As the first wave of the 2026 Free Agency period winds down, and teams continue to bargain hunt while preparing for the draft, I thought it would be a good idea to take a look at the Lions roster as it sits now vs where it was at the end of the 2025 season. This piece focuses on player movement but also takes into account some ancillary changes (coaches, certain players, unit changes, etc.) that have also occurred since the 2025 season ended. Each position group below is broken down by the current roster (as of 3/24/26), additions/retentions, losses, and analysis of the position group and my interpretation fo whether the group is better or worse off that it was at season end. Detroit Lions 2026 Free Agency Scorecard Let's look at all of the positional groups starting with Offense and see how they stack up to last years ending squad. Quarterback Current Roster: Jared Goff, Teddy Bridgewater Additions/Retentions: Teddy Bridgewater (TB) Losses: Kyle Allen (BUF), C.J. Beathard (UDFA) Analysis: Kyle Allen started off slow last year but looked like a competent backup for Goff by the end of the Pre-Season, enough that Brad Holmes finally let go of his biggest draft blunder in Hendon Hooker during final cuts. Bringing Teddy back is a great fit for the Lions as he has Goff’s trust and is respected as a valued leader in the locker room. It doesn't hurt that he has been an accomplished QB in his career. It’s likely the Lions will look to add another arm, whether it is a draft pick for future development or a camp arm that ends up on the Practice Squad. Verdict: Improved Running Back Current Roster: Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco, Sione Vaki, Jacob Saylors, Jabari Small, Kye Robichaux Additions/Retentions: Isiah Pacheco (KC) Losses: David Montgomery (Traded to HOU) Analysis: Alas, Sonic and Knuckles are no more, but the Lions were able to backfill the loss of David Montgomery by signing Isiah Pacheco from the Chiefs to be RB No. 2. The change out was inevitable with all of the noise Monty was making, clearly suffering from his ego being bruised with Gibbs taking over as the featured back. Despite the Lions making changes in coaches, and likely philosophy, around running the ball to help assuage his concerns, Monty got his wish and went to a team where he thinks he will get more opportunities. The rest of the depth chart is the same cast of RBs that were with the Lions last year on the main roster or practice squad, so the main change at this point is a Montgomery for Pacheco swap. On the surface it appears to be a bit of a downgrade from a performance standpoint unless Pacheco can shake the injury bug and recapture the performance from his 1st two years in the league. However, this ends up being a slightly improved space due to Pacheco salary being significantly less than Montgomery and allowing a player that was not happy to move on to his preferred destination, while garnering two draft picks and a desperately needed OL piece back in return. Another RB is likely coming, whether is in the draft, Free Agency or when team start cutting players after the draft or at the end of camp. Verdict: Slightly Improved Wide Receiver Current Roster: Amon-Ra St Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Greg Dortch, Dominic Lovett, Jackson Meeks, Tom Kennedy, Malik Cunningham Additions/Retentions: Greg Dortch (ARZ), Tom Kennedy (RFA Re-signed) Losses: Kalif Raymond (CHI) Analysis: This unit is virtually a push, with the only change being Kalif Raymond replaced by Greg Dortch. Every other player is a holdover from last year, either on the main roster or the practice squad. The Raymond for Dortch swap is a net-neutral for the Lions from a WR standpoint, as they are virtually the exact same player production wise, albeit Dortch is four-years younger and not quite as explosive as Raymond. The biggest gain, IMO, will be form Isaac TeSlaa having another year of experience and Jameson Williams getting back his mentor in Teddy Bridgewater. Verdict: Slightly Improved Tight End Current Roster: Sam LaPorta, Ty Conklin, Brock Wright, Zach Horton, Thomas Gordon Additions/Retentions: Tyler Conklin (LAC) Losses: Anthony Firsker (UDFA), Shane Zylstra (UDFA) Analysis: The TE unit rating is going to be based on the health of LaPorta (Back) and Wright (Throat/Neck), with both expected to return without limitations by training camp. However, the Lions massively upgraded the depth here by signing Tyler Conklin to compete for TE No. 2 with Wright and supplant Zylstra on the roster. He is a better blocker than Wright, decent pass catcher and route runner and has historically been more productive that Wright throughout his career. Horton and Gordon are likely practice squad bound, but the addition of Conklin makes the overall TE position much improved over last year’s room. Verdict: Improved OC Cade Mays Offensive Line Current Roster: Centers: Cade Mays, Juice Scruggs Seth McLaughlin, IOL: Tate Ratledge, Christian Mahogany, Miles Frazier, Colby Sorsdal, Michael Niese, OT: Penei Sewell, Larry Borom, Giovanni Manu, Devin Cochrane and Mason Miller Additions/Retentions: Cade Mays (CAR), Juice Scruggs (Trade HOU), Larry Borom (MIA) Losses: Taylor Decker (Cut-UDFA), Graham Glasgow (UDFA), Dan Skipper (Retired), Jamarco Jones (UDFA), Trystan Colon (UDFA) Analysis: This unit is more debated than any other, as it was central to the Lions failures last year on offense, and also as a team. With the loss of three of the top 6 OL, you would expect this to be a downgrade, but in this case, it was a net gain from addition by subtraction. While Taylor Decker was still