Monday sparked the beginning of a busy opening day for NFL free agency with many big name players and contracts on the move to new places. Let’s recap who the lions added to the roster, and players who signed elsewhere on day 1.
Key Departures:
LB Alex Anzalone has signed a 2 year $17 million dollar deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Anzalone was a vital piece of the culture change in Detroit, as one of the first players to follow Dan Campbell to Detroit in 2021. The linebacker racked up multiple 100+ tackle seasons for Detroit.
CB Amik Robertson signed a 2 year $16 million dollar deal with the Washington Commanders. Robertson was a reliable depth piece in a brutally banged up Lions secondary the past two seasons. Traditionally a nickel/slot corner, he bumped out to play corner for the Lions last season when the Lions lost multiple DBs to injury.
DL Roy Lopez heads to Arizona, joining the Cardinals on a 2 year $11.5 million dollar deal. Lopez was a bright spot for a Lions interior DL that has been banged up and struggled in the past 2 years. Although Lopez only played 1 season in Detroit, he made an impact playing in all 17 games and being a solid presence up the middle in the run game.
Key Additions:
The story of the day for Detroit was adding OL/C Cade Mays from the Carolina Panthers. Mays signed a 3 year 25 million dollar deal today and will presumably play center for Detroit next season. Mays has played guard and center in the past with Carolina in the NFL, as well as with Georgia and Tennessee in college. For Lions fans wondering if this is the next Frank Ragnow the answer would be no, but Mays is a solid piece that should pair nicely with Tate Ratledge at guard. The center market has been hot early in free agency with top candidate Tyler Lindebaum who many thought could be a Lion, signing for $81 million dollars. Mays is a cheaper option, and leaves Detroit with some cap room to go get some help for the defense tomorrow.