This is the third 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 TE room, which has the top two guys under contract for one more season, but lots of questions around their health. The position became a bit of a revolving door at the end of the 2025 season, so the Lions will be looking to add some stability and balance, even though they currently have four players under contract. LaPorta and Wright (Yahoo Sports) TEs Under Contract: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Zach Horton (Futures), Thomas Gordon (Futures)   Free Agents: Anthony Firsker (UFA), Shane Zylstra (UFA), Giovanni Ricci (UFA - PS) Analysis: The Lions actually have four TEs under contract, which is a normal amount for the regular season, but there are lots of questions. Both LaPorta (Back) and Wright (Trachea) ended the season on IR with a loose timeline for their full return at the start of camp. LaPorta is due a hefty raise assuming his back injury isn’t a long-term problem and should be the starting TE for the next 4-5 years. However, Wright in particular could be a cap casualty once he returns and is cleared, as he hasn’t lived up to his contract and a post-June 1st cut would net the Lions $3.4M in cap space to upgrade the position. Horton and Gordon look to be Practice Squad guys at this point, but it’s possible that Horton may end up being the No. 3 TE after spending a year in the system and being elevated for two games to play special teams. I don’t think any of the FAs would be back, but Zylstra would be the lone candidate, as he made the team as the third TE last year and was activated form IR in late December, but he has never stayed healthy for a full season in his four years with the Lions. Options: The most likely scenario is that the Lions will re-sign LaPorta to a 4-year, $17M APY contract to lock him down once his back is cleared. I believe that Brock Wright’s days may be numbered, as he hasn’t stayed healthy nor played up to the deal he signed with SF and the Lions matched. Therefore, they will likely go after a 1b TE in Free Agency to compliment LaPorta and then spend a draft pick in the middle rounds on someone that can develop in the system and eventually become the No 2 guy behind LaPorta. FAs: Isiah Likely (2nd TE), Cade Otton (2nd TE), Dallas Goedert (2nd TE), Daniel Bettinger (3rd TE), Shane Zylstra (3rd TE) Draft Pick: Eli Stowers (2nd), Max Klare (3rd), Joe Royer (4th), Oscar Delp (5th), Sam Roush (6th), Brett Norfleet (7th), Will Kacmarek (7th), Luke Hasz (UDFA), Jaleeel Skinner (UDFA) Bottom Line: I think the Lions will react to what the medicals are telling them, and if you see them in FA or the draft go after a TE aggressively, that either Wright, or more likely LaPorta, may be out for part of the 2026 season. However, based on the update on LaPorta at the end of the season, his surgery for a herniated disc was successful and his timeline puts him back on track for running by OTAs and unlimited pad work to start the season. In the end, I think that Brad Holmes will add an experienced multi-faceted TE (who can catch and block) to upgrade the No. 2 TE in Free Agency with a 1b role in mind. Wright will be asked to take a pay cut or become a post-June 1st casualty, and Holmes will invest a mid or late round draft pick to the position for long-term stability.

