The Detroit Lions have decisions to make ahead of the 2026 NFL draft, but beyond the draft, they have other aspects of their lineup to figure out. It’s a reframing time for the Lions, as they work to come back from a disappointing 9-8 season with the help of a new offensive coordinator in Drew Petzing.
Now, one Lions rookie entering the final year of his rookie deal is being signaled out as a possible cut candidate. The Detroit Lions could even draft a feasible replacement next week.
We’re talking about safety Brian Branch. The player is going into the last year of his deal, but he’s also mending after a torn Achilles tendon sustained against the Dallas Cowboys. He won’t be cheap to renew, as his estimated Spotrac value is $20 million.
Detroit Lions Could Part Ways With Safety After His Rookie Deal is Over
The Detroit Lions could draft a backup, or replacement, for Branch in Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. Even without the Branch factor, Thieneman was selected as a top choice for the team by the Lions Collective in their discussion about who Detroit should go after in the first round.
The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy commented, “A lot of people would probably not like that. Some people would. Probably get some split decisions there, but yeah, it would make for an interesting conversation for sure.”
Reporter Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network actually made a Branch reference in the chat, stating, “This guy is Brian Branch.” In a Thursday, April 16 feature for Detroit Jock City, Colby Colwell even says that Branch’s future could be “in doubt.”
Frankly, while it’s tempting to think of Thieneman as a replacement for Branch, there’s something to be said for Branch’s value. Injuries happen in the NFL all the time, and it shouldn’t’ cost someone their deal.
Branch has delivered solid numbers with Detroit, with Pro Football Focus giving him an overall grade of 77.5 for the 2025-26 season, putting him at No. 12 out of 98 safeties in the NFL. So, when he’s healthy, he’s a force on the field.
That doesn’t mean the Detroit Lions shouldn’t draft Thieneman. But, it does mean that they should think twice before letting Branch walk.
Another Option for the Detroit Lions in the 2026 NFL Draft
If the Lions don’t go with Thieneman, the general consensus is that they’ll need a strong tackle early in the draft. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN has Dan Campbell and company going with Monroe Freeling, offensive tackle, out of Georgia
“Georgia Freeling has a huge 6-7, 315-pound frame and long 34¾-inch arms, and he can erase pass rushers with his quickness and handwork,” he states in a mock ahead of the draft. “His 18 starts of experience might worry some teams, but I’d bet Detroit would be happy to land Freeling in this range.”
He adds that the player “has a ton of potential, and the Lions were 31st in pass block win rate last season at 55.5 percent.”
So, Freeling, who played left tackle at Georgia, could step in for Taylor Decker immediately. Kiper even thinks the move could get the Lions back to the playoffs, which is exactly what they want.
Lions Predicted to Cut Ties With $20 Million Player