playing at an adequate level, his repeated injuries and high salary made him a cut target when he decided to come back for an 11th year. Glasgow was in the same situation, but his play was sub-standard to begin with and the signing of Cade Mays and the trade for Juice Scruggs were a massive upgrade to the Center position and IOL depth over Glasgow and Trystan Colon. The Guards (IOL) will run back Ratledge and Mahogany, and with a year two Frazier (who could challenge Mahogany for a starter position) and Scruggs added to the mix, there will be a lot of competition to determine the top 4-5 IOL. Overall, the IOL has significantly better competition and depth this year than last and will likely see more brought in via both Free Agency and Draft picks. As for OT depth, Larry Borom is likely the new swing tackle, with plenty of starting experience and a player who graded out last year significantly better than Skipper, Manu and even Decker. While he could start at RT and have Sewell flip to LT, this is 100% up in the air until the Lions Draft is complete, where they are expected to take an OT at either 17 or 50 to fill out the OL depth chart. As a whole, the OL room is younger, has better depth and significantly cheaper after this offseason. Verdict: Slightly Improved Defensive End/EDGE Current Roster: Aiden Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum, Payton Turner, Levi Onwuzurike, Tyler Lacey, Ahmed Hassanein Additions/Retentions: Payton Turner (UDFA-DAL), DJ Wonnum (UDFA-CAR) Losses: Al-Quadin Muhhamad (UDFA-TB), Tyrus Wheat (UDFA-DAL), Marcus Davenport (UDFA), Josh Pascal (CUT-UDFA) Analysis: The EDGE/DE position has been a “problem” for Brad Holmes ever since he drafted Aiden Hutchinson, trying to find that complimentary piece to play 60% plus of the snaps opposite him. It feels compounded this year with AQM and his 11 sacks heading to Tampa and looking like a giant loss. But is it really? There has always been some “guy” opposite Hutch that has stepped up and produced complimentary sack totals, but hasn’t been a great every down DE/Edge. In 2024 Za’darius Smith had 4 sacks in 8 games and back in 2022 it was James Houston with 8 sacks in 7 games. So that role may already be on the roster in Hassanein or the newly signed Payton Turner or DJ Wonnum. We also expect the Lions to go EDGE/DE with whichever pick at 17 or 50 that isn’t an OL, so the role will get filled. However, the overall EDGE/DE appears to be deeper than last year IMO, with Wonnum better than Davenport and the depth guys better than who we were trotting out there most of the year (Davenport/Wheat/Lacey) at EDGE. I expect Holmes will continue to churn this position group, adding a premium player in the draft and some additional depth pieces once veteran cuts start at the end of training camp. Verdict: Slightly Improved Interior Defensive Line Current Roster: Alim McNeil, Tyliek Williams, Mekhi Wingo, Chris Smith, Myles Adams Additions/Retentions: Levi Onwuzurike (Contract Tolled), Myles Adams (UDFA-Re-Signed) Losses : Ray Lopez (UDFA-ARZ), DJ Reader (UDFA) Analysis: At first glance, it appears the Lions took a pretty big hit to their IDL with the loss of Key Contributors Ray Lopez and DJ Reader in Free Agency. However, I would disagree, as the Lions IDL depth last year was excellent, and Lopez, who did play well, received contract numbers far larger to go back to ARZ than the Lions had budgeted to retain him. Regardless, the IDL is in decent hands with a healthy McNeil and a Year-two Williams along with Myles Adamas and Mekhi Wingo (who finally flashed once he got into a game) and a healthy Onwuzurike. I expect the Lions to add at least one more IDL, whether it is to re-sign DJ Reader or bring one in during the draft or as cuts are made later this year to increase the depth and competition. Verdict: Neutral LB Malcolm Rodriguez Linebacker Current Roster: Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Trevor Nowaske, Damone Clark Additions/Retentions: Malcolm Rodriguez (UDFA Re-Signed) Trevor Nowaske (UDFA Re-Signed), Damone Clark (UDFA-HOU) Losses: Alex Anzalone (UDFA-TB), Grant Stuard (UDFA-LAR), Zach Cunningham (UDFA), Zeke Turner (UDFA) Analysis: The LB unit started the offseason with just Campbell and Barnes under contract, but Holmes has managed to bolster the depth and special teams by re-signing Rodriguez and Nowaske and grabbing Damone Clark form HOU. None of these guys are a direct replacement for what Anzalone provided as a five-tool LB, but it’s a start in getting the room situated for 2026. Clark is the lone FA add, and he is a decent LB when healthy for depth and is a special team’s core player, but I expect at least 3-4 more players brought in via the draft, trade or free agency before the season starts. From that group, the Lions need one more LB that can be a starter in short stints and also possess some of the same coverage traits that made Anzalone such a good player. Verdict: Slightly Worse NCB Roger McCreary Cornerback Current Roster: DJ Reed, Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw, Roger McCreary, Khalil Dorsey, Rock Ya-Sin Nick Whiteside Additions/Retentions: Roger McCreary (UDFA-KC), Rock Ya-Sin (UDFA Re-Signed) Losses: Amik Robertson (UDFA-WAS), Avonte Maddox (UDFA), Jalen Mills (UDAF), Arthur Maulet (UDFA) Analysis: The CB spot was one of two that were decimated by injuries in 2025 (along with Safety), but the silver lining is that Lions were able to get a good look at youngsters and veteran depth on their roster and see which players should be brought back and which needed to be replaced. One casualty of that was Amik