This is the eighth 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 the DB room, which has significant health questions despite Brad Holmes throwing multiple Draft Picks and FA signings at it the last few years. Detroit Lions starting Safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch DB Under Contract: CB: Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, Ennis Rakestraw, Khalil Dorsey, Nick Whiteside (ERFA-Re-Signed) DB: Brian Branch S: Kerby Joseph, Thomas Harper, Dan Jackson, Loren Strickland (Futures) Free Agents: CB: Amik Robertson (UFA), Jalen Mills (UFA), Arthur Maulet (UFA), Rock Ya-Sin (UFA), Keenan Garber (SFA-PS) DB: Avonte Maddox (UFA) S: Daniel Thomas (UFA), Damontae Kazee (UFA-PS) Analysis: The Lions Defensive Backfield ended 2025 as a bruised and battered bunch, with the only player to make it through all 17 games being Amik Robertson, who is a UFA. Taking a look at the starters at CB, the Lions had what looked on paper like a formidable trio in DJ Reed, Terrion Arnold and Amik Robertson (Nickle). However, injuries struck Reed (6 games missed) and Arnold (9 games missed) leaving Robertson to play out of position as one of the starting outside corners for most of the year. He initially held his own with Brian Branch (5 missed games) and Kerby Joseph (11 missed games) covering the deep half, but once both of those guys went down to Suspension, Knee and Achilles injuries, Amik started getting picked on and ultimately lost more battles than he won. Not all his fault, as he played hard albeit out of position, but being a Free Agent, it will be interesting to see if the Lions value him enough to bring him back or let him walk. Reed was able to come back and play the last seven games of the season, so he should be good to go for next year. Arnold missed the last four games with a bum shoulder and ended the season on IR, but he was really starting to look like a good player before the injury took him out. Assuming surgery or rehab gets him ready to go (recent workouts posts look like he is on track), the outside corners should be set. A gap does exist at Nickle with Robertson a FA, so that may need to be filled via FA if Robertson isn’t re-signed, as none of the players under contract currently fit that position profile. The starting Safeties are an absolute mess, with Kerby Joseph possibly having a degenerative knee injury that could limit or end his career and Brian Branch likely missing the first half of 2026 due to a blown Achilles in Week 14. For the backups, the CB room has Ennis Rakestraw (coming off IR), Khalil Dorsey and Nick Whiteside, which isn’t a bad group of players, assuming Rakestraw can finally get past the Hamstring injuries that have plagued his college and pro career. Both Dorsey and Whiteside played meaningful minutes and didn’t embarrass themselves last year when the injuries hit, so I think this is a good base group to work from. As for the Safety depth, Thomas Harper played very well in place of both Branch and Joseph, and I have confidence he can cover that spot again while Branch is out to start the year. However, Loren Strickland (limited snaps) and Dan Jackson (coming off knee injury) likely aren’t ready for prime time yet. Options: I would say that CB will need a nickel via either the draft or Free Agency, with re-signing Amik Robertson a definite possibility, however his price will dictate if he becomes an ex-Lion IMO. Safety will definitely need some help, with a starting-caliber player needed to fill the void under the assumption that Joseph will be hampered by the knee moving forward. Looking at Safety options, in Free Agency there are a handful of experienced players entering their prime that could be brought in and excel in the Lions system. The trio of Donovan Wilson, Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are the prizes here, so if the injury diagnosis on Kerby Joseph is super negative, we will know (especially with Branch out at least half the season recovering form Achilles) if the Lions target any of the top guys. The draftable Safeties have strength in the middle rounds, which is where the Lions would likely invest a draft pick outside of one of the top three inexplicably sliding into their pick or trade range. I would think though, if Caleb Downs somehow miraculously slipped into the teens, Brad Holmes would literally run from Detroit to Pittsburgh to put the card in, as he is that good of a player. We saw how much losing the safeties impacted the Defense last year, so keeping quality play there will be as important as the OL IMO. That’s how we landed Arnold a few years back, so we know Brad isn’t afraid to go get a guy he wants. FA Safeties Byard and Brisker of the Chicago Bears The FA CB Market also is loaded with talent, including some of the Bears backfield that led the NFL in INTs last year. There is also the possibility that the Lions will bring back a few of their own guys to bolster the depth (Ya-Sin, Maddox and possibly Robertson come to mind), but they could make a splash with a Riq Woolen, Greg Newsom or Nashon Wright to ensure it’s a strength in 2026. As for Draftable CBs, the Lions, at least in the first 3-4 rounds, will likely focus on Outside Press Man/Press CBs that fit their scheme and shy away from kids that have played primarily Outside Zone. Deeper in the draft, I could see them looking for a slot/nickel or a zone kid with speed to fill out depth. The draft is really deep, but there is a discernable drop from 3rd round and above CB prospects, and 5th round to UDFAs. Not many kids are currently projected late Day 2 or early Day 3, so that may be the place to grab sleepers or someone that has dropped. Also appears to be a sizeable group of kids that have the size and skillset to convert to Safety in the NFL, with height, Weight and Speed combos that would be ideal for in the box and modern TE coverage skillsets. FA CBs Seattle's Riq Woolen, Miami's Jack Johnson and Saints Alontae Taylor Free Agent CB: Amik Robertson (UFA), Rock Ya-Sin (UFA), Nashon Wright (UFA-Injury History), Alonte Taylor (UFA), Jack Jones (UFA), Jaylen Watson (UFA-Injury History), Cobie Durant (UFA), Josh Jobe (UFA-Injury History), Tariq Woolen (UFA), Greg Newsome (UFA), Avonte Maddox (UFA) S: Kevin Byard (UFA), Donovan Wilson (UFA), Alohi Gilman (UFA), Jalen Thompson (UFA), Bryan Cook (UFA), Jaquan Brisker (UFA), Kamren Curl (UFA), Geno Stone (UFA), Nick Cross (UFA), Daniel Thomas (UFA), Ronnie Hickman (RFA) Draft Pick LB: Mansoor Delane (1st-Top 10), Avieon Terrell (1st-Mid), Brandon Cisse (2nd-Early), D’Angelo Ponds (2nd-Late/Nickle), Keionte Scott (2nd-Late/Nickle), Daylen Everette (3rd), Domani Jackson (5th), Davison Igbinosun (5th), Ephsians Prysock (6th), Josh Moten (6th), Toriano Pride Jt (6th), Jadan Cannady (6th), Andre Fuller (7th), Brent Austin (7th), Denver harris (UDFA), Jaylon Guilbeau (UDFA), Fred Davis II (UDFA), Ceyair Wright (UDFA), Rodrick pleasant (UDFA-Nickle) S: Caleb Downs (1st-Top 10), Dillon Thieneman (2nd-Early), Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (2nd-Early), Michael Taaffe (2nd-Mid), AJ Haulcy (2nd-Late), Zakee Wheatley (3rd), Bishop Fitzgerald (4th), Jalon Kilgore (4th), Xavier Nwankpa (5th), Louis Moore (5th), Isaiah Nwokobia (6th), Deshon Singleton (UDFA), Sage Ryan (UDFA) Bottom Line: The Lions really don’t want to see another “Legion of Whom” defensive backfield in 2026 if at all possible. It is imperative that everyone gets and stays healthy for the team to have success. Depth was key to both the Lions getting to a winning season, but also not getting over the top into the playoffs. The CB depth held up pretty well and delivered a few potential long-term options, but it was the Safety spot that was absolutely decimated by injuries and suspensions. As of right now, the Lions should expect to find a starting quality Safety to pair with Thomas Harper with both Joseph and Branch availability in doubt for parts of 2026. I would think one starter in Free Agency and at least one draft pick in the 4th-6th rounds at a minimum would be needed to right-size the room. As for CB, the Lions have outside starters Reed and Arnold set, but Nickle is a concern. Dorsey, Whiteside and Rakestraw have all flashed, but all have questions still. So, depending on FA signings at CB and other positions of desperate need (OL, Edge and LB), the Lions could use ANY of their draft picks on one or two CBs to fill out the starts and depth. So, re-signing two of Maddox, Ya-Sin and Robertson (long-shot) along with a nickel and outside CB in FA that have starting capabilities seems to be a necessity heading into the Draft. In the end, I think that Holmes makes a splash and grabs a starting caliber Safety, Nickle CB and a depth guy at each position in Free Agency along with re-signing several of the Lions FA DBs including Ya-Sin and Maddox. In the draft, CB or Safety could come in Round 1 or 2, depending on the OL and Edge situation in Free Agency, but expect at least 2-3 DBs drafted from rounds 4-7 and multiple guys signed in as UDFAs.

