With Super Bowl LIX set to take place in New Orleans, 30 teams are now in full offseason mode, including the Detroit Lions. Free agency is just weeks away, and Detroit is looking for ways to take the next step after their deep playoff run.
Thanks to a strong financial position—ranking in the top 10 in available cap space—the Lions have the flexibility to be active in free agency. While they have several internal free agents to evaluate, they are well-positioned to add talent. However, Detroit has shown a preference for making calculated moves, prioritizing players who not only meet on-field needs but also align with the team’s culture.
Players coming off a Super Bowl appearance often have an added appeal, given their experience in high-stakes games. With that in mind, here are five free agents from the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs who could be of interest to the Lions.
1. Jack Driscoll – Offensive Lineman, Eagles
Driscoll won’t be suiting up for the Super Bowl due to an ankle injury that landed him on injured reserve before the playoffs. He has primarily served as a backup but has experience at multiple positions along the offensive line. His versatility could make him an intriguing depth option for Detroit.
Lions Connections to Super Bowl LIX Teams
Many Lions fans are still dealing with the sting of their playoff exit against the Washington Commanders, but some might find a reason to tune into the Super Bowl given the ties Detroit has to both participating teams.
Former Lions with the Eagles
Darius Slay (CB): A second-round pick by Detroit in 2013, Slay earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and a First-Team All-Pro honor before being traded to Philadelphia in 2020. He recently hinted that 2025 might be his final season and expressed his deep appreciation for Detroit, calling it his “second home.”
C.J. Gardner-Johnson (S): His lone season with the Lions in 2023 was disrupted by injury, limiting him to just six games. While some Detroit fans may still support him, others may have been put off by his recent critical remarks about the Lions organization.
Charles Harris (DE): After a solid 2021 season in Detroit, injuries derailed his production. He spent time with Carolina before landing on Philadelphia’s practice squad.
Kellen Moore (OC): Best known for his time as Boise State’s quarterback, Moore started his NFL career with the Lions before transitioning into coaching. He is set to become the head coach of the New Orleans Saints following the Super Bowl.
Jeremiah Washburn (Defensive Coach): The Eagles’ outside linebackers coach got his start with Detroit, where he worked with the offensive line from 2009-2015.
Jordan Dizon (National Scout): A former Lions linebacker who transitioned into scouting, Dizon now works in Philadelphia’s front office.
Kyle Valero (Offensive Assistant): Valero previously spent time as a Lions offensive assistant from 2010-2013.
Former Lions with the Chiefs
Anthony Firkser (TE): Played a small role for Detroit in 2023 before being picked up by Kansas City.
Joe Cullen (Defensive Line Coach): Began his NFL coaching career in Detroit before moving on to multiple teams and ultimately landing with Kansas City.
Lions Coaching Staff Shake-Up
Following Aaron Glenn’s departure to become the New York Jets’ head coach, the Lions promoted Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator. Sheppard, who played for the Lions in 2018 before transitioning to coaching, had been preparing for this opportunity under Glenn’s guidance.
His former coordinator with the New York Giants, Steve Spagnuolo, who is now leading the Chiefs’ defense, had high praise for Sheppard, predicting he will one day be an NFL head coach.
As Super Bowl LIX approaches, the Lions and their fans can’t help but wonder what could have been. However, with a strong foundation in place and the potential to add key pieces in free agency, Detroit remains poised for another deep postseason run in 2025.
