Open thread: Which unrestricted free agents should the Detroit Lions re-sign?

The Detroit Lions have some big names heading to free agency, as well as many depth pieces. Which unrestricted free agents should the Lions bring back for 2025?

The Detroit Lions have to restock and reload this offseason if they want to match their incredible regular season and surpass their disappointing postseason.

Under general manager Brad Holmes, the Lions have been a team centered around building through the draft and low-cost free agent acquisitions. Not only do the Lions have a few starters entering free agency in 2025, but they also have some draft picks from Holmes’ initial draft class all the way back in 2021—it will be interesting to see how much their value is to not only the Lions but other teams in the league as well.

Entering the offseason, the Lions had 22 pending unrestricted free agents. That number shrunk to 21 when offensive lineman Netane Muti signed a new deal last week. Of the remaining names on that list, which ones seem primed for a reunion in Detroit, and which ones could head elsewhere in free agency?

Today’s Question of the Day is:

Which unrestricted free agents should the Detroit Lions re-sign?

My answer: I’m going to break it down into three categories: likely to return, unlikely to return, and toss-up.

Likely to return:

• WR Tim Patrick: The Lions let Josh Reynolds leave in 2024 and they spent the entire offseason failing to get a replacement. They should not let their WR3 walk away in free agency again. They should look to add a receiver in the draft, but there is no harm in having Patrick back in the fold.
• OT Dan Skipper: Skipper is a low-cost veteran with plenty of familiarity—an easy re-signing option, even if they manage to upgrade their tackle depth in free agency or the draft. Ideally, Giovanni Manu or Colby Sorsdal will take his spot before long, but they should battle it out in training camp first.
• DE Al-Quadin Muhammad: One of the few midseason emergency signings along the defensive line that panned out. He probably will not garner a significant contract in free agent, should be a good depth option.
• DL Pat O’Connor: Similar to Muhammad, O’Connor was leaned on down the stretch and had some positive moments. He is a low-risk re-signing.
• LB Derrick Barnes: He was a starting linebacker before his knee injury. The coaches love him, and the injury probably lowers his interest outside of Detroit.
• CB Khalil Dorsey: Another player with a season-ending injury. Dorsey looked good in limited defensive snaps, but his main talent is special teams. There is little reason not to bring him back.

Toss-up:

• QB Teddy Bridgewater: It all depends on whether he retires or not. If he wants to play, he likely stays in Detroit.
• OG Kevin Zeitler: It all depends on age versus cost. In a perfect world, Zeitler returns to Detroit, but the Lions might not want to overspend on...