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Detroit Lions news, free agency updates as NFL signings, trades begin
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- Detroit Lions news, free agency updates as NFL signings, trades begin
Time's yours, Brad Holmes.
Detroit Lions NFL free agency 2026 begins Monday at noon ET with the opening of the league's negotiating window, giving the Lions' sixth-year general manager and staff their best chance to remake the roster for the 2026 season .
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Players whose contracts expire Wednesday at 4 p.m. – when the new league year and free agency signing period begins – can have their agent enter into agreements starting Monday afternoon with other teams, though signings and trades cannot become official until Wednesday afternoon.
Players who have been released can sign with teams at any time, and pending free agents can re-up with their own team.
New this year: Teams may conduct one video or phone call (maximum one hour) with up to five free agents, rather than communicating strictly through agents as in past years.
So far, the Lions have not re-signed any of their unrestricted free agents on offense (eight) or defense (17) , though they made three moves last week: traded David Montgomery to Houston , released Graham Glasgow and tendered a qualifying offer to exclusive rights free agent Jake Bates .
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The biggest Lions news came Friday, when Taylor Decker, the team's longest-tenured player, asked for his release , which should be granted this week after the Lions asked him to take a pay cut and he declined.
[ Lions debate big-name signing or adding depth in NFL free agency 2026 ]
The Lions' needs this offseason start up front on both sides of the ball with the defensive line and offensive line. Our award-winning Lions reporter Dave Birkett detailed his five-step plan to make the Lions a winner in free agency this week. And though the Lions are restricted by a tight salary cap budget, they could find a way to sign a top-of-market player if they desire.
We have Lions rumors, news, trades and transactions from around the NFL below. Be sure to follow our Lions expert Dave Birkett on Bluesky and on X at @davebirkett.
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Lions news in NFL free agency 2026
Kenneth Walker signs with Chiefs
Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz , the Kansas City Chiefs will sign free agent running back Kenneth Walker III. Walker, a former Michigan State standout, was the Super Bowl 60 MVP for the Seattle Seahawks in their 29-13 win over the New England Patriots .
Free agency underway
The early signing period has officially begun, meaning the Detroit Lions (and other NFL teams) can begin negotiating with unrestricted free agents.
However, signings cannot be made official until the league year begins on Wednesday, March 11, at 4 p.m.
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Rashan Gary traded to Dallas Cowboys
The Green Bay Packers are trading defensive end Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2027 fourth-round pick. Gary has combined for 15 sacks the last two seasons with the Packers and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2024.
Lions free agency predictions on defense
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) celebrates a play against Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
Our Lions/NFL insider Dave Birkett predicted what will happen with the Lions' 17 defensive free agents , notably Alex Anzalone , Al-Quadin Muhammad and Amik Robertson . (Spoiler: Dave does not think any of them are coming back to Detroit. Read the full story for details and more predictions.)
[ Dave Birkett: My 5-step plan for Lions to win 2026 NFL free agency ]
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Lions free agency predictions on offense
The Lions have eight pending free agents on offense, so our insider Dave Birkett predicted whether each one would return to Detroit or depart this offseason. Their top offensive free agent is receiver Kalif Raymond .
Lions free agents in 2026
Unrestricted free agents
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LB Alex Anzalone.
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DE Al-Quadin Muhammad.
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CB Amik Robertson.
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TE Anthony Firkser.
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CB Arthur Maulet .
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CB Avonte Maddox .
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S Daniel Thomas .
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DT D.J. Reader.
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LB Grant Stuard .
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CB Jalen Mills .
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LT Jamarco Jones .
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*DE Josh Paschal .
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WR Kalif Raymond.
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RT Kayode Awosika .
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QB Kyle Allen.
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*DL Levi Onwuzurike .
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LB Malcolm Rodriguez .
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DE Marcus Davenport .
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CB Rock Ya-Sin .
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NT Roy Lopez.
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TE Shane Zylstra .
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C Trystan Colon .
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LB Zach Cunningham .
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LB Zeke Turner .
*Because Onwuzurike and Paschal each missed the entire season on injured reserve, their contracts from 2025 can be rolled into 2026, should the Lions desire. Both would be paid at their 2025 salary.
Restricted free agents
A restricted free agent has three accrued NFL seasons and is on an expiring contract. His current team gets to make a qualifying offer before the free agent can sign with any other team.
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WR Tom Kennedy.
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LB Trevor Nowaske .
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EDGE Tyrus Wheat .
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions news, NFL free agency signings 2026: Live updates
