The Lions' Intriguing Tackle Pursuit: A Deep Dive into the Jedrick Wills Story
What if I told you that a former top-10 draft pick, once hailed as a cornerstone of an NFL offensive line, is now on the move—and the Detroit Lions are taking notice? It’s not just about filling a roster spot; it’s about the potential for redemption, the allure of untapped talent, and the strategic chess moves of a team on the rise. Let’s unpack the story of Jedrick Wills and why his free agent visit to Detroit is more than just a footnote in the offseason news cycle.
A Talent with a Question Mark: Jedrick Wills’ Journey
Jedrick Wills isn’t just another offensive tackle. Drafted 10th overall in 2020, he was the second tackle off the board, trailing only Andrew Thomas. His college resume at Alabama was nothing short of impressive—an 88.8 PFF grade in 2018, including a 90.5 run-blocking score, and an 8.42 RAS score that screamed NFL-ready athleticism. But here’s where it gets interesting: Wills’ NFL career has been a rollercoaster.
In his first three years with the Cleveland Browns, Wills started 45 games at left tackle, showing promise as a pass blocker. Cleveland even activated his fifth-year option for 2024, a vote of confidence in his potential. But then, the injuries hit. An MCL injury in 2023 derailed his momentum, and complications kept him sidelined for most of 2024 and the entire 2025 season. What makes this particularly interesting is how quickly things can shift in the NFL. One day you’re a cornerstone, the next you’re fighting to prove you’re still that player.
The Lions’ Calculated Risk
So, why are the Lions interested in Wills? On paper, they don’t need a starting tackle. Taylor Decker is set to return for the 2026 season, and the offensive line has been a strength for Detroit in recent years. But here’s the thing: the NFL is a league of depth and contingency planning. As Lions coach Dan Campbell put it at the NFL Combine, “One way or another, we’re going to need somebody that can play over there and that can help us if we need them in a crunch or we need them as a starter.”
What many people don’t realize is that Wills is just 27 years old. For an offensive lineman, that’s still prime territory. If he can stay healthy, there’s a chance he could regain the form that made him a top-10 pick. The Lions aren’t just taking a flyer here—they’re betting on a player with a high ceiling and a low floor, knowing the upside could be game-changing.
The Petzing Connection
Another layer to this story is the presence of Drew Petzing, the Lions’ new offensive coordinator. Petzing overlapped with Wills in Cleveland, serving as the tight ends coach (2020-21) and quarterbacks coach (2022). This isn’t just a coincidence. Petzing likely has firsthand insight into Wills’ work ethic, strengths, and areas for improvement. In my opinion, this connection could be a game-changer. It’s not often that a team has such intimate knowledge of a free agent’s potential fit.
The Risk vs. Reward
Let’s be honest: Wills isn’t a sure thing. His run-blocking has been mediocre at best, with a career-high PFF grade of just 61.7. And his injury history is a red flag that can’t be ignored. But here’s the thing—the Lions aren’t looking for a superstar. They’re looking for a player who can step in if needed, provide depth, and maybe, just maybe, rediscover his former self.
What makes this particularly intriguing is the timing. Wills isn’t on an expiring contract, so he can sign with any team before the new league year begins. The Lions are clearly moving quickly, and that says something about their confidence in this move.
Final Thoughts: A Story of Potential and Redemption
The NFL is a league of second chances, and Jedrick Wills’ visit to Detroit feels like the start of a new chapter. Personally, I find that stories like these—of talent, struggle, and the possibility of redemption—are what make sports so compelling. The Lions aren’t just adding a player; they’re investing in a narrative.
Will it pay off? Only time will tell. But one thing that stands out here is the Lions’ willingness to take a calculated risk on a player with something to prove. In a league where depth often separates contenders from pretenders, this move could be the kind of under-the-radar decision that pays dividends down the line.
As we watch this story unfold, remember: in the NFL, potential is always worth a second look. And for Jedrick Wills, Detroit might just be the place where he gets his.