The 2026 NFL Combine is upon us, which unofficially kick starts the two-month window for Draft Season that will culminate with the Detroit Lions (as of now) picking a future player at no. 17 overall in Pittsburgh in late April. The Combine will open Tuesday, and the NFL put out a release a few weeks ago detailing the 319 Prospects that were invited to attend. Almost all will show up, although many will forego any on-field testing or workouts for a variety of reasons, including injury, waiting for their Pro-Day and familiar surroundings or because their agency of records may prefer that they don't test at all. The Grey Manes have prepared a bit of a draft p[riomer, including schedules for what and when the players, coaches and GMs will be participating, who the Lions may have elevated interest in and where you can catch TV or Radio broadcasts of the events. When are Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell Expected to Speak to the Media? As of now, and subject to change, Holmes is expected to be on Podium 4 at 1pm CST Tuesday afternoon and will be followed at the same location by Dan Campbell at 2pm CST. The Lions will likely push these interviews to the Detroit Lions YouTube or deteroitlions.com . What does the schedule look like for positional testing? Players arrive in their positional groups throughout the week with the DL, LB and K/P first up, DB and TEs next, RB QB and WR Third and OL at the end of the week. The schedule is similar for each group with Team Interviews, Medicals and pre-Exams, a NFLPA Meeting and culminating with their last two days in Indy being the measurements, On Field Workout and Bench Press. Check out the full schedule and Itinerary by Group below. 2026 NFL Combine Schedule How many players at each position were invited? QB - 16 RB - 21 WR - 46 TE - 27 OL - 56 DL - 63 LB - 29 DB - 54 K/P - 3/4 What positions will the Lions likely be taking a long look at? The Lions will likely be looking heavily at OL , DL , LB , TE and DB per our positional a nalysis series we ran over the last few weeks. Players of note at each position invited to the combine that could interest the Lions (and Current Projected Round) OL: C: Jake Slaughter (2nd), Connor Lew (2nd), Pat Coogan (5th), Jager Burton (UDFA) IOL: Olaivavega Ioane (1st), Gennings Dunker (2nd), Jaeden Roberts (4th), DJ Campbell (5th), Micah Morris (UDFA) OT: Francis Mauigoa (1st-Top 10), Spencer Fano (1st Mid), Kaden Proctor (1st-Mid), Caleb Tiernan (2nd), Max Iheanachor (2nd-3rd), JC Davis (4th), Kage Casey (4th), Aamil Wagner (5th), Fernando Carmona (7th), Alex Harkey (UDFA) DL: IDL: Kayden McDonald (1st-Mid), Lee Hunter (2nd), Darrell Jackson Jr (3rd), Chris McClellan (4th), Albert Regis (5th), Zxavian Harris (6th), Zane Durant (6th), Rayshaun Benny (6th) EDGE: Reuban Bain (Top 5), David Bailey (Top 10), Cashius Howell (1st-mid), Ahkeem Mesidor (1st-2nd), Derrick Moore (2nd), Gabe Jacas (3rd), Dani Dennis-Sutton (3rd) Caden Curry (4th), Tyreak Sapp (4th), Max Llewellyn (5th), Patrick Payton (6th) LB: Sonny Styles (1st-Mid), CJ Allen (1st-Late), Jake Golday (2nd-Late), Deontae Lawson (2nd-Late), Taurean York (3rd), Jacob Rodriguez (3rd), Harold Perkins Jr (3rd), Jaishawn Barham (4th), Kaleb Elarms-Orr (5th), Raylen Wilson (6th), Jimmy Rolder (6th), Eric Gentry (UDFA) TE: Eli Stowers (2nd), Max Klare (3rd), Joe Royer (4th), Oscar Delp (5th), Sam Roush (6th), Will Kacmarek (7th) DB: CB: Mansoor Delane (1st-Top 10), Avieon Terrell (1st-Mid), Brandon Cisse (2nd-Early), D’Angelo Ponds (2nd-Late/Nickle), Keionte Scott (2nd-Late/Nickle), Daylen Everette (3rd), Domani Jackson (5th), Davison Igbinosun (5th), Ephsians Prysock (6th), Toriano Pride Jr (6th), Jadan Cannady (6th), Andre Fuller (7th), Jaylon Guilbeau (UDFA) S: Caleb Downs (1st-Top 10), Dillon Thieneman (2nd-Early), Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (2nd-Early), Michael Taaffe (2nd-Mid), AJ Haulcy (2nd-Late), Zakee Wheatley (3rd), Bishop Fitzgerald (4th), Jalon Kilgore (4th), Xavier Nwankpa (5th), Louis Moore (5th), Deshon Singleton (UDFA) When can I watch or Listen to the Combine? The NFL Network will pick up when the Live coverage when the first groups on-field workouts begin on Thursday and have 40+ hours through Sunday's conclusion of the OL. Check out the schedule below: NFL Network Combine Coverage The folks over at Sirius XM will also be broadcasting live on SiriusXM NFL Radio starting on Tuesday at 9am EST You can catch interviews with Coaches, GMs and prospects all week.