Robertson, who was paid handsomely by WAS to jump teams, much more than the Lions would have offered, but he was replaced with a player I think is better suited for the nickel in Roger McCreary. Robertson, through no fault of his own, was moved all over last year covering NCB, LCB, RCB and seemingly was playing a different spot every week as guys returned and new injuries occurred. With the Outside CB spots locked down with Reed and Arnold along with Rakestraw (and Arnold) poised to come back from shoulder issues and Rock Ya-Sin back in the fold, McCreary can focus on being the Nickle CB and will likely excel. With Dorsey and Nick Whiteside also back, the Lions look like their CB spot is set for 2026 barring two of three more guys (including another NCB) added via the draft or Free Agency. Verdict: improved Safety Current Roster: Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Thomas Harper, Christina Izien, Dan Jackson, Loren Strickland Additions/Retentions: Christian Izien (UDFA-TB) Losses: Daniel Thomas (UDFA-CLE) Analysis: The Safety room is probably the biggest unknow outside of TE heading into 2026 with the top two of Joseph (Knee) and Branch (Achilles) both returning from injury plagued seasons in 2025. The addition of Christian Izien is big, as it gives the Lions a second starting level depth guy (in addition to Thomas Harper) while Branch recovers to start the 2026 campaign and as insurance if Joseph’s knee becomes a weekly thing again. The only loss was Daniel Thomas but replacing him with Izien is a net positive overall and actually makes the safety room, assuming everyone returns healthy, better than what was starting at the end of 2025. Strickland spent most of last year on the PS but is entering his third year with the team and the system and he and Dan Jackson will battle it out for that coveted fifth Safety spot on the roster. There is a strong possibility that Holmes is not done and the draft or veteran cuts later in the year could bring in another starting level guy, which wouldn’t hurt my feelings. However, I hope that bypassing the expensive options in FA is a good sign that Kerby’s knee issue is not degenerative and Branch is ahead of schedule in his rehab. Verdict: Slightly Improved Special Teams Current Roster: Jake Bates (K), Hogan Hatten (LS), Jack Fox (P), Greg Dortch (KR/PR), Jacob Saylors (KR/PR), Jacob Saylors (KR), Tom Kennedy (PR) Additions/Retentions: Greg Dortch (ARZ), Tom Kennedy (RFA Re-signed), Jake Bates (ERFA-Tendered), Jacob Saylors (ERFA Re-Signed) Losses: Kalif Raymond (CHI), Grant Stuard (ST) Analysis: Much like WR, the big change here is the swap of Kalif Raymond for Greg Dortch as the primary PR/KR. Looking at the raw numbers, the KR are almost identical, but Dortch has a significantly higher PR avg than Raymond did. For as good as Raymond was, he often went sideways trying to rely on his speed to turn the corner on PRs instead of just getting up field, which Dortch excels at, to the tune of a plus four yards (7.6-11.5) on Punt returns average. Throw in Tom Kennedy giving the team a spark at the end of the year and the return game should be slightly better. I would expect the Lions to bring in some extra legs for competition at Kicker and Punter, but do not expect any changes there. Bates should improve his accuracy after having several blocked and trying to kick in both awful weather and after absorbing some hard hits making tackles in the return game. The one area where there is currently a deficiency, are the special teams’ demons on coverage units. Grant Stuard is gone, and there was plenty of change out at LB and DB depth that make up the bulk of the core special teams’ players. I expect Holmes to restock this with great players like he always does, but there is a lot of offseason left. Verdict: Neutral Final Verdict: Improved After going through this exercise, my interpretation is that the Lions roster is actually in a better spot right now than it was at the end of 2025. As I went through the positional groups, three of them were definitely Improved (QB, TE and CB), five of them were slightly improved (RB, WR, OL, DL and S), two groups were Neutral (IDL and ST) and only one position was slightly worse (LB). While not every direct positional replacement is an improvement, couple the ancillary factors with the swap of players and expected development of holdovers, and the Lions Roster at this point looks to be Improved since the end of 2025 with both the Draft and the next two waves of Free Agency left as opportunities to get better. Updated Detroit Lions 2026 Offseason Depth Chart

Free Agency is less than a week old, and the moves have been coming fast and furious. While most of the heavy spending has been made by bad teams with lots of cap, the Lions have taken a very measured approach so far, focusing on their OL and resigning key contributors, while letting older veterans leave. 