Two of the Detroit Lions’ own free agents, linebacker/special teams star Jalen Reeves-Maybin and kicker Michael Badgley, have already been re-signed. Teddy Bridgewater, the No. 2 quarterback from the previous season, has announced his retirement to take a position as head coach at his alma mater, a high school.

Even though general manager Brad Holmes stresses keeping their own, a glance at the Lions’ free agent roster raises some concerns about who will be re-signed. Many others are unlikely to return due to performance-related issues. It has been rumored that cornerback Khalil Dorsey, an exclusive rights free agency, will not get a contract offer and will be free to sign with any team.

There may not be much demand for some other Lions free agents’ skills elsewhere, and they won’t be returning to Detroit. It might even not exist at all. If they are unable to find a new team and the Lions refuse to have them back, their football careers may come to an end.

In the end, these three free agents for the Lions could have to retire this summer.

Following his ACL tear in the Lions’ preseason finale, Sudfeld was placed on injured reserve for the 2023 season. In 2022, he had two appearances as Jared Goff’s backup and did not attempt a pass.

Given that David Blough, like Bridgewater, is retiring to become a coach and that Hendon Hooker is presently projected to start at quarterback for the Lions in the upcoming season, it makes sense—as explained by Pride of Detroit’s Jeremy Reisman—to re-sign Sudfeld given his familiarity with the playbook.

By now, around half a year after the injury, it’s hard to say where Sudfeld stands with his ACL healing. There are healthier (if not better) choices available if the Lions decide to add an experienced No. 3 emergency quarterback to the mix, which they most likely will at some time. The same can be said of other teams.

Sudfeld has attempted 37 passes during the regular season (14 since 2018) since being chosen in 2016. He just recovered from a serious injury.

For someone who has essentially had a game’s worth of pass attempts in eight seasons, $11.6 million in lifetime earnings is very impressive, and Sudfeld may be done.