The Detroit Lions announced their full 2026 Coaching staff earlier today and it finally clears up a couple of unknow roles for recently mentioned hires. There is a total of 12 Title or role changes from last season amongst coaches and the training staff. Changes Of Note: Drew Petzing - New Hire: Offensive Coordinator (replaces the Fired Jon Morton) Mike Kafka - New Hire: Pass Game Coordinator Dan Skipper - New Hire: Offensive Assistant Bruce Gradkowski - New Title: Assistant WR Coach (was Offensive assistant last season) Jim O'Neil - New Title: Assistant Head Coach/Safeties (was Defensive Assistant/Safeties last year) Steve Oliver - New Title: Tight Ends David Shaw - New Title: Pass Game Specialist (Step back from Pass Game Coordinator last year) Mike Clark - Former Director of Sports Performance is retiring Jill Costanza - New Title: Assistant Strength & Conditioning/Director of Sports Science (Added Asst Title) Thadeus Jackson - New Hire: Assistant Strength & Conditioning Cameron Josse - New Hire: Assistant Strength & Conditioning Corey Smith - No Longer Listed as Assistant Strength & Conditioning There are no direct Assistant OL (Steve Oliver) or Assistant TE coach (Seth Ryan Last Year) replacements 2026 Detroit Lions HC, Coordinators and Offensive Coaches 2026 Detroit Lions Defense, Special teams and Strength Coaches

After two weeks of using News and Nuggets, we have decided to rebrand our weekly item to be called the "Monday Morning Rundown". Going forward, expect this to be posted each Monday and contain the news and notes form the prior week that impact the Lions, the NFL or whatever else catches my eye. Detroit Lions President Rod Wood interviewed by Lions team reporter Dannie Rogers Lions Players, Coaches and Team Rod Wood is retiring as Lions Team President prior to the start of the 2026 season Lions Team Reporter Dannie Rogers is moving  on from the role after five years The Lions posted a video get to know new OC Drew Petzing The Detroit Lions Official X account is continuing to post highlights from last season. The latest posts include Jahmyr Gibbs , Aiden Hutchinson , Amon-ra St Brown and Jared Goff , The Lions Posted an almost 40-minute video of ALL the Lions TDs in 2025 Kerby Joseph is doing everything possible to get his knee back to full strength, including alternate medicine NFL.com Editor Gennaro Filice ranked the 2025 Draft Classes , handing the Lions a 'B' and 16th on the list. 97.1 (WXYT-The Ticket) announced a new multi-year broadcast partnership with the Lions for the team's radio home, continuing to broadcast pre-, regular and post season games. Happy Birthda y (last Friday) to Isaac TeSlaa ! Former Detroit Lions OC Jon Morton is going back to the Broncos to his old role Rumors, Nuggets and Speculation NFL Network is kicking off over 40 hours of its Combine C overage TODAY Fox Sports Top 100 Free Agents with Potential Fits . Three Lions on the list, all projected to sign elsewhere with Lions projected to land a Guard and CB. Many teams are lighting their cap dollars on fire due to poor contracts or taking big swings at a Super Bowl. ESPN Top 50 Free Agents has two Lions connections, Anzalone to Bucs and Bosa to Lions. Former Browns OG Joel Bitonio, speculated to the Lions in Free Agency, has retired , or not The Franchise/Transition tag opened Feb 17th and runs through Mar 3rd. Lions likely won't tag anyone this year Fox Sports lists Taylor Decker at No 19 on their Top 25 potential Cap Cuts The 2026 draft is not strong for OG, with only six players clearing the NFL Avg benchmark PFF has the Lions as their Top Team to go from Last to first in 2026 Don't expect a lot of rule change proposals this offseason, including against the Tush Push Mock Draft Season The NFL Mock Draft Database site is a fantastic tool to see consensus rankings based on aggregated Mock Drafts of individual players. PFF's Three-round Mock Draft 1st Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk; 2nd: Indiana CB D'Angelo Ponds CBS Sports Josh Edwards Mock Draft - Clemson CB Aveion Terrell Move the Sticks 2nd Mock Draft form Daniel Jeremiah - Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker The Athletic NFL Beat Writers Mock Draft 2.0 ($$$) - Georgia OT Monroe Freeling NFL.com's Charles Davis Mock 1.0 - Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidore NFC North News The Bears added four new coaches to fill out Ben Johnson's second Offensive Staff Packers have lost NINE coaches now that ST Coordinator Rich Bisaccia has stepped down Things I think are Noteworthy Something different from the "Florida Man" files.... Tigers' Alt unis are fire The Bears stadium ordeal is a tug of war between Wolf Lake site in Indiana and Arlington Heights in Chicago with Indiana pulling out all the stops Stever Perry will NOT be rejoining Journey

This is the fourth 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 the WR room, where the Top 3 players are set for the next several years, but depth and special teams play possibly could be upgraded for spots four, five and six.     Isaac TeSlaa second career TD reception   WRs Under Contract: Amon-Ra St Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Dominic Lovett, Jackson Meeks (Futures), Malik Cunningham (Futures)   Free Agents: Kalif Raymond (UFA), Tom Kennedy (RFA)   Analysis: The Lions typically keep five or six WRs on their active roster at a given time, and that means that after St Brown, Williams and TeSlaa, there will be some jockeying for position between the rest of the guys under contract and possibly bring back both Raymond and Kennedy as Free Agents.  Lovett may have been a 7 th round selection, but the Lions (and others) saw enough in him to keep him on the roster as WR 5/6 all season long.  Based on his size and skillset, he may be the heir-apparent to Kalif Raymond as if he leaves in Free Agency.  Jackson Meeks also showed enough in pre-season and was elevated to the active roster twice last year, that he could be battling for that last active roster spot as well.  Tom Kennedy continues to hang around, and the Lions know what they have in him.  A dependable guy that knows the system, does his job and can be counted on when absolutely necessary. Cunningham is the wild card here, as he is a bit older (six years in college and three-years in NFL) at 27 than either Meeks of Lovett, but the Lions thought enough of what he brings to the team they signed him to a Futures deal. RAS Compare of Kennedy and Raymond Options: The most ideal scenario is that the Lions will re-sign both Raymond and Kennedy, as neither should be super expensive.  