What makes a free agent visit truly telling? In Detroit, the Lions are nudging their offensive line toward a potential upgrade by inviting a high-profile, if imperfect, talent to town. The target is Jedrick Wills, the former Browns tackle who drew trade rumors and fans’ curiosity as he navigates a comeback after injuries and a quiet 2025. His visit with Detroit—and a separate meeting with the Patriots—signals a thoughtful exploration by a Lions front office that refuses to sit still on a critical, game-altering line position.
Contextual frame: a promising prospect with a rocky recent stretch
Jedrick Wills came off the board 10th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, the second offensive tackle selected after Andrew Thomas. At his best, he looked the part of a long-term cornerstone: he started 45 games at left tackle for Cleveland as a rookie-era starter, delivering solid pass protection and the athletic traits teams crave up front. What’s particularly interesting about Wills is the contrast between his early promise and the derailments that followed. An MCL injury mid-2023 and lingering complications limited him to eight games in 2023, five in 2024, and a full 2025 offseason retreat to let his body heal. His career arc offers a study in resilience: talent plus injury baggage, with a looming question mark about how much of his pre-injury form can return.
Why the Lions would pursue him
- Talent versus durability: Wills’ pre-injury tape suggested a high floor as a pass blocker, which is valuable in today’s pass-heavy NFL. The risk lies in whether his knee and leg issues can be managed long-term. Detroit’s interest seems to hinge on upside over certainty: if he regains his old explosiveness, he could be a meaningful upgrade at a critical position even if he isn’t a flawless, turnkey solution.
- Athletic profile with untapped upside: Alabama’s pipeline has produced many pros who reach their ceiling with proper coaching and health. Wills posted an elite 8.42 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) and a standout 88.8 PFF grade in 2018, including a 90.5 run-blocking score. The Lions may be banking on a coaching staff that can unlock that potential again, especially with an offensive coordinator in place who already has some familiarity with Wills’ background.
- Familiarity and strategic fit: Detroit’s new coordinator, Drew Petzing, previously overlapped with Wills during his Cleveland days. Petzing held roles as tight ends coach and quarterbacks coach at different times, which could help in a smoother transition if Wills becomes part of Detroit’s plan. The personal connection isn’t trivial; it often translates into clearer communication and faster adjustment for a player entering a new scheme.
What the numbers and history imply
- Early performance versus late-season concerns: On paper, Wills showed steadiness as a young left tackle, which is valuable in protecting a quarterback and stabilizing a team’s pass game. The injury-induced dip raises questions about regression and return-to-form. If he can reclaim even a portion of his pre-injury efficiency, he could be a solid upgrade over a mid-tier starter or provide real depth for a roster that values versatility.
- Run-blocking outcomes: Wills’ run-blocking grades never soared above the mid-60s, which means he isn’t typically heralded as a dominant run blocker. For a team that wants a balanced offense, that limitation matters, but it may be mitigated by scheme fit and coaching emphasis on power runs or zone schemes that maximize his strengths.
Contextual note: current Lions priorities
- The Lions faced a broader organizational stance on left tackle depth. While Taylor Decker has publicly stated his intention to return for 2026, coach Dan Campbell underscored the need for a starting-caliber option even if Decker is in the lineup. In modern football, top-tier talent at tackle isn’t just about starting five players—it’s about depth that can step in during a crunch or in case of injury. Wills’ visit signals Detroit wants insurance and competition at a critical point of attack, with the flexibility to deploy him where he best fits the system.
- Free agency timing and strategy: Wills is not tied to an expiring contract, so he can negotiate with any team before the league year officially opens. That accelerates the process and gives Detroit an edge in terms of structure and timing. The Lions’ approach here is proactive, aiming to add a credible starter rather than waiting to see how roster moves unfold later.
Where this could lead and what to watch
- Health reclamation trajectory: The most pivotal variable is Wills’ health and his ability to return to previous performance levels. If medical and performance data align with a favorable trajectory, Detroit could end up with a low-risk, high-reward option who brings veteran experience to a line in transition.
- Scheme adaptation: The Lions’ offensive system emphasizes versatility and pass protection efficiency. If Wills can adapt to Detroit’s blocking schemes and fit the communication style of the line, the learning curve could be shorter than expected. The coaching staff’s track record with offensive linemen will be crucial here.
- Competing offers and market dynamics: With multiple teams in the running, Detroit must weigh offer structure, guarantees, and role clarity. A deal that guarantees playing time and a clear path to starting would be compelling for a player coming off health concerns.
Reflective takeaway
What makes this negotiation fascinating is the balancing act between potential and uncertainty. Jedrick Wills embodies a classic high-upside gamble: if the health narrative aligns with his athletic profile, Detroit could harvest a valuable asset at a potentially reasonable price. Yet the margin for error is real—injuries can linger and performance can be fickle. The Lions’ decision to bring him in shows a disciplined willingness to take calculated risks, betting on coaching, fit, and the chance to reclaim an earlier version of himself. In a league where a single lineman can tilt the outcome of a game, this visit is less about a single player and more about Detroit signaling a broader philosophy: stay nimble, stay opportunistic, and keep strengthening the backbone of the offense.
If you’re following offensive-line sagas, this is a story to watch. It’s not just about one player’s health; it’s about how a team projects talent, coaches it back to form, and calibrates a roster to stay competitive in a league that rewards both depth and durable performance.