2026 Lions Free Agent Scoreboard Re-Signings Detroit re-signs  LB Malcolm Rodiguez CB Rock Ya-Sin re-signed with the Lions on a 1-year up to $4M deal After declining their RFA tenders, the Lions are re-signing both LB Trevor Nowaske and WR Tom Kennedy Cuts/Trades Detroit officially release d  Taylor Decker and DE Josh Paschal Lions Trade David Montgomery and officially Release Graham Glasgow Lions get IOL Juice Scruggs as part of the Montgomery trade with Houston FA Additions Lions to sign  former Carolina Center Cade Mays to a 3-year, $25M deal  with $14M fully guaranteed Detroit signs Isiah Pacheco to a 1-year deal  to replace David Montgomery. It is a fully guaranteed at $1.81M . Detroit add OT Larry Borom , has starting experience at RT and graded out better than both Skipper and Manu last season Lions Signed QB Teddy Bridgewater to be Goff's backup once again Detroit signing former Tampa Bay versatile DB Christian Izien Lions bringing in Roger McCreary to be the team's new NCB Lions sign Ty Conklin to bring quality backup to the TE position FA Losses Lions lose Alex Anzalone  to the Buccaneers where he gets a bump in pay Amik Robertson also leaving Detroit  for a decent payday with the Commanders Ray Lopez heads back to Cardinals  after career year with Lions Kalif Raymond heads to Chicago  on a one-year deal Tyrus Wheat going back to Dallas on a one-year deal Lions will need a Backup QB , as Kyle Allen signs with Bills Grant Stuard gets a major raise to move to the Rams Buccaneers also signed Al-Quadin Muhammad to 1-year up to $6M deal Detroit Lions 2026 Offseason Depth Chart Lions 2026 Offseason Depth Chart

Welcome to The Grey Manes Monday Morning Rundown, a collection of news and notes form the prior week that impact the Lions, the NFL or whatever else catches my eye. Lions RB Isiah Pacheco at his introductory Press Conference. Lions Players, Coaches and Team New Lions RB Isiah Pacheco will wear No 10 for the team this fall Detroit re-signs DT Myles Adams, who was buried on the Practice Squad last year due to the IDL depth Lions sign WR Greg Dortch formerly of Arizona as the heir apparent to Kalif Raymond Lions sign LB Damone Clark to bolster the depth chart The Lions have signed EDGE Payton Turner Warren Sharp posted a chart showing draft capital used on OL since 2022, highlighting the Lions ability to have Decker, Ragnow and Sewell already on board for long stints The Lions Draft Interactions are up to over 135 players now with Pro Days and Top 30 visits ongoing Lions 2026 Season Tickets have already sold out and the waitlist is at ~20K people Famed Lions Athletic Trainer Kent Falb earned the Pro Football Hall of Fame Award of Excellence for his 32 years of service to the Lions Rumors, Nuggets and Speculation Former Detroit Lion CB Darius Slay is calling it a career Former Lions WR DJ Chark also retires from the NFL The NFLPA elected JC Tretter to be their new executive Director Utah OL Spencer Fano left the combine with questions about his arm length , his Pro Day dispelled them Pittsburgh City Schools will be remote learning during the Draft April 22-24 Brad Galli, Sports Director at Channel 7 WXYZ, is moving on after 15 years covering Detroit Sports Mock Draft Season SI.com Justin Melo post Free Agency Mock Draft - 1st Utah OT Spencer Fan o Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports has a What Would Holmes Do 7-Round Mock  - 1st Penn St IOL Vega Ioane; 2nd Iowa OT Gennings Dunker Arye Pulli of SleeperHQ dropped and instant Mock post Waddle Trade - 1st Utah OT Spencer Fano Daniel Jeremiah at NFL.com has released Mock draft 3.0  -   1st Georgia OT Monroe Freeling Jeff Risdon forRealGM has a post-free agency Mock  - 1st Clemson OT Blake Miller Ben Standing released a new Mock  -   1st Georgia OT Monroe Freeling Sam Block has a Rd 1 Mock out - 1st OT Urah Spencer Fano Nick Harris of the Ft Worth Star Telegram First Mock is Live - 1st Alabama OT Kayden Proctor Eric Edholm of NFL.com has his Mock Draft 2.0 Up - 1st Georgia OT Monroe Freeling Things I think are Noteworthy Detroit Sports fans just can't have nice things ... NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame An American Icon Passed away. RIP Chick Norris

Welcome to The Grey Manes Monday Morning Rundown, a collection of news and notes form the prior week that impact the Lions, the NFL or whatever else catches my eye. Newest Lions OC Cade Mays at his introductory Press Conference Lions Players, Coaches and Team Lions to sign former Carolina Center Cade Mays to a 3-year, $25M deal with $14M fully guaranteed Detroit signs Isiah Pacheco to a 1-year deal to replace David Montgomery Detroit adds some depth at OT , with a kid who graded out better than both Skipper and Manu last season Lions lose Alex Anzalone to the Buccaneers where he gets a bump in pay Buccaneers also signed  Al-Quadin Muhammad to 1-year up to $6M deal Amik Robertson also leaving Detroit for a decent payday with the Commanders Ray Lopez heads back to Cardinals after career year with Lions Kalif Raymond heads to Chicago on a one-year deal Tyrus Wheat going back to Dallas on a one-year deal Detroit re-signs LB Malcolm Rodiguez Lions will need a Backup QB , as Kyle Allen signs with Bills Lions officially awarded a 5th round comp pick (5-181) for the loss of Kevin Zeitler in 2025. Detroit officially release d Taylor Decker and Josh Paschal Jared Goff and the Lions converted $32M in 2026 base int future signing bonus to free up Cap Space Detroit signing former Tampa Bay  versatile DB Christian Izien After declining their RFA tenders, the Lions are re-signing  both LB Trevor Nowaske and WR Tom Kennedy Grant Stuard gets a major raise  to move to the Rams Lions bringing in  Roger McCreary to be the team's new NCB Lions sign Ty Conklin to bring quality backup  to the TE position Rumors, Nuggets and Speculation NFL and the NFL Referee Association are on a Collison course in discussions with a May contract end looming NFL is exploring a Wednesday night game on Thanksgiving week... The NFLPA is electing a new Executive Director and four new Executive Committee members The NFL has opened early negotiations on the next TV rights deal, starting with Paramount/CBS. Mock Draft Season CBS Sports Garrett Podell Post Free Agency Start One-round Mock - 1st Miami EDGE Ahkeem Mesidor Josh Edward's