Kennedy will NOT  be tendered as a Restricted Free Agent, as the tender for an RFA at $3,547,000 for just a right of first refusal, and Kennedy was a UDFA.  Kalif, even at 31, has a valuation of ~$2.3M to $4M, which is right where he was slotted last year ($4M) as the primary PR and KR in addition to being the 3 rd /4 th WR. Kennedy has likely earned himself at least a bump in pay above vet minimum and a legit shot at the WR 5, 6 and ST role, as he gave the KR and PR game a massive boost when he was pulled onto the active roster at the end of the year and he is a dependable option in the passing game. There is always a chance that Holmes will grab a WR if the right opportunity presents itself in the draft (i.e. a kid falls a round or two below projections like St Brown), but I do not see him moving up for one like he has Williams and TeSlaa in the past.   FAs:  Kalif Raymond (UFA), Tom Kennedy (RFA), Wan’Dale Robinson (UFA), Jahan Dotson (UFA), *Rondale Moore (Deceased) Draft Pick:    Omar Cooper Jr (3 rd ), Zachariah Branch (4 th ), CJ Daniels (4 th ), Eric McCallister (5 th ), Jaquaize Pettaway (UDFA), Noah Thomas (UDFA), Chris Hilton (UDFA)   Bottom Line: Barring someone falling to them in the middle rounds of the draft that is too good to pass up, I believe the Lions will focus on their existing roster and are likely to bring Raymond back on a similar deal to last year. Kennedy would be the guy to watch, as he could possibly be poached by Chicago, who will have some receiver problems to deal with, but he never seemed to curry enough favor with Ben Johnson to be one of the main 5 WRs on the roster. However, he has been a Lion his entire seven-year career even though he probably has had opportunities elsewhere and never taken them.  Regardless, Holmes is always looking to get better, and cheaper, so there will be bottom-of-the-roster guys brought in to challenge for the four, five and PS spots at WR with the incumbents.   In the end, I think that Holmes will likely sign a veteran to compete for WR 4, 5 or 6 and Special teams’ role, but in all likelihood, we bring back Raymond and Kennedy, as the Free Agent class is either expensive, injured or not better than who we have. If someone drops to round 5 or especially 6, where the Lions are projected to have three picks, that would be the spot where Holmes would likely grab a WR. *Rondale Moore passed away on 2/21/26

This is the seventh 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 the LB room, which has only two players currently under contract for the 2026 season, leaving lots of questions for both the starting unit and the special teams play. Lions LBs Jack Campbell (#46) and Derrick Barnes (#55) chasing Lamar Jackson (#8) ©Jess Rapfogel, Getty Images LB Under Contract: LB: Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes Free Agents: LB: Alex Anzalone (UFA), Grant Stuard (UFA), Zeke Turner (UFA), Zach Cunningham (UFA), Trevor Nowaske (RFA), Malcolm Rodriguez (UFA) Analysis: The Lions are in trouble at LB, and in all honesty, this has to be the No 1 priority this offseason. While OL and DL need serious upgrades and holes filled, at least there is enough players under contract to provide a semi-competent unit on the field, whereas the LB room is Campbell and Barens and that is it. The Lions traditionally keep Six or Seven backers on the roster, with seven being the number as of late due to the change in the Kickoff rules. Fortunately, the two guys that are under contract played 99% (Campbell) and 85% (Barnes) of the defensive snaps and all 17 games but replacing Anzalone (91%) and his snaps will be a massive gap to fill. As far as depth, there isn’t any as of right now. Stuard, Cunningham, Nowaske, Turner and Rodriguez all provided high-level special teams play and starting caliber depth, at least in spots, and that entire room needs re-stocked. Seems logical that some or most of those guys will be re-signed by Holmes, but a third starter is not necessarily in that group and will have to come from FA or the draft. Unfortunately, if they let him walk, Anzalone will be difficult to replace, as he is a five tool LB. He provides speed, Instincts, Leadership Coverage ability and tackling, all coveted by teams in FA and he likely will get offered more to go elsewhere (playing for Aaron Glenn and the Jets come to mind). Options: When looking at LB options, Free Agency will be leaned on heavily due to the nature of how many bodies the room needs. I expect the offseason will have at least 8-10 LBs in camp with the draft and UDFAs producing 2-3 of that number, and the rest via Free Agency. I believe the Lions were extremely happy with the LB room from last year, as the signings brought incredible depth, quality special teamers and overall good players. That depth was tested, and they held up pretty well and I believe that Holmes will want to bring many of those same players back. Out of the group of FAs, only Anzalone (too expensive) and Zeke Turner (Injury risk and special teamer only) likely won’t return. I think the rest at least have a better than 50/50 short of returning and filling out that depth. That still leaves a starter needed, as none of them appear to have Anzalone’s skillset, so that will likely be one of the splash signings from Holmes at the start of Free Agency. KC Chiefs LB Leo Chanel and Browns LB Devin Bush Free Agent LBs: Alex Anzalone (UFA), Leo Chanel (UFA), Devin Bush (UFA), Nakobe Dean (UFA-Injury Issues), Quay Walker (UFA-Injury Issues), Grant Stuard (UFA), Zach Cunningham (UFA), Trevor Nowaske (RFA), Malcolm Rodriguez (UFA) Draft Pick LBs: Sonny Styles (1st-Mid), CJ Allen (1st-Late), Jake Golday (2nd-Late), Deontae Lawson (2nd-Late), Taurean York (3rd), Jacob Rodriguez (3rd), Harold Perkins Jr (3rd), Jaishawn Barham (4th), Kaleb Elarms-Orr (5th), Raylen Wilson (6th), Jimmy Rolder (6th), Eric Gentry (UDFA), Tony Rojas (UDFA) Bottom Line: Holmes will be restocking this cupboard from his own pantry, likely bring back at least three of our current UFAs (Stuard, Cunningham and Nowaske are my guesses) and will get a starter-level guy and additional depth in free agency. The draft is ripe with talent in every round for what the Lions will want, a multi-tool LB that has a chance to play STs and develop into a long-term starter. In the end, I think that Holmes lets Anzalone and Rodrigo walk, brings back Stuard, Cunningham and Nowaske and signs an up and comer that can start in Leo Chanel or Devin Bush. However, if Sonny Styles falls in the draft into the early teens, I could see Brad trade up to garb him, as he is the exact type of player that would fit the Lions system for the next 10 years.

