The initial wave of NFL free agency has concluded, and while a few more transactions are expected to emerge in the coming weeks, attention is gradually shifting toward the NFL Draft. However, before we fully transition to draft discussions, it’s worth reflecting on the flurry of contracts signed over the past week. The Detroit Lions were notably active, securing a mix of internal re-signings, new starters, and depth additions. Yet, free agency isn’t solely about the moves a team makes—it’s also about the ones they don’t, for better or worse.
The Lions appear to be positioning themselves for a successful draft, but that doesn’t mean we can’t entertain some “what if” scenarios. Was there a player who signed elsewhere for a great deal that you wish had landed in Detroit?
Today’s Question of the Day is: Is there a deal you wish the Detroit Lions had made in free agency?
My answer: Jeremy Chinn.
Among the many moves made during free agency, two stand out as particularly favorable for the Lions. First, the addition of D.J. Reed on a more affordable deal than the player he’s replacing, Carlton Davis, is a win. At worst, Reed is a lateral move, but many metrics and analysts suggest he’s an upgrade. Second, the re-signing of Levi Onwuzurike for up to $5.5 million (closer to $4 million) is a steal, especially when compared to Milton Williams’ four-year, $106 million deal with the New England Patriots.
However, the move that truly stands out as a missed opportunity for the Lions is safety Jeremy Chinn signing with the Las Vegas Raiders on a two-year, $16 million contract.
The Lions lost Ifeatu Melifonwu in free agency, as he signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. Two of the top safeties on the market, Jevon Holland and Talanoa Hufanga, secured three-year contracts worth $45 million each. Given that Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are firmly entrenched as the Lions’ starting safeties, it’s understandable that Detroit wasn’t inclined to spend heavily on a third safety, even with Branch’s versatility. That said, the role of a third safety remains crucial for the Lions—a need they have yet to address in free agency. Beyond Branch and Joseph, the only other safeties on the roster are Morice Norris, Loren Strickland, and Erick Hallett.
Jeremy Chinn would have been an excellent fit for the Lions, particularly at his reasonable price point. Chinn’s versatility is a major asset—he can line up at free safety, in the box, in the slot, and even as a pass rusher. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, his build is similar to Melifonwu’s (6-foot-3, 210 pounds), and he brings a strong presence in run defense, a key component of the Lions’ defensive identity. In 2024, Chinn recorded 117 tackles for the Washington Commanders, showcasing his ability to make an impact.
One potential concern is whether Chinn would have been content with a third safety role in Detroit. However, this shouldn’t be seen as a significant drawback. The Lions have demonstrated a knack for getting their talent on the field, and when Melifonwu was healthy late in the 2024 season, he was playing over 40 snaps per game. In Detroit’s defensive scheme, the third safety is essentially a starting-caliber position.
In conclusion, while the Lions made several smart moves in free agency, Jeremy Chinn’s signing with the Raiders feels like a missed opportunity. His versatility, affordability, and skill set would have been a perfect fit for Detroit’s defense, filling a critical need as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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