Now that the All-Star games (sans the HBCU game on 02/11/26) have been completed, Brent had done a review and analysis on all of the information form the practice and games and put together a list of potential Lions targets for each round of the draft. Zion Young - Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images Round 1 (Pick 17): Likely target + pivots few targets for Round 1 played in the SB or SHR bowls.  — strategy note – Your Senior Bowl (SB)/Shrine Bowl (SHR) risers mostly profile Day 2–3. At 17, Detroit likely goes best EDGE/CB  from the broader top-20 (non-bowl names) or trades down. Mock roundups consistently pair DET with an EDGE in R1; if a tier drop looms, trading down toward 25–35 and adding capital to target our R2 cluster is clean.   Primary pivots at 17 Offensive tackle (Spencer Fano, Utah)  if one from the upper tier slides to 17; some mocks have Detroit going OL in R1. EDGE targets (e.g., Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami ; David Bailey, Texas Tech; Cashius Howell, Texas A&M)  rated Bailey, Howell, and Mesidor in order. Trade-down into the early 20s if the EDGE/OT tiers flatten—then target the same EDGE cluster while adding capital. (Local coverage has floated both EDGE and OL as R1 levers.)   Rounds 2-7 below are all focused on SB and SHR bowl games.   Round 2 (Pick ≈50) — “impact defender or CB” Zion Young — EDGE, Missouri (SB):  rotational closer opposite Hutch. Max Iheanachor (Arizona State OT) (SB): Senior bowl week elevated his stock. Ephesians Prysock — CB, Washington (SB):  long press CB for sub-packages + ST. Nadame Tucker — EDGE, Western Michigan (SB):  if he lasts, instant sub-package rush. Derrick Moore — EDGE, Michigan (SB):  Moore “steamrolled” Miami OT Markel Bell with a leveraged bull rush, and flashed as a run defender in scrimmage work Rayshaun Benny — IDL, Michigan (SB):  2i/3T rotation, pocket push. Max Iheanachor - Idahopress (All four align with league consensus that DET may go EDGE/CB early.)   Round 4 (Pick ≈114) — trench depth + traits CB James Thompson Jr. — IDL, Illinois (SHR):  early-down rotation, heavy hands. Wesley Williams — EDGE, Duke (SHR):  inside/out rush, strip-sack juice. Keylan Rutledge — G, Georgia Tech (SB):  tone-setter; bumps IOL depth. Max Iheanachor — OT, Arizona State (SB):  swing tackle who can dress.   Round 4 (Projected Comp) — DB/IOL value Domani Jackson — CB, Alabama (SHR):  traits press CB to develop. Brian Parker II — OC/OT, Duke (SHR):  center-first, tackle reps; cross-train dream. Jalen Huskey — S, Maryland (SB):  range/ball skills; dime safety + teams. Bryce Boettcher — LB/S, Oregon (SB):  big-nickel/SAM hybrid, high floor on ST. (Slotting the comp pick here reflects current projections.)     Round 5 (Pick ≈145–155) — sub-package + OL insurance Jalen Huskey — S (SB)  or  Bryce   Boettcher — LB/S (SB)  (if still on board). Brian Parker II — OC/OT (SHR)  (if he slides). Dean Connors — RB, Houston (SHR):  RB3 with receiving utility + teams.   Round 6 (from CLE; ≈180s–190s) — field position & depth Kaden Wetjen — WR/KR, Iowa (SHR):  return ace + gadget slot. Bishop Fitzgerald — S, USC (SHR):  ball-hawk traits; third-safety path. Jake Slaughter — C, Florida (SB):  sturdy interior depth. Austin Brown — S, Wisconsin  (SB)   — R6 (CLE)  (downhill, core teams profile)   Round 6 (from JAX; ≈184–204 range) — RB value Kaelon Black — RB, Indiana (SB):  efficient yards; coverage units. Jaydn Ott — RB, Oklahoma/Cal (SB):  contact balance + pass-pro; economical RB3. DQ Smith — S, South Carolina   — SB ) → R6 (JAX) Versatile overhang/big-nickel type; good tackler. Austin Brown   (S, Wisconsin — SB)   —  (if still there) → R6 (JAX)   Round 7 (from CLE; ≈198–222 range) — cost-controlled specialists/flyers Mark Gronowski — QB, Iowa (SHR):  poised, mobile QB3; boots/keepers fit. Haynes King — QB, Georgia Tech (SHR):  traits QB3 with package utility. Shad Banks — LB, UTSA (SHR):  core-teams hammer + sub-LB snaps. Eric Rivers — WR/KR, Georgia Tech (SHR):  WR6/KR competition. Trey Smack — K, Florida (SHR):  big-leg challenger if DET opens K battle.   How the board reflects draft position We clustered highest-impact EDGE/CB/IDL  at R2≈50 , where value meets need if R1 is a trade-down or BPA. R4 (two swings)  is ideal for IOL + developmental EDGE/CB , matching Detroit’s cross-training ethos and depth layering. R5–R6 emphasizes special-teams and sub-package roles  (returner, big-nickel, RB3, center depth) that make the 48-man card. R7 is for specialists and QB3 economics , keeping cap flexibility intact.