Our weekly segment on Lions News, nuggets and rumors that have occurred within the last time frame that this was posted. Lions Coach Dan Skipper Lions Pl ayers, Coaches and Team The Lions blocked the Dolphins from interviewing Offensive Assistant Bruce Gradkowski for their QB Coach. Dan Skipper has been hired to the Detroit Lions Coaching Staff On Feb 13th, DJ Reader and Alex Anzalone's' contracts officially voided , adding ~$5M to the Lions Dead Cap for 23025, which now stands at $9.3M. The death of former Lions DE Tracy Scroggins was mourned by all in the Detroit Lions community. The Detroit Lions Official X account is posting highlights of players form the 2025 season. Latest are Jack Campbell , Jameson Williams and Penei Sewell The Lions sent a four-minute introductory video  to Season Ticket holders for new OC Drew Petzing The Lions posted a 15+ minute montage  of every turnover forced by the team in 2025 and a three-minute clip on Valentine's Day of pass breakups . Congrats to Jack Campbell and his wife on the announcement of their first child . Alex Anzalone complained about the Lions Social Media team leaving him out of the valentine's day Pass Breakup video (he had a career high 9) and then subsequently deleted them and said he always had a beef with the Lions Social team and people are taking his X too seriously . Rumors, Nuggets and Speculation The NFL Combine is scheduled for 2/22/26 - 3/2/26, here is the list of the 319 invited players The five National broadcast Partners (Fox, CBS, NBC, ESPN and Amazon) have announced their upfront dates, which general lead to leaks of matchups before the NFL's official schedule release in Mid-May. There appears to be a groundswell by teams to push to extend the future pick trade limits to more than three years' worth of picks. Max Crosby may be in play for any team as he has reportedly told the Raiders and Tom Brady that he won't play for them ever again Super bowl LXII in Atlanta doesn't have a specific date yet could be due to push for 18 games. Ford Field is losing the College Bowl game that Detroit has hosted for the last 29 years Video of Dan Campbell explaining how he likes to structure his coaching meetings Mock Draft Season Tim T wentyman Mock 1.0 of Detroitlions.com - Alabama OT Kayden Proctor Russel Brown Mock 1.0 The Lions Wire - Utah OT Caleb Lomu Chad Reuter NFL Media Three-Round Mock - 1st Penn: St OG Olaivavega Ioane; 2nd: Indiana CB D'Angelo Ponds Field Yates at ESPN drops his First Round Mock - Georgia OT Monroe Freeling Mike Payton at AtoZ Sports has a Seven Round Mock Draft with a couple of trades for picks and players Ryan McCrystal's Mock Draft 1.0 over at Warren Sharp Football - Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald The Oakland Press's Christian Booker latest seven-round mock - 1st Penn: St OG Olaivavega Ioane; 2nd: Texas DT Lee Hunter NFC North News Vikings losing their OL coach to the Eagles Packers have lost their DC, QB Coach, LB Coach, DBs Coach, WRs Coach, Defensive Pass Game Coordinator, defensive QC Coach and Assistant Special Teams Coach Things I think are Noteworthy In Living Color is the reason the Super Bowl has an elaborate halftime show Red Wings and Tigers are leaving Fan Dual Sports Network and moving to broadcasts distributed by MLB Justin Verlander is back in the old English D for one last ride...

This is the sixth 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 the DL room, which has three of the four positions nailed down, but still is missing that fourth amigo and the depth and rotational guys all have questions. Detroit Lions Alim McNeil (#54) and Tyleik Williams (#91) DL Under Contract: EDGE: Aiden Hutchinson, Ahmed Hassanein (Futures), Josh Paschal (IR), Chris Smith (Futures) DT: Alim McNeil, Tyleik Williams, Levi Onwuzurike, Mekhi Wingo, Free Agents: IDL: DJ Reader (UFA), Roy Lopez (UFA), Myles Adams (UFA-PS) EDGE: Marcus Davenport (UFA), Al-Quadin Muhammad (UFA), Tyrus Wheat (RFA), Pat O’ Connor (UFA-PS) Analysis: At first glance, the Lions appear set with three of their four starting DL over the next several years outside of an Edge opposite Hutch. Unfortunately, there are questions about starting both DTs (Williams and McNeil), no clear starter at the other Edge and the depth is a glaring red flag at this point in the off-season. Let start with a look at the three starters Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeil and Tyleik Williams. Hutch had a decent, but slower than expected only flashing his 2024 self periodically, but not quite finishing as you would expect. Once he cleared any mental and lingering physical hurdles form the broken leg, he started to look explosive the entire game about a third of the way through the year. This seems to be pretty typical recovery timeline form a broken leg and getting back into football shape, so there are no concerns there at all form my standpoint. At DT, McNeil was in the same boat as Hutch when he came back from his torn ACL in Week 7. Similar to Hutch, he just didn’t look right, with only small were glimpses of the dominate player from 2024 even though his snap count percent stayed above 82% from Week 9 culminating in him playing 95% of the defensive snaps in the Week 12 GB loss on Thanksgiving. However, starting in Week 13, his snap counts decreased to mid-70% range as he appeared to hit a wall physically (worn out?) and was looking a bit slow and sluggish. He then picked up a late abdomen injury that also hampered him and he basically missed the last two game of the year. I believe that a complete offseason schedule will get McNeil back on track to where he was in 2024. The other presumed starting DT is the rookie Tyleik Williams, who actually played pretty well, but saw limited time on the field. Unfortunately, he often found himself competing for that 3rd/4th DT playing time with veteran DJ Reader (UFA) and they were both overshadowed by Veteran Ray Lopez (UFA) as the season went on. One Williams has a compete off-season in the program, I expect to see the same kid that dominated during Ohio States run to the national title. As far as depth goes at Edge there is rookie sixth-rounder Ahmed Hassanein (futures contract), Josh Paschal (coming off season-long IR) and Chris Smith (futures contract). While a healthy Paschal and a more seasoned Hassanein may show promise, Smith is a depth player at this point in his career. In all three instances, there are major questions if they will make the roster, let alone fill a starters’ role. This is definitely an area that will require significant attention this off-season, likely ion both the draft and Free Agency. The DT depth isn’t much better, as it consists of just Levi Onwuzurike (IR) and Mekhi Wingo (barely played) right now, and both could possibly be cut or traded before the season. Onwuzurike was re-signed to a one-year deal, but promptly suffered a knee injury that kept him out the entire season, but his contract tolled so the Lions control his rights in 2026. He was starting to come on in late 2024 and there is zero incentive to cut him, because he has a $1.5M salary that is fully