After a slow start to the NFL’s “legal tampering” period in free agency, the Detroit Lions finally made a move late Tuesday evening, securing veteran defensive tackle Roy Lopez. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Lions have reached an agreement with Lopez on a one-year contract worth $4.35 million.
Lopez, 27, brings valuable experience to Detroit’s defensive front. Originally drafted by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, he spent two seasons in Houston before joining the Arizona Cardinals. Over the past two seasons with Arizona, he proved to be a reliable presence on the defensive line, particularly as a run-stopping nose tackle. In the 2024 season, Lopez started all 16 games for the Cardinals, recording 28 total tackles and one sack. Over the course of his four-year career, he has started 50 games, demonstrating both durability and consistency.
