The Detroit Lions: A Dominant Defense in the Making
The Detroit Lions, a team that captured the spotlight as Super Bowl LIX favorites for much of the 2024 season, saw their aspirations derailed by a series of injuries on the defensive line. Despite boasting one of the most well-constructed rosters in the NFL, the injury setbacks eventually hampered their momentum. The Philadelphia Eagles, on the other hand, clinched the championship with a historically dominant defensive performance. As the Lions look to reload for 2025, Alex Kay of Bleacher Report suggests they could emulate the Eagles’ success by making a strategic move in free agency.
A Strategic Move: Milton Williams to Detroit
Kay projects that the Lions will sign Eagles star defensive tackle Milton Williams, who is set to become one of the top free agents available. Williams, known for his rising talent as an interior pass rusher, could command a market value of up to $15 million per year. While Williams has been crucial to the Eagles’ success, the team’s financial constraints and other pressing needs make it challenging for them to meet his demands. For the Lions, signing Williams would not only bolster a defensive line that struggled due to injuries but also provide a formidable pairing with elite edge defender Aidan Hutchinson, enhancing their chances of contending for more Super Bowls.
Market Value and Financial Considerations
The Lions have already made significant investments in their defensive line. They drafted Alim McNeill in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, just before Williams, and recently extended McNeill’s contract to a four-year, $97 million deal. This substantial investment gives a sense of the market value for a player of Williams’ caliber. Kay projects a four-year, $50 million contract for Williams, with an annual salary of $12.5 million. However, given Williams’ potential and the current market trends, he could easily command closer to $20 million per year in average annual value (AAV).
Balancing the Roster: Internal and External Options
The question remains whether the Lions would be willing to invest such a significant amount in another defensive tackle, especially with superstar edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson due for a record-setting extension in the near future. Detroit could explore cheaper internal options, such as Levi Onwuzurike, whom Spotrac projects to receive around $4.5 million per year on his next deal. Balancing the roster while staying within budget constraints will be a critical task for the Lions’ front office.
The Eagles’ Dilemma: Prioritizing Extensions and Free Agency
The Eagles face a challenging financial situation, with key defensive players like EDGE Josh Sweat and linebacker Zack Baun also up for new contracts. Philadelphia already ranks near the top in real cash spending for 2025, making it highly unlikely that owner Jeffrey Lurie will approve the guaranteed money required to retain all their free agents. The Eagles are expected to make concessions, potentially with an eye on securing a 2026 compensatory pick. With capable backups like Moro Ojomo and Thomas Booker the IV, the assumption is that Williams will leave and sign a more lucrative deal elsewhere.
A Bright Future for the Lions
If the Lions can secure Williams, they will solidify their defensive line and position themselves as serious contenders for future championships. Detroit’s Super Bowl window remains open, and the addition of a high-impact player like Williams could be the catalyst they need to achieve their goals. The Lions, with their strategic approach and deep roster, are well-positioned to make a significant impact in the 2025 season and beyond.