Weird how a single day can make a huge difference. Yesterday, the majority of the Detroit Lions fans thought that the Lions would be in the market for some DL depth, with the impending Free Agency of seven of their D-line. However, word comes today that both Edge Josh Paschal and DT Levi Onwuzurike had their contracts form 2025 toll due to a quirk in the CBA regarding players on the Non-Football Injury and (N-FI) and Reserve Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) lists. Lions Edge Josh Paschal and DT Levi Onwuzurike Both players hit the provisions of the CBAs clauses for N-FI and PUP that allowed their prior deal to toll, so they will be under contract to the Lions as of now. CBA Provisions Hit In the final year of their deals Lions Paid their entire salary (PUP Only) Not activated or able to play as of the 6th game of year Josh Paschal - N-FI Provision (Article 20, Section 3, Part B) A player on N-F/I who is in the final year of his contract (including an option year) will have his contract tolled. However, if the player is physically able to perform his football services on or before the sixth regular season game, the Club must pay the player his negotiated Paragraph 5 Salary (pro rata) for the balance of the season in order to toll such player’s contract. If such player is taken off N-F/I during the period when such action is allowed by League rules, his contract will not be tolled. Levi Onwuzurike - PUP Provision (Article 20, Section 2) Any player placed on a Physically Unable to Perform list (“PUP”) will be paid his full Paragraph 5 Salary while on such list. His contract will not be tolled for the period he is on PUP, except in the last year of his contract, when the player’s contract will be tolled if (i) he is still physically unable to perform his football services as of the sixth regular season game; and (ii) he is not reinstated to the Club’s Active/Inactive List during that regular season or postseason. For the avoidance of doubt, if the player returns to practice, but is never reinstated to the Club’s Active/Inactive List during that regular season or postseason, his contract will toll. There are some salary cap ramifications that come with this, as the Lions now have two higher salaried players as part of the offseason Top 51 contracts, so they added an additional $1,489,863 to their already over-the-cap total, pushing the deficit to $8,531,146 per Over The Cap. The tradeoff is that the Lions potentially get back two experienced DL that will increase depth and possibly provide some production that was lacking last season. Both players had slow starts to their career but were playing better in 2024 and poised to have breakout years in 22025 prior to their injuries popping up.

This is the second 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 RB room, currently the one position with the most stability to it, which could turn volatile really quick depending on how the David Montgomery situation turns out and whether any of the depth guys aren’t what the new OC is looking for. Gibbs and Montgomery with their Alter Egos (NFL/X) RBs Under Contract: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Sione Vaki, Jacob Saylors (Re-Signed ERFA), Jabari Small (Futures) Free Agents: None Analysis: The Lions currently have a full stable of RBs, with Gibbs and Montgomery as the top two, and Saylors, Vaki and Small building out the depth and Special teams. We have already covered the David Montgomery situation in depth, so we will outline below if he stays, if he goes and who else may be on the move. A new wrinkle for this crew has come in the form of new OC Drew Petzing (and Offensive Assistant Mike Kafka), and if any of the current backs are not a great schematic fit for what he is looking to do. Options W/Montgomery: The most likely scenario, and the one that makes the most sense for all parties involved is that Montgomery stays put under his current deal for 2026, and the Lions will look to improve the bottom of the roster depth (Saylors and Small) with upgrades. That means a player familiar with either Petzing or Kafka’s expectations and play calling that is a great Special teamer and can also carry the load in a pinch. Otherwise, the only other prior player for either coach that may make sense is Emari Demercado of the Arizona Cardinals. I mentioned him in the David Montgomery piece, as his production when give a chance to play has been lights out both rushing and receiving. Otherwise, former Lions players such as Zonovan Knight and Jemar Jefferson offer similar skillsets at an older age that either Saylors or Small. If Lions opt to invest in a back in the draft, I would suspect it would come in the 6th (3 picks), 7th (1 pick) or