Now that the clock has struck noon on the eastern side of the United States, teams are free to start negotiating contract with players that will become free agents on March 9. This is the period where teams hammer out contract details, get into bidding wars and make their offseason intentions clear.
Last year, the Lions used this opportunity to finalize numbers with Bengals receiver Marvin Jones, whom they signed on the first day of free agency in an effort to replace Calvin Johnson’s production.
This year, the rumors have started early. Detroit has already been linked to two players, and there are likely a lot more to come. Though Detroit doesn’t have a key player to replace this offseason, they certainly have a lot of work to do, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Below we will keep track of all of the rumor as they come in. This will be your one-stop shop of all Lions free agency rumors.
Free agent rumors
Tampering period
- LB Paul Worrilow - Lions among four teams interested (UPDATE: The Lions have agreed to terms with Worrilow)
- CB Logan Ryan - Three sources link Lions to former Patriots CB (UPDATE: Ryan has signed with the Titans)
- OT D.J. Fluker - ESPN’s Josina Anderson reports the Lions are one of eight teams interested
- WR Andre Holmes - Lions one of six teams interested in the former Raider.
- OT Mike Remmers - Detroit has contacted Remmers’ agent. (UPDATE: Remmers has signed with the Vikings)
- RB Adrian Peterson - SiriusXM thinks the Lions are in the mix.
OT Rick Wagner - The former Ravens tackle has agreed in principle to signing with the Lions for more than $9 million per year.
LB Paul Worrilow, Lions agree to one-year deal
Thursday - 3/9/17
- TE Jared Cook - Mike Garafolo reports the Lions are one of two teams that have “the most interest” in the Packers tight end.
- G T.J. Lang - The Lions will reportedly be meeting with the Packers lineman. UPDATE: Lang’s visit has ended, will see other teams
- DT Akeem Spence - Signed three-year deal with Lions
- DE Cornelius Washington - Signed two-year deal with Lions
- TE Darren Fells - Visiting Lions on Friday
Friday - 3/10/17
- WR Corey Brown - Lions hosting the former Panthers, per Adam Schefter
- CB D.J. Hayden - Signs a one-year, $5.25 million contract with Lions
Saturday - 3/11/17
- WR Andre Holmes - Will meet with the Lions on Sunday, per Ian Rapoport
Sunday - 3/12/17
- G T.J. Lang - Deciding between Lions, Packers and Seahawks. Decision expected by Monday. UPDATE: Lang has signed a three-year deal with the Lions.
- CB Marcus Cromartie - Dave Birkett is reporting he met with the Lions on Saturday.
Thursday - 3/16/17
- RB Adrian Peterson - Jason La Canfora lists the Lions as a possible landing spot for AP.
Detroit Lions free agents:
Unrestricted:
QB Dan Orlovsky (33 years old) - Will not be re-signed, per Orlovsky
RB Joique Bell (30)
WR Anquan Boldin (36)
WR Andre Roberts (29)
TE Clay Harbor (29)
TE Matthew Mulligan (31)
TE Tim Wright (26)
OT Riley Reiff (28) - Signed with Vikings
G Larry Warford (25) - Signed with Saints
G Garrett Reynolds (29)
DE Devin Taylor (27)
DE Armonty Bryant (26)
DT Stefan Charles (28) - Expected to sign with Jaguars
DT Tyrunn Walker (26)
LB Jonathan Bostic (25)
LB Josh Bynes (27)
CB Asa Jackson (27)
CB Crezdon Butler (29)
S Rafael Bush (29)
LS Don Muhlbach (35) - Re-signed to one-year deal, per Dave Birkett
Exclusive rights free agents:
WR TJ Jones - Tendered ERFA contract
DE Kerry Hyder - Tendered ERFA contract
DE/LB Brandon Copeland - Signed ERFA tender
Restricted free agents:
RT Cornelius Lucas - Offered one-year tender
DT Khyri Thornton - Re-signed to a two-year deal