The Detroit Lions have reportedly tendered two exclusive rights free agents (ERFAs), but are letting the other two walk. Per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions have tendered interior offensive linemen Michael Niese and linebacker Trevor Nowaske, but they are letting offensive lineman Connor Galvin and defensive end Mitchell Agude hit free agency.
ERFAs are typically very easy re-signings. The team has an option to offer a tender at a minimum salary, and then the player only has two options: sign the one-year tender or sit out the entire season. They cannot negotiate with another team. So, typically, all ERFAs are re-signed. The fact that the Lions did not do so with two players is a bit unorthodox.
While Niese only played 35 offensive snaps last year, he was valuable depth, capable of filling any of the interior offensive line positions. That’s why he was a game-day active for all 17 games over guys like Colby Sorsdal, Giovanni Manu, and sometimes Kayode Awosika. Detroit did lose guard Kevin Zeitler to free agency (signed with Titans), so the Lions could afford to keep some extra interior offensive line depth.
Nowaske has been one of the Lions’ most valued special teamers over the past two seasons. They temporarily lost him to the Cardinals in 2023 when they had to do some roster maneuvering, but when they had a chance to bring him back in 2024, they wasted no time. However, Nowaske faces some stiff competition at the special teams linebacker room this year. The Lions will be returning Anthony Pittman and Ezekiel Turner, and they just added former Colts special team phenom Grant Stuard.
As for Galvin and Agude, there just didn’t appear to be room on the roster for either. Galvin suffered a torn MCL in the preseason last year and missed the entire season. He’s apparently healed enough to return this year, but Detroit is moving on with the tackles they currently have on contract (Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, Dan Skipper, Colby Sorsdal, Giovanni Manu, and Jamarco Jones). Agude had a strong preseason, but spent most of the 2024 season on the practice squad. He was elevated late in the season, but produced just three tackles and a forced fumble on 40 defensive snaps.