UDFAs, where there are quite a few intriguing guys that are big, fast and have good skillsets. This would be to displace Small or Saylors at the bottom of the depth chart. FAs: Emari Demercado, Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Dameon Pierce (Injury Concerns), Michael Carter Injury Concerns) Draft Pick: Rueben Owens (UDFA), Terrion Stewart (5th), Byron Caldwell Jr, Roman Hemby (UDFA), LJ Johnson Jr (UDFA), Alton McCaskill (UDFA) Options W/O Montgomery: This is where it gets tricky. With the hiring of Drew Petzing, as OC, a run-first mentality guy, having Sonic and Knuckles back for one more ride seems like a must for success. However, if Montgomery decides he still needs to move on and the Lions allow that to happen, then they will be looking for a No. 2 RB that can complement Jahmyr Gibbs. That increases the chances Lions need to invest via draft pick (likely 3rd, 4th, 5th rds.) rather than a free agent, but there are some decent FAs that are short-term (one-year deal) and long-term (2 or 3-year deal outlying some money) options that can be had to fill the Monty Role as No. 2 Back. Short-Term FAs: Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Dameon Pierce (Injury Concerns), Michael Carter (Injury Concerns), Craig Reynolds Long-Term FAs: Travis Etienne, Kenneth Gainwell, Rachad White, Isiah Pacheco, Kenneth Walker III Draft Pick: Emmett Johnson (3rd), Kaytron Allen (3rd), Nicholas Singleton (3rd), Mike Washington Jr (4th), Terrion Stewart (5th), Rueben Owens (UDFA), Byron Caldwell Jr (UDFA) Bottom Line: I think the Lions will do what is best for the organization and keep Montgomery for 2026, trying to balance the load more with Petzing’s sets and play calling and both players will thrive. There WILL be a change at the bottom of the roster, with Vaki likely safe (unless his injuries continue), but Small and/or Saylors will attempt to be replaced by a Free Agent that is probably familiar to Petzing or Kafka and has five tool abilities. I wouldn’t expect to burn a draft pick on a RB unless there is one of such great value available that they cannot pass him up, which would be a guy that can run, catch, pass block and has exceptional vision. In the end, I think that Gibbs, Montgomery and Vaki will be the top three, with one of Saylors or Small replaced with one of Petzing’s or Kafka’s previous RBs in FA or an UDFA.

This is the first in a 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 QB room and what Brad Holmes intends to do for a backup and long-term replacement for Jared Goff. QBs Under Contract: Jared Goff   Free Agents: Kyle Allen – UFA, CJ Beathard – UFA (PS)   Lions QBs Goff and Allen by MSN Analysis: The Lions will need another QB or two for 2026 season, as both the primary backup to Goff (Kyle Allen) and the PS emergency guy (CJ Beathard) are currently Free Agents.  Allen appears to be a good fit as a backup, as he is an experienced player, has played decently at points in his career and now fully understands the system. In eight seasons, he has 19 starts and a career passer rating of 82.1% and Comp% of 62.5% and TD/INTs of 26/21.  CJ Beathard was brought on to the Lions Practice Squad after they mercifully ended the Hendon Hooker experiment at final roster cutdown day.  His career stats aren’t that far off from Allen’s, but he is two years older and has slightly less playing time under his belt.   Options: The most likely scenario will be to re-sign Kyle Allen if they cannot find a better option and then either draft a developmental guy or try to pluck one off the waiver wire at the end of camp.  They also could sign two FA QBs and let them battle it out behind Goff with the best man getting the job and the other potentially be added to the PS as a veteran addition.  The Lions won't be investing top dollar, so out of the current 28 UFA guys, about half will be looking for over $2M a year and likely out of the Lions Price range.   FAs: Kyle Allen, CJ Beathard, Teddy Bridgewater, Gardner Minshew, Brandon Allen, Trey Lance Draft Pick: Drew Allar, Sawyer Robinson, Haynes King, Tyler Van Dyke   Bottom Line: I think the Lions will look to “try” an upgrade in Free Agency at the backup QB slot and possibly steal someone that slips through the waiver wire at the end of camp to become a developmental guy. The problem is the FA class will be pricy or crappy, so that will limit the options initially. As far as the draft, any draft assets that are available need to be directed at Edge, OL, LB or DBs before thinking of using a pick on a QB, but if they did it likely wouldn’t be before the 4 th rounder (no 118) or 5 th  (no. 155) and for a clear developmental guy. At the end of the day, I think Kyle Allen will back up Goff one more year.

