The Detroit Lions haven't had all that much success during their history, but that doesn't mean they haven't had some good teams and good players.

Like every team, the Lions have found a lot of success signing free agents and some have changed the course of their history. A lot of the players for the Lions have come in recent years because long time general manager Russ Thomas often didn't like to sign free agents that would cost a whole lot of money.

Let's break down the five best free-agent signings in Lions history.

5. Dick “Night Train” Lane (Defensive Back)

Dick “Night Train” Lane played six seasons with the Lions, and although he didn't have the best years of his career with the team, he will still a difference-maker.

Lane joined the Lions in 1960 after he had already played eight years in the NFL. Lane was known for his big hits that would be considered illegal in today's game. His best season with the Lions was in 1961 when he had six interceptions.

He is one of the greatest secondary players in NFL history, and the Lions will always be a part of that history.

4. Dre' Bly (Defensive Back)

Dre' Bly would probably be higher on this list if he would have spent more than four seasons with the Lions. Bly signed with the Lions before the 2003 season, quickly becoming a difference-maker on the defense. During his first season in Detroit, Bly was named to the All-Pro team. He also made consecutive Pro Bowls in 2003 and 2004.

As much of an impact on as he had on the team, the trade that sent Bly away might have had a bigger impact. After the 2006 season, the Lions traded away Bly to the Denver Broncos for Tatum Bell and George Foster.

Neither guy really worked out for Detroit, and it could be considered one of the worst trades in the team's history.

3. Dick LaBeau (Cornerback)

Dick LaBeau was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 1959 draft, but they cut him before the start of the season.

The Lions swooped in and picked up LaBeau, who eventually ended up in the Hall of Fame. LaBeau played all 14 years of his NFL career with the Lions and was a part of one of the best secondaries in team history.

He played during the same time as “Night Train” did, and that was a game-changer for the team. LaBeau still holds the team record for interceptions, having picked off 62 opposing passes.

2. Matt Prater (Kicker)

The Lions had all kinds of issues with the kicking position before the team signed Matt Prater midway through the 2014 season.

With Prater's strong leg, it seems the Lions are never out of field goal position. During the 2016 season, Prater went seven for seven on kicks from 50 yards or longer.

A game-changer for the team, Prater will go down as one of the best players in the franchise's history when he retires.

1. Golden Tate (Wide Receiver)

Really any of the top three players on this list could be at number one, but Golden Tate edges them out by just a little bit. When Tate joined the Lions, there were questions about if the team had overpaid to get him, but he had no issue shutting up those doubters rather quickly.

Tate played four and half seasons with the Lions starting in 2014, and his best season was his first season when he caught 99 passes for 1,331 yards and four touchdowns.

He was a favorite target for Matthew Stafford during his time with the Lions. While Tate was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2018 season, no one will forget his time in Detroit.