guaranteed, so assuming he is healthy, he will likely be one of the backups. As for Wingo, he has shown virtually nothing in the 13 games he has played in his career, notching 12 tackles and a single QB hit. His only saving grace is that he is cheap, being in the third year of his rookie deal, but he does only have $93K in dead money and a cap savings on a little over $1M if the Lions decide to move on. So, he seems a prime candidate to be traded or cut at some point this offseason. Options: Currently, the DL is a major concern with two edges on futures deals, another coming off season-long IR and only Aidan Hutchison a reliable presence. At DT, both McNeil and Williams should be fine, but depth has questions. I believe that Onwuzurike will be a decent backup and likely play at the same level Reader provided last year, but Wingo doesn’t appear like he can be counted on unless he turns the corner quickly. As for Edge, bringing back Muhammad (who likely won’t get what he wants in FA) and signing a steady veteran (like Bosa or Epenesa) and an up and comer (like Ossai or Paye) would make the most sense to get starting level quality and depth in one shot. Therefore, I expect the Lions to be active in Free Agency for both Edge and IDL to fill out the starting and depth roles. If the Lions don’t get a starting EDGE in FA, then the 1st or 2nd round pick will likely be in play along with lower rounds, As the EDGE depth in this draft is pretty good through Rd 3. Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the potential to acquire EDGE Max Crosby from the Raiders in a trade. I find it highly unlikely the Lions would go that route due not only to the potential cost of up to two 1st Rounders plus, but also the fact that Crosby is sitting on a guaranteed Base Salaries of $30M in 2026 and, as soon at March 13th hits, Guaranteed Base of $29M in 2027. His $26.5M and $27.4M base salaries in 2028 and 2029 aren’t guaranteed, but would likely force any restructuring to lower those base salaries into Void years well beyond what is left of his playing career. That is an awful lot of draft capital and cap space to commit to a guy who has missed multiple game in each of the last two years and will be 29 in August. Buffalo Bills Joey Bosa (#97) and AJ Epenesa (#57) and Bengals Joseph Ossai (#58) Free Agent IDL: Dre’Mont Jones (UFA), Tim Settle (UFA), Logan Hall (UFA), John Franklin-Myers (UFA), Naquan Jones (UFA), Ray Lopez (UFA), DJ Reader (UFA) EDGE: Max Crosby (TRADE), Trey Hendrickson (UFA), Joey Bosa (UFA, AJ Epenesa (UFA), Joseph Ossai (UFA), Kwity Paye (UFA), Malcolm Koonce (UFA), K’Lavon Chaisson (UFA), Al-Quadin Muhammad (UFA) Draft Pick IDL: Kayden McDonald (1st-Mid), Lee Hunter (2nd), Darrell Jackson Jr (3rd), Chris McClellan (4th), Albert Regis (5th), Zxavian Harris (6th), Zane Durant (6th), Rayshaun Benny (6th), Keeshaun Silver (UDFA), Gabriel Rubio (UDFA) EDGE: Reuban Bain (Top 5), David Bailey (Top 10), Cashius Hall (1st-mid), Ahkeem Mesidor (1st-2nd), Derrick Moore (2nd), Gabe Jacas (3rd), Dani Dennis-Sutton (3rd) Caden Curry (4th), Tyreak Sapp (4th), Max Llewellyn (5th), Patrick Payton (6th), Khordae Sydnor (UDFA), Sam M'Pemba (UDFA) Bottom Line: It looks like Brad Holmes will have his work cut out for him restocking the DL this offseason. The Edge market in FA is particularly enticing if you are looking for short-term, long term or a diamond in the rough. Trey Hendrickson is the big catch, but will also cost big money and is 32 and he could shoot for the moon and trade for Max Crosby, but at what cost? However, there are a bunch of consistent guys that are 26-28 years old like Epenesa, Paye, Ossai, Koonce and plenty of 20+ guys that can fill the void. While Edge is also deep in the draft, if the Lions can get a starter in FA, that gives them more flexibility in the draft to go after the BPA at a position of need at OL or Dl, or not feel bad if they move up for a stud that drops at DB, LB or TE. As for DT, I think Ray Lopez is definitely one the Lions want back and they will likely look to get him re-signed before FA starts, as the FA IDL market is very weak this year. Out of the 52 FAs that are not restricted, only 10 are currently 28-years old or younger and only five of the 52 played at least 50% of their team’s defensive snaps in 2025, including the Lions DJ Reader. So, while this is a veteran bunch, a lot of older guys that aren’t every-down IDL are on the market so depth can be had at around $5M APY or less to complement our starters in McNeil and Williams. As for drafting an IDL, there are actually about 5-6 early round options, but the later rounds will have some intriguing 3-tech guys and pure run stuffers also available to fill out that depth. In the end, I think that Holmes makes a splash and grabs a starting caliber Edge in Free Agency along with another depth guy along with trying to re-sign Muhammad and pick up a developmental Edge later in the draft. Don’t be surprised if the IDL depth is filled via the draft, as the FA market is mainly aging rotational guys that may be overpriced for what the Lions need in those roles. I think Ray Lopez may actually have a bigger market in FA than Muhammad, as there is less competition, so it would behoove the Lions to try and get him re-signed before the market opens.

This is the fifth 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 the OL room, which may very well be the Detroit Lions biggest concern heading into the 2026 offseason.   Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow   OL Under Contract: Center: Graham Glasgow (C), Kayode Awosika (C), Seth McLaughlin (C – Futures) Interior OL: Christian Mahogany (G), Tate Ratledge (G), Miles Frazier (G/T), Michael Niese (G-Re-ERFA Re-Signed), Colby Sorsdal (G) Offensive Tackle: Penei Sewell (T), Taylor Decker (T), Devin Cochran (T-Futures), Giovanni Manu (T), Mason Miller (T - Futures)   Free Agents: Dan Skipper (T - FA Retiring), Jamarco Jones (T – UFA), Trystan Colon (C – UFA), Chris Hubbard (T – UFA PS)   Analysis: I will begin with the anticipated starting five assuming the status quo carries into 2026. At RT, Penei Sewell will be the starter and anchor of the OL here or potentially moving to LT if Decker is unavailable, so I won’t spend much time on him. Speaking of which, Decker, who battle through shoulder injuries that hampered his performance last year, is the first major wildcard on the 2026 lineup, because he could possibly retire, be cut or restructure his deal to give it one more year. He is sitting on a $21M cap hit for 20206, which includes a $14.9M Base (restructure candidate) and a $1.5M roster bonus due on 3/15/26, which could hasten a decision on his future by the Lions. I believe that despite thinking about retirement, I believe that he will get his shoulder right and come back for one more year, as $21M is a lot of money to walk away from, even with a body that is breaking down and a young family taking shape. RAS Compare of OGs Ratledge and Mahogany The IOL has two young and upcoming players in LG Christian Mahogany and RG Tate Ratledge at the starting Guards, who I don’t anticipate