The Detroit Lions currently have 13 unrestricted free agents that are free to sign with other teams.
As news floods in about all of the trades, signings, and visits around the league, it’s hard to keep track of where these former Lions are headed next.
EDGE Austin Bryant‘s name has not appeared in any headlines as of yet. The 2019 fourth-round pick was benched last season in favor of Julian Okwara and rookie James Houston.
Wide receiver DJ Chark has drawn interest from several teams, including the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants and Carolina Panthers. While he is still expected to test the market, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reported that there is a chance that Chark returns as a Lion in 2023.
Nothing official by any means yet, but with the slow-developing WR market, it does sound like DJ Chark and the Lions could be a thing again in 2023.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 17, 2023
Cornerback Mike Hughes is reported to have a visit scheduled with the Atlanta Falcons. The versatile cornerback had six starts for the Lions at both the outside and nickel positions.
Cornerback Mike Hughes is making a free agency visit to the #Falcons over the weekend, per source.
The former first-round pick could reunite with assistant head coach Jerry Gray, who coached Hughes in Minnesota.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 17, 2023
Running back Justin Jackson has not garnered any interest so far in free agency. He did well as Detroit’s third running back last season.
Offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer is another exclusive-rights free agent who the Lions opted not to bring back. He was sidelined with a back injury for the entirety of the 2022 season, so his health may be a factor into why he has not re-signed. As an undrafted rookie in 2021, he provided reliable depth for the interior offensive line.
Safety C.J. Moore excitedly rejoined the Lions mid-season after spending some time with the Houston Texans. He was the heart and soul of Detroit’s special teams unit and will likely be looking for that role elsewhere. He recently met with the New England Patriots, who recent signed fellow former Lions special teamer Chris Board.
C.J. Moore, who has spent the last 4 seasons with the Lions as a core special teams player, had a free-agent visit with the Patriots on Friday. Moore, who was the personal protector on Detroit’s punt team, initially joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 17, 2023
Cornerback Amani Oruwariye was once thought to be a sure starter for the Lions. Instead, he rode the bench for most of 2022 and entered free agency without any suitors. He has not been linked to any teams yet in free agency.
Cornerback Bobby Price was not tendered as a restricted free agent and is now free to sign with any team. He suffered a knee injury in 2022 and will likely need to wait until he’s cleared before signing with a team. Birkett also reported that Price will be in the Detroit area for a checkup on his knee.
Quarterback Nate Sudfeld was the lone backup for Jared Goff last season and now will test the free agent market. He also has no noteworthy news so far in free agency.
Offensive lineman Dan Skipper was a feel-good story for the Lions as he performed well as a starter in place of the injured Jonah Jackson. He is yet another free agent in Detroit who has not met with any teams in the past few days.
Linebacker Josh Woods was a team captain and special teams ace last season. He has no ties to any other teams at this time.
