The league's legal tampering period — in which teams can begin talking with agents of players who are unrestricted free agents — starts Monday at noon, according to CBS Sports.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Lions have released Za'Darius Smith. Smith spent the second half of the 2024 season with the Lions to try and bolster the team's pass rush while they dealt with the absence of Aidan Hutchinson.

Here are six players the Lions should avoid when it comes to free agency next week. Lawrence’s production has tailed off in recent years, and he was limited to just four games in 2024 due to injuries. Heading into his age-33 season, Lawrence will face concerns about how his production will hold up after the injury.

Detroit Lions need starting-caliber players at CB, DT, DE and OG, but are not expected to be big spenders when NFL free agency opens Monday afternoon.

After missing 15 games last season, pass rusher Marcus Davenport is reportedly returning to the Detroit Lions on a one-year deal.