The Detroit Lions announced on X t hat they have added a new TE to the room in Thomas Gordon. Formerly of the Chicago Bears, Gordon (UDFA out of Northwestern) signed in early August but was released on 8/24/25, a few days before final cuts. The Bears re-signed to their Practice Squad on 12/24 when they lost another TE to IR. Gordon was never elevated and did not record a snap or stats last year. The addition of Gordon brings the Lions to four TEs on the roster currently, but both Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright ended the season on IR, and Zach Horton and Thomas Gordon were signed to futures deals, only guaranteeing them a spot on the off-season 90-man roster. He brings some intriguing size at 6'5 and a reported 255, but he wasn't much of a pass catcher at Northwestern although he did manage 54 catches for 529 yards and 2 TDs in 54 career games over his five seasons in Evanston. Also, looking at his Relative Athletic Score and against the average NFL TE, he is definitely not in the mold of the athletic player that Brad Holmes usually likes to bring in. Courtesy of Ras Courtesy of Ras One positive is that he has been exposed to ben Johnson's offensive system, so he should be able to adapt quickly to the Lions base offense framework, which share considerable synergies. At this point though, it's hard to get excited about him being anything more than a camp body.

The folks over at Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) have released their All-NFL and All-NFC teams, and the honors continue to roll in for a trio of Lions. PFWA All-Pro Notes Penei Sewell has been All-NFL and All-NFC consecutive selections from 2023-25 This is the first honor for both Jack Campbell and Aiden Hutchinson All-NFL Penei Sewell Jack Campbell All-NFC Penei Sewell Jack Campbell Aiden Hutchinson

In a move that will surely have the Detroit Lions fanbase nodding in unison (sarcasm off), it is being reported by multiple sources that Dan Campbell has quietly interviewed and will hire the former Arizona Cardinals OC Drew Petzing as the Detroit Lions new OC. Former Arizona Cardinals OC Drew Petzinger Name : Drew Petzing Age : 38 Years Old Philosophy : Run First Coach who likes to have Balance Coaching Mentors : Mike Zimmer (MIN), Kevin Stefanski (CLE) and Jonathon Gannon (ARZ) An initial looksee around the interwebs, both at Lions fans reactions and Cardinals fans feedback look more negative than positive for Petzing at first glance. However, when you consider that he was saddled with Kyler Murray at QB who has some serious limitations to his game. Having said that, he was still the best shot at winning and executing, but then Murray missed nine games in 2023, played all of 2024, but then missed 12 games in 2025. Throw in all the missed games by their starting WRs, OL and RBs over the last few seasons and its amazing that they were Top 10 in any offensive stat. Below are the Lions and Cardinals Offensive end of year stats for the last three years, and while their passing stats were about as mediocre as I expected, (I mean, its Kyler Murray and Jacobey Brissett), their rushing rankings were Top 10 his first two years until the wheels came off losing lead Back James Connor and several key OL along with Murray in 2025. It's impossible to say if this will be a good hire for Campbell, but it seems like a hire where he saw good potential in a young coach that is still developing and has done fairly well in a poor situation in Arizona. Although the Cardinals have multiple 1st rounders on their Offense, none of them would be better than any Lions counterpart at this point. Ideally, he will learn from Campbell this offseason as to what

