL)
Ohio State defensive back Lorenzo Styles Jr. (50) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Texas defensive back Michael Taaffe (51) prepares to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Clemson defensive back Avieon Terrell (31) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman (52) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Miami defensive back Jakobe Thomas (53) goes through drills and testing at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Penn State defensive back Zakee Wheatley (54) participates in the Broad Jump at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Gregory Payan/AP Content Services for NFL)
Stanford defensive back Collin Wright (32) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
4. CORNERBACK
Detroit's big free agent move last offseason was signing cornerback D.J. Reed, who returns to anchor the cornerback room. Third-year cornerback Terrion Arnold has played well in stretches and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has a lot of faith in him, but injuries were part of his story in 2025.
Can former second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. get past the injuries that have plagued him his first two seasons and compete for a role either on the outside or in the slot? Detroit could stand to add both veteran experience and young talent to that room to foster competition and improve depth.
Top free agents: Jamel Dean (Tampa Bay), Jaylen Watson (Kansas City), Tariq Woolen (Seattle), Rasul Douglas (Miami), Nahshon Wright (Chicago)
Top draft prospects: Mansoor Delane (LSU), Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), Colton Hood (Tennessee), Avieon Terrell (Alabama), Brandon Cisse (South Carolina)
5. SAFETY
This time last year the Lions were sitting pretty at safety with Kerby Joseph coming off an All-Pro season after leading the NFL in interceptions and Brian Branch named to his first Pro Bowl as they formed arguably the best safety duo in the NFL. What a difference a year makes.
Joseph is now dealing with a knee issue that forced him to miss 11 games last season and will likely have to be managed moving forward.
"We've been treating him. He's done a few things. We're in a position now to where we're slowly working him back," Campbell said at the Combine. "What is this going to look like? How is this going to feel? Call it a month from now. We'll have a lot better idea.
"Is this something where he's going to be able to handle what he's going to feel like, or can we get it stable enough or can we get enough strength? It's all of those things."
Branch tore his Achilles in a Week 14 matchup against the Cowboys and will likely miss the first couple months of the season. Branch is also entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Thomas Harper stepped in and did a nice job in a reserve role last season. He's back in 2026. Second-year safety Dan Jackson is also back after missing his entire rookie season due to injury. It's still a spot Detroit could stand to add some depth either in free agency or the draft.
Top free agents: Coby Bryant (Seattle), Bryan Cook (Kansas City), Kamren Curl (Los Angeles Rams), Nick Cross (Indianapolis), Jaquan Brisker (Chicago)
Top draft prospects: Caleb Downs (Ohio State), Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) Dillon Thienemann (Oregon), A.J. Haulcy (LSU), Jalon Kilgore (South Carolina)