three-round post-Free Agency start draft for CBS Sports - 1st Clemson OT Blake Miller; 2nd South Carolina CB Brandon Cisse AtoZ Sports Kyle Crabbs two-round post-free agency start mock draft  -   1st Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk; 2nd Alabama OT Kaden Proctor Mike Payton at AtoZ Sports has a Pre-Free Agency seven-round mock draft with some trades in it - 1st Clemson OT Blake Miller; 2nd Missouri EDGE Zion Young; 3rd Pittsburgh LB Kyle Louis Mike Payton at AtoZ Sports has a Post-Free Agency seven-round mock draft  with some trades in it - 1st Clemson OT Blake Miller; 2nd Miami EDGE Ahkeem Mesidore ; 3rd Pittsburgh LB Kyle Louis NFC North News Chicago Bears lost their WR 4  in FA to the Falcons and another DL  from their defense and one of their Pro-Bowl CBs and one of their DL . Bears lose three-time Pro Bowl Safety Byard to Patriots and their Pro-Bowl KR Duvernay to ARZ Bear re-signed another LB and re-siging their LT Jones and re-signed backup QB  Case Keenum for two more years and one of their depth CBs in Jylon Jones Bears signing a NT , also are signing S Coby Bryant and LB Devin Bush and veteran DE Kentavius Street Bears bringing in versatile DB Cam Lewis after losing pro-Bowl CB and an OT with injury history that sat out all 2025 that the Lions passed on Green Bay Green Bay going to get a comp pick for a guy that threw 89 passes for them in two years Green Bay traded Edge Rashan Gary to the Cowboys and Quay Walker signed with the Raiders, continuing their systematic dismantling of their Front Seven Packers take another hit to their OL and cut a two-time pro bowl OL Packers losing WR1 in Romeo Dobbs to the Patriots, add WR/KR Skyy Moore Packers added a CB  on Day 2 of FA and will be cutting a CB on Day 2 of FA and signed a depth OL and a former DL returns Packers are losing their RB #2 to the Seahawks and one of their CBs in Nate Hobbs to the 49ers Packers signed former Vikings DT Hargrave , cut hours earlier Minnesota Minnesota loses their Punter to the Saints Vikings lose another weapon on offense as WR3 leaves Vikings kept one of their own  at LB and also re-signed their LS and one of their DBs and starting RB Aaron Jones Vikings finally sign a Free Agent in CB James Pierre Vikings cutting DT Jason Hargrave and S Harrison Smith

Welcome to The Grey Manes Monday Morning Rundown, a collection of news and notes form the prior week that impact the Lions, the NFL or whatever else catches my eye. Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell with Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes Lions Players, Coaches and Team Taylor Decker committed to one more year, but Lions made him a Cap Casualty   David Montgomery got his wish and the Houston Texans gave the Lions quite a haul in the Trade. Graham Glasgow also was told he will be released in a cost-cutting move The Lions now expected to get a 5th Rd comp pick in the 2026 Draft The Lions finally used the ERFA tender on K Jake Bates, meaning he is under team control in 2026 Lions hosted Free Agent OT Jedrick Willis , last with the Browns, who was out of football last year recovering from an injury Tate Ratledge got married over te weekend Rumors, Nuggets and Speculation The Legal Tampering Window Opens at Noon EST Today The New League Year Starts at 4pm EST on Wednesday 3/11/26 All teams must be under the Cap at this point Teams can officially sign Free Agents deals they agreed to during the Legal Tampering Window The Fifth Year Option Window also opens at 4pm Wednesday 3/11 The Atlanta Falcons will host the Madrid International Game , could the Lions be the next NFC North team to do a Two-fer in Europe? Mock Draft Season Tim Twentym an of DetroitLions.com post combine Mock - 1st Georgia OT Monroe Freeling Woodward Sports Three-Round Mock - 1st Houston OT Spencer Fano; 2nd Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price ESPN's Jordan reed two-round Mock - 1st Miami EDGE Ahkeem Mesidor; 2nd Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price The Athletics Post Combine Lions 7 Round Mock - 1st Clemson OT Blake Miller; 2nd UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence Booner's Lions Mock Draft 4.0 -  1st Utah OT Spencer Fano; 2nd Oklahoma EDGE R Mason Thomas Brandon thorn of B/R Post Combine Mock -   1st Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk; Ohio State CB Davison Igbinosun Philly Inquirer's Devion Jackson Post Combine Mock - 1st Clemson DB Aveion Terrell The Athletic's Post-Combine 1st Rd Mock - 1st Alabama OT Kaden Proctor Mike Payton at AtoZ Sports has a full seven-round mock draft with some trades in it - 1st Miami EDGE Ahkeem Mesidor; 2nd: Arizona St OT Max Iheanachor; 2nd Indiana CB D'Angelo Ponds Lance Zierlein of NFL.com Mock 2.1 - 1st Alabama OT Kaden Proctor NFC North News The Vikings have begun cleaning up the Mess Kwesi left behind with their salary cap Vikings open to trading pro Bowl EDGE Jonathan Greenard due to their cap issues Appears that Bears Pro Bowl Center Drew Dalman is calling it quits at age 27 Green Bay LB Quay Walker hitting Free Agency with a new kind of petty The Bears are Trading WR DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills The Bears are planning to release LB Tremaine Edmunds Green Bay Edge Rashan Gary may be hitting Free Agency Vikings Center Ryan Kelly also announced his retirement Packers trading 26-year old DL starter for 30-year old MLB Things I think are Noteworthy The Tigers and Redwings have a new broadcast home in Detroit Sports Net If true, this is some little league conspiracy level stuff... The restaurant mashup I didn't know I didn't need...