When the Detroit Lions hired Dan Campbell back in 2021, he identified a need for a culture shift on Defense as the Lions transitioned away from the prior regimes and into Aaron Glenn's new system. One of the first Free Agents that was pursued and ultimately signed was Alex Anzalone from the New Orleans Saints, who the Lions brought on initially with a 1-Year $1.75M deal, extended the following year for another 1-year $2.5M deal and ultimately signed "long-term" in 2023 with a 3-year $18.3M dollar deal. All five years, he has been a team captain for Detroit anchoring the defense. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) However, after 3.5 years of being the heart and soul of the Lions defense, Anzalone missed multiple games in 2024 with injury and LB Jack Campbell took over the green dot and has not relinquished it. Despite losing his communications role and calling defensive plays due to injury, Anzalone continued to play at a high level (likely outplaying it) throughout his 3-year contract extension and was looking for more. So, he held a mini sit-in to start the 2025 campaign and was able to secure himself a minor pay bump for 2025 ($250K), which was the final year of his deal as it Voids on 2/13/26, making him an Unrestricted Free Agent. The Lions now face a dilema regarding Anzalone, as they have a clear need at LB this offseason with the team still in it's Super Bowl window and a defense that was ranked Top 10 for the first half of the season before injuries decimated the back end. Below, we take a look at the case for, and the case against, re-signing Anzalone for at least one-more season. The Case for re-signing Anzalone by the Lions  (at least one more year) Anzalone Still Playing at High Level 2025 saw Anzalone play the second highest number of Defensive snaps (90.9%) of his Nine-year career. His 2.5 sacks (2nd Most), 9 PD (most), 1 INT (tie for most), 95 total tackles (3rd most) and 6 QB Hits (tie 3rd most) were all in top three productive years of his career. Anzalone had a career best missed tackle rate of 6.9% in 2025, helping earn the third best PFF rating of his career. Lions only have two LBs (Campbell and Barnes) under contract for 2026, re-signing Anzalone for continuity makes sense. At some point, the Lions will need to acquire at least one, maybe two more starting-caliber LBs with the below scenarios to replace him: Re-sign Anzalone Anzalone would bring continuity, leadership and reliability back to the LB corp Free Agency Long term Signing If the Lions dip their toes into free Agency to replace Anzalone, they will be looking for a younger guy that is an up-and-comer with all-around LB skills that excels in pass coverage. There are a few available that the Lions should be interested in if they don't re-sign with their teams. Quincy Williams - NYJ (UFA) Leo Chenal - KC (UFA) Short-term signing I mean, Anzalone is the answer here, but if you have to get a stop-gap player for a year or two, here are a few names that may fit the bill Bobby Wagner - WAS (UFA) Matt Milano - BUF (UFA) Draft The Lions have limited draft capital in 2026 to find another starting caliber LB With no third rounder, and huge holes at OL, Edge and DB, the Lions must consider if an off-the-ball LB in the 1st or 2nd is value, or if they can find someone that can make playes immediately in the 4th or 5th rounds. Rookie LBs take a while to develop, as ev idenced by Jack Campbell "getting it" about mid-way through year two The 2026 draft isn't particularly deep at LB. There are 9-10 guys listed in the Top 100 of rankings (basically through Rd 3) and of those, four are pure ILBs, with the Lions looking to get a Will (Weakside) LB to replace Anzalone in the Lineup. Sonny Styles and CJ Allen in Rd 1 fit the bill, but Lions probably have too many needs (OL, DB, Edge) to use a high pick here. Trade Despite the Lions owning eight picks (+1), the tradeable picks used for deals like these are a bit scarce for the Lions, as they do not have a third rounder and (TeSlaa deal last year) and the extra picks are all at the back third of the 6th round. Having needs to find starters at OL, Edge, DB and LB isn't conducive to trading away draft picks unless you know for sure the player will be a hit . I won't even pretend to be super knowledgeable of what players are out there available in trade to backfill the role Anzalone has played for the Lions the last five years. However, if a RFA or ERFA fits the bill, Holmes may be interested. Here are a handful of names of guys that may be available for the right price that would fill the need: Tyrell Dodson - MIA Daiyan Henley - LAC Ivan Pace - MIN (RFA) Drake Thomas - SEA (RFA) Anzalone has made it clear he wants to stay in Detroit He has repeatedly stated this season that he wants to retire as a Lion, both after his contract situation to start the year and again at locker cleanout after the final game. He and