The Detroit Lions are still around 24 hours away from the start of free agency, but they have already begun to rebuild their squad for the 2026 season. One of the most intriguing questions entering next season is how they will use Tyleik Williams, who will seek to improve on a strong rookie season and gain a larger role in his sophomore season.
The NFL’s legal tampering period began on Monday, and the new league year officially begins on Wednesday afternoon, but Williams has already gotten off to a great start. With Roy Lopez agreeing to return to the Arizona Cardinals and DJ Reader sounding like an ex-Lion, Williams’ prospects are improving, which might help him play a significant part when the Lions begin their offseason program in a few months.
Tyleik Williams’ Stock Rises Following the Start of Free Agency.
While some teams spent big money on the first day of the tampering window, the Lions’ news on Monday focused more on what they did not do. This includes Lopez’s departure, as he agreed to a two-year, $11. 5 million contract.
Lopez, a useful member of the Lions’ rotation, had virtually the same number of snaps (425) as Williams last season, according to Pro Football Focus, and played an important role in Detroit’s run defense, finishing second among interior defenders with 14 run stops.
Ahead of Lopez was Reader, who played 583 snaps and led the Lions’ interior defenders with 15 run stops last season. But, while his snap total was the highest among the group, he told Kay Adams on Monday that he would be interested in playing in his home state with the Carolina Panthers.
“It’s a strong team, man. During the interview, Reader stated that he would like to return home. “Like I said, all options are available to me. I’d like to return home. I know my family and friends would be pleased, some of my closest friends would be overjoyed, and it would be a lot of fun. It would be nice to return to Carolina. I adore that city. Love the stadium, therefore it would be great.
Reader was also questioned about the possibility of joining his former club, the Cincinnati Bengals. While he admitted that he “hadn’t heard much about either side of it,” he did not rule out the possibility of reuniting with some of his previous colleagues.
“I would obviously be thrilled about something like that. “I clearly believe in that squad a lot,” Reader remarked. “Shoot, [Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase] on offense. I know the defensive players. I adore those individuals over there. … You know, if the chance arises, I’d have to weigh my options. “
Even though Reader did not formally rule out returning to Detroit, it has to be encouraging for Williams’ future with the Lions’ defense.
If Reader is the next player to depart, Williams would enter a battle with the returning Levi Onwuzurike for the starting position alongside Alim McNeill. Onwuzurike is returning to the Lions after his contract was extended through 2026 due to a season-ending knee injury suffered before training camp, and he may have some rust that Williams can use to secure a top position on the depth chart.
This would provide Williams with even more opportunity to build on last season. The Ohio State graduate had 18 total tackles, including two tackles for loss and one sack, and PFF credited Williams with 19 quarterback pressures and 12 run stops in his first season. While he could improve versus the run, his 4. 8% missed tackle rate indicates that he has the potential to do so. At 23 years old, he has plenty of upside to move forward.
As he improved throughout the year, the opportunity may come this summer if the Lions do not sign a veteran ahead of Williams on the depth chart, and it might result in a significant victory for him as the first days of free agency unfold.