changing positions or getting challengers brought in for their starting roles. Both played well in spots, and both struggle din spots last year, but much of that can be tied to the upheaval around them with Decker and Glasgow in and out of the lineup all season impacting the consistency. Speaking of which, C Glasgow is still under contract in 2026 with a cap hit of $8.4M and a Roster Bonus of $500K due on 3/13/26. His play at Center was below-par last year, but it is not his best position (RG is). Glasgow is in the exact same position s his good buddy Decker, in that he will either retire, get cut or ask to restructure his contract (likely cutting his base pay, but guaranteeing some of it) with the intent to reduce his role to a backup veteran presence. Regardless, at 34 years old with a poor season behind him, I think the Lions may look to cut him, but allow Glasgow the opportunity to retire on his own first if that is his decision. Either way, the Lions will probably have a new starting Center in 2026. As for the backups, the Lions have a young trio of 6’7” Power Forwards at backup OT in Devin Cochrane, Giovanni Manu and Mason Miller, with both Cochrane and Miller signed to Futures deals. Miles Frazier could also get a look at OT, having played it at his time at LSU, but that would likely necessitate a move of Penei Sewell from RT to LT if/when Decker retires. Out of this batch, Manu was drafted to be the developmental guy, but despite his size and athleticism, he hasn’t shown enough yet to earn that trust. Cochrane was elevated form the Practice Squad for two games during the season but did not play, and in the Week 18 Bears game it was Veteran Chris Hubbard (who was not signed to a futures deal) that was elevated and played in place of Sewell at RT. Miller is a bit of an unknown, but has great size and was a consensus FCS All-American at North Dakota State in 2024. The backup IOL all share one thing in common, they are all young and inexperienced. Awosika (27) and Niese (28) are the “veteran” guys, with Sorsdal (25-3rd Yr), Frazier (24-R) and McLaughlin (24-R) the depth, with all five combining to start six games in their short careers. Niese was an ERFA that was re-signed and McLaughlin was poached form the Bengals Practice Squad and signed to a futures deal, but was a Remington Award winner and two-time National Champion in his starting time at Ohio State and Alabama. Options: As the team sits, Decker coming back would be the ideal scenario, ass it would allow the Lions to take the best OL position available when they draft, whether it be C, IOL or OT. The FA Class at OT is kind of weak, with the two best options both Green Bay Packers and a whole lot of has beens, never was or injured guys you can’t count on. IOL is a better, but a lot of older guys hitting FA, but a handful of guys in their prime like Johnson, Faalele and Edwards from contenders like the Chargers, Ravens and Bills that are worth a shot. As for Center, outside of the Ravens Linderbaum or Bills McGovern, it’s a crapshoot of players from bad teams or not much playing time, so a position move or draft for the Lions may be the answer. The draft is deep at OT, with as many as eight being mocked into Rd 1, but the depth is so good that a starting caliber guy could be available in Rd 2 with plenty of options in Rds 4 and 5, but Center and Guard only has only a couple options worthy of the 1st two rounds with, once again, Rds 4 and 5 is where the depth is at.   Free Agents: Center: Tyler Linderbaum (UFA), Connor McGovern (UFA), Trystan Colon (UFA), Austin Schlottmann (UFA) Interior OL: Zion Johnson (LG-UFA), Daniel Faalele (RG-UFA), David Edwards (LG-UFA), Michael Jordan (LG-UFA) Offensive Tackle: Rasheed Walker (LT-UFA), Sean Rhyan (OT-UFA), Jonah Williams (RT-UFA-Injury Concerns) Draft Picks:    Center: Jake Slaughter (2nd), Connor Lew (2nd), Pat Coogan (5th), Bryce Foster (6th), Carson Hinzman (UDFA), Jager Burton (UDFA) Interior OL: Olaivavega Ioane (1st), Gennings Dunker (2nd), Jaeden Roberts (4th), DJ Campbell (5th), Charles Jagusah (5th), Micah Morris (UDFA), Evan Tengesdahl (UDFA) Offensive Tackle: Francis Mauigoa (1st-Top 10), Spencer DFano (1st Mid), Kaden Proctor (1st-Mid), Caleb Tiernan (2nd), Max Iheanachor (2nd-3rd), JC Davis (4th), Kage Casey (4th), Aamil Wagner (5th), Fernando Carmona (7th), Riley Mahlman (7th), Alex Harkey (UDFA)   Bottom Line: Despite throwing all kinds of picks at the OL since arriving, Brad Holmes will once again be looking for a starting IOL and potentially a starting OT in Free Agency or the draft as it is almost a certainty that Glasgow will either retire or be cut by the Lions. It’s likely that the 1st and/or second round picks could be dedicated to OL, even though Edge, LB and DB is also a concern. These are not sexy picks or signings, but for this team, they are a necessity to make this offense work at peak efficiency. The current OL has shown promise, but are pretty young at both the starters and backups when you take Glasgow and Decker out of the Mix. So, it appears a veteran starter at IOL or OT is likely in the cards depending on the Decker situation. The second wildcard is the status of Frank Ragnow. While he intended to come back last year, there has been zero news on either a surgery or rehab of that torn hamstring that would suggest he is thinking of making a comeback, so that ship has likely sailed.   In the end, I think that Holmes will likely sign a veteran Free Agent to start at either C or RG once Glasgow decision is made and depending on if they move Ratledge to Center as speculated last year. I personally believe that Decker will give it one more year, with the Lions likely to go all in on a Super Bowl this upcoming season after witnessing the shitshow that was on display last weekend. So, whether Decker stays or retires, the OT depth will also get a veteran signing, but this will be a versatile athletic player that can start in a pinch or be the gadget guy as Skipper has provided over the years. If Decker retires, his replacement would likely be a Round 1 tackle, even if that means kicking Sewell to LT and rookie starts at RT.

In our Monday News & Nuggets post, we mentioned that we had been hearing that Dan Skipper would be joining the Lions Coaching staff in some capacity, and news has broken this morning that is indeed the case. Dan Skipper coaching the East OL at the Shrine Game on 1/27/26 Per a post on X, Rachel Hopmayer of CBS Detroit stated that Skipper had been hired by the lions and will "be molding the next jumbo TEs in no time." It is unclear if that means Skipper will be the Assistant OL or the Assistant TE coach, as the Lions have opening at both potions currently. It stands to reason that the Assistant OL coach would be in play, as Skipper helped out at the East West Shrine Bowl last month coaching up the North's OL. Skipper was slated to be a UFA but opted to retire and pursue coaching instead after his Ninth NFL season. He had three separate stints with the Lions during his career, most recently being the Jumbo TE, Swing Tackle and Trick Play connoisseur of the Offense.

