As the 2025 NFL free agency period approaches, the Detroit Lions are expected to be active in addressing their roster needs. One position that the team may look to upgrade is safety, where they have a few key contributors set to hit free agency. Here are three safety options that the Lions may consider in free agency:
1. *Jessie Bates III*: Bates is a talented young safety who has spent his entire career with the Cincinnati Bengals. He’s a ball-hawking safety with excellent range and instincts, and has been one of the top safeties in the league over the past few seasons. Bates is expected to be one of the top safeties available in free agency, and the Lions may be interested in bringing him to Detroit to pair with Tracy Walker.
2. *Juan Thornhill*: Thornhill is a physical safety who has spent his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s a strong tackler with excellent instincts, and has been a key contributor to the Chiefs’ defense over the past few seasons. Thornhill is expected to be a mid-tier safety option in free agency, and the Lions may be interested in bringing him to Detroit to provide depth and competition at the safety position.
3. *Taylor Rapp*: Rapp is a talented young safety who has spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Rams. He’s a physical safety with excellent instincts, and has been a key contributor to the Rams’ defense over the past few seasons. Rapp is expected to be a mid-tier safety option in free agency, and the Lions may be interested in bringing him to Detroit to provide depth and competition at the safety position.
All three of these safeties would be excellent additions to the Lions’ roster, and would provide an immediate upgrade to the team’s secondary. However, it’s worth noting that the Lions may also choose to address their safety needs through the draft, where there are several talented safeties available.
Regardless of which direction they choose to go, the Lions’ safety position is likely to look very different in 2025. With several key contributors set to hit free agency, the team will need to make some decisions about who to bring back and who to let go. One thing is certain, however: the Lions will be active in addressing their safety needs this offseason.