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Updated Detroit Lions Jersey Numbers for 2026

  • Writer: DB Keener
    DB Keener
  • a few seconds ago
  • 3 min read

The Detroit Lions have had quite a bit of turnover this offseason, with some key veterans moving on in Free Agency while others were cut or retired. In addition to all of the Free Agents signed, there will be plenty of Jersey Number changes coming up for the 2026 Offseason. Below is the running list of known number changes for returning players and the free agent signings, some with a new number and some without.


One interesting nugget is to look at the Lions players that are still Free Agents, and whose numbers the Lions haven't re-assigned yet. There are several that jump out, but here are the primary ones I think the Lions haven't 100% closed the door on them returning yet: Current list of Unassigned Detroit Lions Jersey Numbers (as of 4/4/26)

Current list of Unassigned Detroit Lions Jersey Numbers 4/4/26

  • 98 - DJ Reader: Outside of bringing back Myles Adams, the Lions haven't signed any interior Defensive Linemen in Free Agency to this point. The depth appears to be decent, albeit unproven, so a healthy Reader playing spot duty is still a better option than Wingo, Smith and Adams at this point. One the draft is done, I think there will also be clarity here, and at this point I would say its 50% chance he re-signs.

  • 29 - Avonte Maddox: Not sure why Avonte Maddox hasn't signed with another team or re-signed with the Lions at this point, as I thought he brought some veteran depth and flexibility to the Lions DB room. It could be that the Lions (and other teams) are waiting until after the draft to take a look at Maddox, but this is one that feels like Holmes should bring back to compete for a DB roster spot. I would say that he has a 50% chance of re-signing.

  • 68 - Taylor Decker: Despite the back-and-forth banter, I think both the Lions and Decker would benefit form a reconciliation with Decker re-signing to either be the starting LT again (if Lions whiff in the draft) or to be the veteran presence and a mentor to Penei and a Rookie early round choice. I will say that the chance this happens appears to be below 50%, and probably closer to 33%, but we should have more clarity after the draft.

  • 47, 52 - Ezekial Turner and Zach Conningham: This feels like a spot where one of these two LBs could possibly be re-signed to help build out the depth and Special Teams play. Turner was hurt all last season, so the Lions never got to see what they had in him, and Cunningham played mainly on Special teams when he was available. I would put the chance that one of these re-sign at 50% due to the lack of LBs on the roster, and both re-sign at 25%.

  • 60, 84, 92, 93: These four players (Glasgow, Zylstra, Davenport and Paschal) feel like the door SHOULD be closed on them returning. This really holds true when you look at the numbers Holmes has brought in at IOL, TE and DE/EDGE so far this offseason. I think the draft and health of the newbies will ultimately decide if the Lions look to bring any of these guys back, but the chance IMO is less than 5%.

  • 13, 27, 57, 72, 86: I think the ship has sailed on Jalen Mills, Arthur Mallet, Trystan Colon, Jamarco Jones and Anthony Firsker. The majority of them were mid-year injury replacements or injured all 2025 season, so I don't really expect any of them back especially with the Free Agent Signings the Lions have made to backfill their roles. The re-signing of any of these players is likely at 0% unless something catastrophic happens with injuries.



Number Changes for Lions Players under Contract

  • Ennis Rakestraw: 9 to 2 (Last Worn by Daniel Thomas in 2025)

  • Jackson Meeks: 83 to TBD (83 Picked up by Tyler Conklin)


Free Agent Signings New Numbers

  • Teddy Bridgewater: 5 (Last worn by David Montgomery 2025)

  • Greg Dortch: 8 (Last worn by Kyle Allen 2025)

  • Isiah Pacheco: 10 (Last worn by Ronnie Bell 2025)

  • Damone Clark: 11 (Last worn by Kalif Raymond 2025)

  • Roger McCreary: 21 (Last worn by Amik Robertson 2025)

  • Cade Mays: 64 (Last worn by Christopher Hubbard 2025)

  • Seth McLaughlin: 65 (Last worn by Kingsley Eguakun 2025)

  • Juice Scruggs: 70 (Last worn by Dan Skipper 2025)

  • Larry Borom: 79 (Last worn by Quinton Jefferson 2025)

  • Tyler Conklin: 83 (Last worn by Jackson Meeks 2025)


Free Agent Signings Without New Number

  • Ben Bartch: TBD

  • Christian Izien: TBD

  • Chuck Clark: TBD

  • DJ Wonnum: TBD

  • Kye Robichaux: TBD

  • Levi Onwuzurike: TBD

  • Payton Turner: TBD



 
 
 
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