his wife just had their third child, so staying in Detroit is always beneficial for a young family, especially would be a benefit, considering his oldest will be kindergarten eligible this year. The case for letting Anzalone Walk in Free Agency Anzalone may be looking for more money or years than Lions are looking to commit for a 32-year-old LB Both Spotrac and Over The Cap have Anzalone ranked as the seventh best FA LB in this year's class, and they both have his valuation ( $7.6M Spotrac , $6.25M OTC ) likely higher than the Lions are looking to pay and higher than they have ever paid him. The top of the FA LB market is riddled with guys on the wrong side of 30, with only one player (Kenneth Walker of DAL) being under 30 in the top 10. To Anzalone's benefit, his production and age suggest another 2-3 years of productivity, and his experience and coverage ability will likely be a coveted trait in LB needy teams looking to pay above the price the Lions are comfortable with. Lions have committed significant resources in Barnes and Campbell Barnes earned himself a hefty raise last year and is currently ranked 23rd in APY for LBs with an $8M APY. Although Campbell is on his rookie deal still with a modest $3.7M APY, he is in line for an extension starting in 2027, likely with his fifth-year option valuation of $23M a starting point, which would make him the highest paid LP by APY in the NFL. Looking at those numbers, there "appears" to be a window allowing Anzalone to be brought back under contract for 2026, but both Campbell ($500K) and Barnes ($6.8M) will see cap increases that wipe out the entirety of the salary Anzalone had 2025. Although, Barnes is likely a candidate for a base salary conversion ($7.5M) to bonus money to help the Lions manage their 2026 cap. Anzalone may get an offer he cannot refuse from some old friends This is one that Lions fans may not like, as there are two guys that understand and value Alex Anzalone as much as the Detroit Lions. His two former Defensive Coordinators Aaron Glenn of the Jets and Dennis Allen of the Bears. Chicago Bears The Bears LB corp has been injury prone all year and may miss the start of 2026 Starter TJ Edwards fractured his fibula 01/10/26 and may miss parts of 2026 season Starter Tremaine Edmunds is back after going on IR and missing four-weeks with a Groin injury Nov-Dec Starter Noah Sewell blew his Achilles on 12/28/25 and is expected to miss some of 2026 season The Bears have a lot of money committed already to the LB spot with TJ Edwards and Tremain Edmonds ($28.3M Combined Cap Hit) Bears like former Lions LBs, having Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Ty Summers on the roster. New York Jets Starting LB Quincy Williams is one of four Free Agent LBs (Contract Voids 02/13/26) Similar profile and performance to Anzalone, but a step down even though he is 2-years younger Different Team Anzalone and his wife are both form the State of Florida, Anzalone went to University of Florida for college, and he tends to train there in the offseason despite them having a permanent residence in the Detroit Area. Could a reunion with one of his home state teams (Tampa, Jacksonville or Miami) be enticing? Take one last payday to the highest bidder as a free Agent for a couple of years in order to solidify his post-NFL finances for his family. Bottom Line - 50/50 Anzalone re-signs Based on all evidence straight from the players mouth, it really appears that Anzalone would like to finish his career in Detroit with the Lions. He has shown that he has earned a pay raise with consistent play and by being a steady locker room leader. Although there are many reasons why either Anzalone or the Lions could decide to split ways this offseason, the tea leaves are indicating that a reunion on a deal fair to both sides should be in the works. Likely something in the 3-year, $21M range, with the last year being a "cut" year unless Anzalone completely outperforms the deal. However, if the Lions allow him to get to the Free Agent Market, I believe there will be several suiters that will likely overpay what the Lions will be willing to offer and Anzalone will have a hard decision to make, especially if the Lions aren't willing to match or negotiate something close to the offer to facilitate a return.