As the 2026 NFL combine drew to a close on Sunday, the last chance to hear form the players and who they have been speaking with in Indy is done. While there will be plenty of contact in the upcoming weeks (Top 30 Visits, Pro Day Attendance, Virtual Visits and Local Days), we have a pretty good idea between the Combine and the All-Star games where the Detroit Lions have been dedicating their resources. As of today (Tuesday, 03/03/26), there have been confirmed reports that have the Lions interacting with 108 players tied to the 2026 draft. The Grey Manes 2026 Draft Interaction List , which shows every player at every position and every event that the Lions spent time with them. There are additional breakdowns by Offense and Defense/STs to get to a more manageable list. As far as the combine, interactions are broken down into Informal and Formal Meetings. Each team is allowed 45 formal meetings, and the Lions appear to have used 25 of those formals sit downs, while talking to another 41 kids informally, with a combined confirmed meeting with 76 Players. Interaction Breakdown Combine Formal – Confirmed 25 Formal Interviews Lins 2026 Formal Combine Interactions Combine Informal – Confirmed 83 Informal Interviews Lions 2026 Informal Combine Interactions What does this tell us? The Lions were busy in Indy, with a confirmed 76 interactions combined amongst the 310+ players present. The first thing that jumps at you when looking at the Formal Meetings is that the Lions spent a lot of time speaking to players at the EDGE and LB positions, probably the Lions No. 1 and No. 3 needs with Taylor Decker back for one more year. Followed closely by TE, OT, CB and OG, all potential hot spots of Lion's needs. Informally, they met with a LOT of UDFA type players, along with guys that are projected for Day 3 picks. In fact, 43 of the 51 Informal meetings were kids projected rds. 4 or lower, while only 1 kid for Rd 1 and seven in rds. 2-3 held a conversation with the team. Positional Breakdown Formal 15 Defense (Shaded Below) 5 Offense Positional Breakdown Informal 27 Defense (Shaded Below) 24 Offense Projected Draft Position Formal Interviews Informal interviews

As the new league year approaches in 10 days, the Lions have started making roster moves to not only get under the cap but start to reshape their team for the 2026 season. First up was the tarde of David Montgomery to the Houston Texans for what can only be described as an absolute haul. Reports are that the Lions initially agreed to trade Monty for just a 5th round pick, but a mystery team jumped in the bidding and the Texans upped their offer to be their 4th, their 2027 7th and IOL Juice Scruggs. The trade of Montgomery will initially free up ~$3.5M in cap savings, but doesn't come without penalty, as the Lions will have to absorb ~$4.9M in Dead Cap in 2026. In addition, that cap savings will be re-allocated to cover the contract of Scruggs (~$1.6M) and the 4th round pick acquired in the trade (~$1.2M), leaving the Lions with just a modest net cap savings of $770K, while needing to now find a No. 2 RB via the draft or Free Agency. David Montgomery Farewell Letter to Lions Fans Scruggs is an interesting prospect in return, a former 2nd Rd pick out of Penn State, he has played primarily LG in his 1,800+ career snaps, but also has 568 snaps at center, where he was starter for Penn St most of his career. Expectations are that he should be expected to be a two-deep depth payer initially, with a chance to compete for a starting spot in camp. The next big roster news was the announcement that the Lions had released IOL Graham Glasgow. Glasgow was expected to be released or retire after the 2025 season in which he suffered injuries and played below expectations for most of the year. His release will initially free up $5.6M in Cap space and send another $2.876M to Dead Cap, but with the acquisition of Scruggs, that roster spot for IOL depth has largely been fille for 2026. IOL Graham Glasgow Farewell Post to Lions Fans The final roster news of the day is that the Lions will not be issuing a tender to RFA DL Tyrus Wheat. Wheat did get 1.5 sacks last year while playing in just 6% of the defensive snaps, but the baseline Right of First Refusal Tender would have cost the Lions $3.52M, and for an Undrafted Free Agent with two career sacks, that is just too much. The Lions could bring him back on a veteran minimum deal, but as of now, Wheat is an Unrestricted Free Agent on the first day of the league year.

