Key Players to Watch in the Title Games

The Detroit Lions may not be in the postseason, but there are still several storylines worth following for fans who plan to watch this weekend’s title games. Several players set to play for the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, and Denver Broncos are also set to become free agents this offseason. These players could potentially be targets for the Lions as they look to strengthen their roster, particularly in the offensive line and secondary.

Riq Woolen: A Potential Addition to the Secondary

One of the most notable names among these potential free agents is cornerback Riq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks. Woolen would be an ideal fit in the Lions’ secondary, providing a starting option alongside either D.J. Reed or Terrion Arnold, depending on how Arnold’s shoulder injury has progressed. While Woolen isn’t known for generating turnovers, he excels in man coverage and had 12 defended passes during the 2025 season.

According to Spotrac, Woolen is expected to command a significant salary in 2026, with an annual contract valued at $15.7 million. This amount might be challenging for the Lions if they are unable to restructure or trade some of their larger contracts, such as Alim McNeill’s $19.8 million guaranteed salary or Taylor Decker’s $14.9 million base salary. However, if Decker retires or if the Lions restructure McNeill’s deal, they could afford to sign Woolen for several seasons.

Austin Hooper: A Cost-Effective Tight End Option

Another player to watch is tight end Austin Hooper of the New England Patriots. Hooper is a low-profile but valuable target for the Lions, especially if Sam LaPorta is not ready to start the 2026 season due to a lingering back injury. Hooper is projected to receive a $2.4 million deal, which is well within the Lions’ budget.

New England doesn’t have strong incentives to retain Hooper, as Hunter Henry is stepping into the TE1 role. This makes Hooper an attractive option for Detroit. Although he is 31 years old, his experience and reliability could provide a better alternative than Brock Wright, who struggled as both a blocker and receiver in 2025.

K’Lavon Chaisson: A Defensive Upgrade

On the defensive side, linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson of the New England Patriots could be a good addition for the Lions. The sixth-year edge rusher recorded 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2025, along with 54 total pressures. While he won’t command a huge deal like Trey Hendrickson, Chaisson could complement Aidan Hutchinson and serve as a replacement for Al-Quadin Muhammad, assuming he decides to walk in free agency.

Chaisson has shown consistent improvement each season, and his name might not be a top priority for other teams. This could work in the Lions’ favor if they are looking for a solid, cost-effective upgrade without making a high-risk trade for a star pass rusher.

Alex Singleton: A Veteran Linebacker Option

An underreported aspect of the Lions’ offseason is the possibility of losing Alex Anzalone in free agency. While Anzalone is considered a top linebacker, his departure wouldn’t significantly impact the team’s depth, as Jack Campbell is already on a rookie deal and was recently named a first-team All-Pro for 2025.

Alex Singleton of the Denver Broncos is another older, more affordable option for the Lions. The veteran recorded 135 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and four passes defended in 2025. Adding Singleton to the defense alongside Campbell could be a practical way to fill the gap left by Anzalone, provided he remains healthy in 2026.