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The Detroit Lions have made another addition to the defense, signing Roy Lopez to a one-year, $4.65 million contract. The four-year veteran agreed to the deal on Tuesday, per Tom Pelissero on X, formerly Twitter.
“Former #Cardinals nose tackle Roy Lopez is signing a one-year, $4.65 million deal with the #Lions, per source.”
The former Cardinals nose tackle recorded 70 tackles (six for a loss) four QB hits, three pass deflections and one forced fumble in the last two seasons as a key member of Arizona's defense.
Lions make quality moves on defense ahead of free agency
The Lions get help for Aidan Hutchinson on the defensive line with the former sixth-round pick in Lopez. Following the team’s release of Za’Darius Smith, and the expected absence of returning defensive tackle Alim McNeill due to a torn ACL, Lopez is a solid fill-in defender and pass rusher.
“Holmes said at the NFL combine that the Lions “probably” wouldn't be able to add a high-end pass rusher to play alongside Aidan Hutchinson and eventually McNeill once he returns from a torn ACL,” Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press wrote. “Two of those top names have already seemingly come off the market, with Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett both getting contracts from their respective teams.”
The Lions have also made other quality FA decisions. The team agreed to terms with former New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed to a three-year, $48 million contract on Monday, and re-signed Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes, but they will likely be looking to add more depth in the draft next month: Even if it is a late-round selection.
There is still time to make another signing as the new league year is set to begin at 4 PM on Wednesday, where they could potentially sign one of the top remaining free agents.