This weekly segment will be an aggregator of much of the Lions News, nuggets and rumors that have occurred within the last time frame that this was posted. The expectation is that we will publish it weekly and will continue to ramp up the content and evolve it over the coming months. It will focus on Lions Coaches Lions newly promoted TE Coach Steve Oliver Lions Players, Coaches and Team Lions Assistant TE Coach Seth Ryan was hired by Aaron Glenn and the NY Jets to become their new Passing Game Coordinator. Steve Oliver, Lions current Assistant OL Coach was promoted to the TE Coach Role. Lions still have two coaching roles to fill, Assistant TE and Assistant OL, although one may be filled based on the rumor below Penei Sewell lost out on the inaugural NFL Protector of the Year Award which went to Bears Joe Thuney. Not sure of the selection criteria, but Sewell's 2025 PFF grade was 95.2 and Thuney's was 79.4. Mike Kafka was hired as a Senior Offensive Assistant a few weeks ago, but with Seattle losing Klint Kubiak to the Las Vegas Raiders, they may have an interest in bringing in Kafka as OC with the other to promote from within . Rumors, Nuggets and Speculation The Grey Manes has been hearing and seeing speculation that retired Lions OL Dan Skipper will be joining the Lions Coaching Staff, potentially as Assistant OL Coach. He recently wrapped a stint assisting coaching the East OL at the East-West Shrine Game. Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum, the top IOL Free Agent as of now and a massive Lions Need, has had his Baseline market value set at ~$17-$18M APY, which would make him tied for No. 1 C contract in NFL Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press spoke with former Lions Safety Quandre Diggs during Super Bowl week and learned that the Lions had reached out to bring Diggs to Detroit (from Seattle Practice Squad), but he declined the offer for an opportunity to win a Super Bowl. The lions will NOT be going to Australia for the 2026 international series, as the 49ers and Rams were announced as the participants. Hosting a game in Germany still seems to be the logical conclusion. Former Lion RB Jahvid Best has been an officer with the San Francisco Police Department going on two years. Looks like the Super Bowl LXI Logo may have been revealed by ESPN for next year's game in SoFi Stadium in LA. NFC North News Bears Promoted Passing Game Coordinator Press Taylor to Offensive Coordinator Packers lose another key Assistant , this time to the Steelers Things I think are Noteworthy Mike Tirico called his first ever Super Bowl Yesterday. Early Mock drafts have clearly defined who the 16 consensus Elite Players are in this draft

With the 2025 season complete, the Lions have had some turnover within their coaching ranks, but nothing like lasty year when a total of 10 assistants (Including Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson) left creating a massive void in continuity. So far this year, only two coaches are needing to be replaced, and for different reasons. In addition, Detroit Lions Chief Operation Officer Mike Disner has been linked to the open Atlanta Falcons President of Football Operations role and has an interview scheduled for 01/08/26. UPDATE : Five Lions assistants have interviewed for open positions around the NFL so far. John Morton Former Lions Offensive Coordinator - Fired (01/06/26) Tyler Roehl Former Lions Tight Ends Coach Left for Iowa State to become Offensive Coordinator 12/09/25) Mike Disner Lions Chief Operating Officer Interviewing for Atlanta Falcons President of Football Operations - 01/08/26 One of Five Finalists joining Matt Ryan ( Heavy Favorite ), Ian Cunningham ( GM Favorite ), Josh Williams and Brandt Tillis. MATT RYAN HIRED FOR ROLE (01/10/26) Jett Modkins Lions Assistant Special Teams Coordinator Fifth Year with Lions in Assistant Special Teams Role Interviewed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers to be their Special Teams Coordinator - 01/10/26 Tampa Bay hired for Steelers ST Coordinator Danny Smith (01/20/26) David Shaw Lions Passing Game Coordinator 1st Year with Lions, 10th NFL Season Interviewed with Tampa Bay for their Offensive Coordinator Position - 01/10/26 Tampa Bay hired Zac Robinson as their new Offensive Coordinator - 01/22/26 Interviewed with Lions for Offensive Coordinator position that went to Drew Petzing Kelvin Sheppard Lions Defensive Coordinator 1st Year in role, fifth with team Miami Dolphins requested to interview Sheppard for their Head Coach Position Confirmed interview on Monday Morning 01/19/26 in-person (01/18/26) Miami Dolphins hired Jeff Hafley to be their head Coach - 01/19/26 Jim O'Neil Lions Safeties Coach/Defensive Assistant 2nd Year on Lions Staff Prior Defensive Coordinator for the Browns and 49ers New York Jets Interviewed O'Neil for the Jets Defensive Coordinator Position - 01/16/26 Lions reached deal to retain O'Neil - 01/26/26 Scottie Montgomery Lions Assistant Head Coach/Wide receivers Coach 3rd year on Lions Staff Prior Steelers (RB) and Colts (WR) coach Scheduled to interview with Baltimore Ravens for their Offensive Coordinator position - 01/26/26 Ravens hired Bears OC Declan Doyle - 01/30/26 Known OC Replacement Candidates Offensive Coordinator David Blough (01/06/26) HIRED AS COMMANDERS OC (01/09/26) Former lions Backup QB Two years as Assistant QB Coach Washington Commanders Mike McDaniel (01/08/26) Interviewing for HC Openings with Browns, Falcons, Titans and Ravens Interviewing for OC openings with Lions, Tampa Bay and Philadelphia LIONS INTERVIEW SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY 01/13/26 Former HC Miami Dolphins (2022-2025) Former OC for 49ers (2021) 42 Years Old Jake Peetz (01/09/26) Seattle Passing Game Coordinator Diverse Offensive coaching Background including several prominent Player Performances 40 Years Old Tee Martin (01/09/26) LIONS INTERVIEW SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY 01/12/26 Ravens QB Coach 47 Years Old Coached Lamar Jackson to 2023 NFL MVP USC OC when St. Brown was a freshman QB of 1st BCS National Champion (Tennessee Volunteers - 1998) Mike Kafka (01/12/26) LIONS INTERVIEW SCHEULED FOR WEDNESDAY 01/14/26 Giants Interim Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach 38 Years Old Coached at KC under Andy Reid and NY Giants under Brian Daboll Played in NFL as back up QB for Five years LIONS HIRED KAFKA AS A HIGH-RANKING OFFENSIVE ROLE Zac Robinson ( 01/14/26 ) LIONS INTERVEIW SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY 01/15/26 Former OC of Atlanta Falcons (2024-2025) 39 Years Old Modest Four-year NFL Career as backup QB Was with Lions for just under a year (11/9/10-9/3/11) Jared Goff Asst QB Coach with LA Rams in 2019 (Rams Assistant 2019-2023) Coached under Sean McVay and Raheem Morris Arthur Smith (01/15/26) Current OC for Steelers (Still under contract for one year pending Head Coaching Change) 43 Years Old Former head Coach Atlanta Falcons and OC of Tennessee Titans Coached under Matt LaFleur, Mike Munchak, Mike Tomlin Son of FedEx Founder Frederick Smith Drew Petzing (01/19/26) LIONS HIRING CONFIRMED FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES Former Arizona Cardinals OC 38 Years Old Run First Coach who uses Balance Coached under Mike Zimmer (MIN), Kevin Stefanski (CLE) and Jonathon Gannon (ARZ) David Shaw and Tommy Rees (01/19/26) Interviewed for OC but not known until today Tight Ends Coach No Known Candidates at this Time