Welcome to The Grey Manes Monday Morning Rundown, a collection of news and notes form the prior week that impact the Lions, the NFL or whatever else catches my eye. Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell with Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes Lions Players, Coaches and Team  What will the Lions do with the Fifth year Options  for Gibbs and Campbell The Lions announced  their 2026 Coaching staff and there were seven Changes in roles or new Hires from 2025. The Lions Director of Sports Performance , Mike Clark will also be retiring. The Long-rumored announcement of the Lions hosting a game in Germany has been made. David Montgomery situation is far from over, Brad Holmes continues to say Lions want him in Detroit, but ball is in Monty's court . The NFLPA's annual Player Survey of teams predictably leaked to the media. The Liosn were 9th overall The Lions Aiden Hutchinson helped surprise the Lions International Fan of the year who is from Brazil Time Twentyman sits down to chat with new Lions Coaches Mike Kafka, Dan Skipper and Steve Oliver Albert Breer in his MMQ column suggests that while at the Combine the Lions will be working on contract extensions with their four young stars in Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch Rumors, Nuggets and Speculation The NFL officially state d the 2026 salary cap will be $301.2M, a $22M increase form 2025 NFL.com host Gregg Rosenthal has put out his Top 101 Free Agent List with the only Lions being DJ Reader at 61 and AQM at 84 ESPN GetUp Crew discussed the possibility and challenges with the Lions trading for Myles Garrett Jeff Risdon has been hearing that the lions will bring back one and potentially both of Amik Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin YouTube is negotiating to pick up the four games ESPN gave the NFL as part of the NFL Network merger. NBC is revamping Football Night In America and Tony Dungy appears to be the odd man out after 17 years. NFL confirmed there were Five replay errors (wrong decision made) in 2025 season, but four of them  took place in 1opm Games. Combine News and Nuggets Ryan Fowlers lists players he wants to see updated measurements or testing on Jeff Risdon for The Lions Podcast gives his most likely Top 5 1st Rd Targets Mock Draft Season Fox Sports Rob Rang lists his top 50 draft Prospects Emmett Matasovsky three-round Mock Draft for Lions On SI - 1st EDGE Auburn Keldric Faulk; 2nd: Clemson OT Blake Miller Mel Kiper's latest Mock at ESPN -  1st Missouri EDGE Zion Young NFL.com Bucky Brooks second Mock Draft -   Alabama OT Kayden Proctor Mike Payton at AtoZ Sports has a Three-round mock  - 1st Utah OT Spencer Fano; 2nd: Illinois EDGE Gabe Jacas Spencer Raxter at Woodward Sports dropped a three-round Mock for the Lions  - 1st EDGE Auburn Keldric Faulk; 2nd: Clemson OT Blake Miller, 4th: Michigan DT Rayshaun Benny NFC North News The Vikings have begun cleaning up the Mess Kwesi left behind with their salary cap Things I think are Noteworthy The Red Wings are introducing a Chicken tender Zamboni at Little Caeser's Arena

As the new league year approaches, NFL teams will have a short period (03/11/26 - 05/01/26) starting on the first day of the 2026 NFL League Year to decide whether they want to exercise the 5th Year Option on their 2023 1st Round Draft Picks or let them hit Unrestricted Free Agency. The Lions will be in a unique position for the second year in a row, because they have not one, but two players that will qualify for the option if they do not extend them first. The NFL publicized the rates for players based on the tier they hit on Friday, so let's dig into what the Lions may do with Jack Campbell and Jahmyr Gibbs. Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell with Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes This was set up three years ago when Brad Holmes was entering his second year as GM of the Detroit Lions and he "shocked" many with taking not one, but two non-premium players in the 1st round of the 2023 draft. He caught plenty of flack for those picks at the time because of their perceived positional value in relation to where they were selected and that the Liosn could be in a bind when RB Jahmyr Gibbs (12th) and LB Jack Campbell (18) were at their decision date for exercising the 5th year option on them. Well, a funny thing happened in the three years since. Gibbs has blossomed into one of the most dangerous RBs and playmakers in the NFL and Campbell just earned the most votes for AP First-Team All-Pro at LB. So, position value be damned, these guys both turned out to be ballers and invaluable members of the Lions, so the 5th year option being offered is a no brainer, right? These guys will get paid; it just needs to be determined whether the Lions will extend them on their terms (the window opened on 01/05/26) or if they will apply the 5th Year Option first and extend them after the 2026 NFL season. Brad Holmes has had three years of 1st rounders that reached this decision point, and he has pretty much used every option available, including trading a player away. 2020 - Jeff Okudah - Not Exercised: Lions Traded him to Atlanta and by agreeing to pay $1.5M of his salary, the 5th Year Option was negated 2021 - Penei Sewell - Not Exercised: Lions Extended him in 2024 for Four years, 2022 - Aiden Hutchinson - Exercised Option - Extended on 10/29/25 with Four Year Deal 2022 - Jameson Williams - Exercised Option - Extended on 09/06/25 with Three Year Deal The folks at Over the Cap have a great tool that breaks down the fifth year for the currently eligible (2023) draft class and describes the four salary tiers and how they are calculated if that player earns the 5th Year Option. Going into the season, here is where both Gibbs and Campbell stood. Fifth Year Option Qualifiers: RB Jahmyr Gibbs 12th Overall TIER 4: Multi Pro Bowl = $14,293,000 Original Ballot Pro Bowler 2024 and 2025 LB Jack Campbell 18th Overall TIER 3: 1 Pro Bowl = $21,925,000 Original Ballot Pro Bowler 2025 These two options combined ($36.218M) are still slightly less than Hutch and Jamo from last year ($36.4M) and if exercised, they would immediately go against the 2027 Cap number, where the Lions currently have 26 active contracts and $71.8M in open cap space against the projected cap. My prediction is that Gibbs with definitely get the Fifth Year Option while they work on extending him, as Saquon Barkley ($20.6M APY) and Christian McCaffrey ($19M APY) have totally skewed the RB market at the top. It feels like Gibbs will likely fall in line below McCaffrey, but above Derrick Henry ($15M APY), which would be a small premium over the Fifth-Year number above. For Jack Campbell, I believe that the Lions will look to extend him before or during the fifth-year option window, likely resetting the LB APY to a little over Fred Warners $21M that is the high bar today. The Transition Tag that would set Campbell's fifth-year option is actually higher than the current LB contract range because it takes into account future salary cap numbers, which are going to continue to climb. It would be in the Lions best interest to sign him to an APY that is either at the fifth-year number or slightly below (with a structure to offset losing some money) to ensure what is best for both Campbell and the team.

This is the Ninth and Last in our series of roster analysis by position group for the 2026 offseason leading up to Free Agency and the NFL draft. Today’s focus will be on Special teams, where the Lions have control of their K (ERFA), Punter (under Contract) and LS (Under Contract, but the return game will need some assistance. Detroit Lions P Jack Fox and K Jake Bates STs Under Contract: Jack Fox (P), Hogan Hatten (LS), Jacob Saylors (KR-Re-Signed ERFA), Sione Vaki (KR) Free Agents: Jake Bates (K-ERFA), Kalif Raymond (PR-UFA), Tom Kennedy (KR-RFA), Grant Stuard (KR/ST-UFA) Analysis: Unless Jack Fox is a surprise cut (Cut would save $2.25M), Punter and LS (Hatten) are both under contract for 2026. K Jake Bates though, is an ERFA, and it appears that the Lions have not tendered him yet for 2026. The tender is based on the Vet Minimum for accrued seasons, of which Bates has two, so it would be a one-year deal for $1,075,000. With the Lions not tendering him yet (once tendered that is only option to sign), it appears that both sides may be hoping to get a long-term extension done. They will have until the 1st day of the new league year (3/11/26) to extend or tender him or let him walk as a free agent. Bottom line, if the Lions want him back, they will tender him and he will play for only the Lions. The PR /KR situation is a bit more fluid, as the only regulars from 2025 still under contract are Jacob Saylors (KR) and Sione Vaki (KR). Kalif Raymond, Tom Kennedy and Grant Stuard are all UFAs currently, although I expect at least one of the WRs and Stuard to re-sign with the Lions. Options: Although all three specialists likely under contract for only 2026, the Lions may be on the lookout for more than just camp legs this offseason. Fox is the senior member of the group at 30 and going into his seventh season, he is also the most expensive. There are only three punters with draftable grades this year, one in the 5th and two in the 7th, the rest are all projected to be UDFAs. As for Kicker, Bates will be 27 entering year three and his FG % dipped a bit, which was primarily due to five misses from 50+ yards along with a blocked kick from 45. He also took some nasty impacts in a couple games on KO tackles that may have impacted him on subsequent kicks. It’s possible the Lions will look to at least bring in some competition at K, but outside of RFA Brandon Aubrey of the Cowboys (received the second round tender), the FA market only holds 16 kickers to start, with nine UFAs (six of whom are over 30) and seven ERFA/RFA that haven’t re-signed or been tendered by their teams yet. There is also an inordinate number of former Lions Kickers, including Matt Prater, Riley Patterson, Zane Gonzalez and of course Jake Bates available. As for LS, I don’t think the Lions will make a move or even bring someone in unless Hatten gets injured, as there are only 15 LS on the market, and all but three are 30 years or older. Free Agent P:   Jordan Stout (UFA), Ryan Wright (UFA) K:   Brandon Aubrey (RFA), Riley Patterson (UFA), Jake Bates (ERFA), Joey Slye (UFA) LS:  Scott Daly (UFA), Jacob Bobenmoyer (UFA) Draft Pick P: Tommy Doman Jr. (UDFA), Ryan Eckley (UDFA), Jack Stonehouse (UDFA), Brett Thorson (UDFA) K: Will Ferrin (UDFA), Dominic Zvada (UDFA), Trey Smack (UDFA), Drew Stevens (UDFA) LS: N/A Bottom Line: Outside of a surprise cut of Jack Fox or letting Jake Bates walk, I think the Lions will continue with the trio that they had the last two years. Outside of Brandon Aubrey being signed from Dallas at K, there really isn’t any clear upgrades on the FA market to replace Fox or Bates. Hatten hits the trifecta of being steady, young and cheap, exactly what you want out of your LS. The returners will sort itself out once guys are re-signed and drafted but expect a few familiar faces to return in 2026 in those roles. In the end, I believe that Holmes tenders Bates, and we run back all three guys for 2026, while bringing in some camp legs and competition just in case. After 2026, all three are UFAs, so it is possible that long-term extensions or replacements could be brought in, with extensions more likely.

As Draft Season moves ahead with the Combine, The Grey Manes will be identifying and listing all of the Draft Interactions that the Lions have had from the All-Star Games through the last Top 30 Visit. Brad Holmes has historically been known to draft players that they have met with, so these can tell a bit about the Lions thought process and roster direction come the draft and UDFA signing. Click HERE see the complete list.

In one of the worst kept secrets in the NFL, the Detroit Lions officially announced today that they will be hosting the INFL International game in Munich Germany in the upcoming 2026 season. The game will be played at the FC Bayern Munich Stadium . The Liosn have a dedicated page set up to inquire about tickets, receive news and any updates regarding the game. Detroit Lions hosting game in Germany in 2026 As more information becomes available, we will keep you updated.