Love them or hate them, PFF has become engrained into the fabric of College and Pro Football. So, when they produce their yearly All-Pro awards based on their ratings system, it's always nice to see where the Lions had players shine through. This year, five players were honored, with three 1st team and two 2nd team winners. PFF All-Pro Notes Penei Sewell was the highest rated OL for PFF in 2025 at 95.2 LB Jack Campbell was second highest rated LB, and highest rated (90.0) for any LB logging over 400 snaps . WR Amon-Ra St Brown was ranked third overall for WRs with a 90.6 rating, his fourth year in a row at 90.0+ PFF rating. Aiden Hutchinson was ranked 3rd overall by PFF, behind Garrett (92.7) and Anderson Jr (92.3). Hogan Hatten didn't have a rating but was second behind Cleveland's Sunahara. 1st Team Penei Sewell - 95.2 Rating Jack Campbell - 90.0 Rating Amon-Ra St. Brown - 90.6 Rating 2nd Team Aiden Hutchinson - 91.9 Rating Hogan Hatten - NR

Brad Holmes had his annual end-of-year press event last week and while there was plenty of nuggets dropped about player health, accountability for not making the playoffs and much more, one thing that really grabbed the attention of the Lions fan base was the status of RB David Montgomery. Everyone knew that Monty's numbers were down this year and he had recently made some cryptic social media posts that indicated he may not be happy with his role or the Lions or both. Holmes comments didn't exactly end the discussion: Do you expect David Montgomery to be here next year? "Tough year for him, in terms of lack of touches...I'm not saying we went into it planning for it to be that way. I thought he handled it like a pro, and so look, those are discussions that we're gonna have to have a lot more in-depth in terms of, you know, what is the best plan for him going forward you know. Is it somewhere else, whatever the case may be, but just really appreciate everything he has done for us if it does end up going that way. I hope it doesn't, because we love David Montgomery, he's a good football player and wish we would have been able to get more utilization from him, I know Dan feels the same way. Umm, but, you know those are conversations we are going to have to have cause got a lot of respect for that player, umm he deserves to be in a situation where his skillset can be utilized and so um, yeah we love for it to be here but if it can't be here, umm, you know, then you have to just see what you can work out the best for him." Holmes takes the question and discusses the Monty situation from 36:25 - 37:35 in the video. Brad Holmes End of Year Press Event Of course, the vast majority of the reaction form the Lions Media and fans has been that Monty is already gone, but I am not so certain. When you start bringing in impacts such as the salary cap and replacement value cost and throw in a dash of logic and common sense, then it isn't quite so clear. Regardless, a decision may come fairly quickly, as Montgomery has a Contract Trigger that is effective 03/13/26 that takes $1.75M in salary that is guaranteed only for injury and makes it fully guaranteed. Having said that, below are the cases laid out why Montgomery will or won't be a Lions in 2026, and the overwhelming logic and reasoning is that Sonic and Knuckles should ride together at least one more season: The Case for why Montgomery stays with the Lions (at least one more year) Salary Cap Impact and replacement Cost Monty is currently the 12th highest RB in the NFL by APY and has a $6M salary next year and cap hit of $8,370,833 if he stays with Detroit. For the Lions to Let Monty go by trade or cut Pre-June 1st, it will cost them $4.862,501 in Dead cap with a realized savings of $3,508,332 which is a net savings of $1,354169 if he was on the roster for the year. However, the rub is that is how much cap dollars you would have available to spend to find a replacement and net zero the money alone on the exchange, which doesn't even include any draft picks that may have to be used as part of the replacement process. Lions return on Trade/Cut would be Net-Negative What do the Lions get out of this? They would be losing a very good football player, clubhouse leader and all-around good guy. This is still a business, and you cannot be making decisions with your feelings or heart even if it's the "right thing to do" by the player. Trade Pick would have to blow their socks off. At least a 2nd or High 3rd. Anything from a 4th or lower and it's a gamble and may have to be used to replace Monty. It's unlikely a bidding war would erupt for a 29-year-old RB that has base salary of $6M, and Monty likely would have a list of teams he would be willing to go to, further eroding your trade options and return. See replacement Costs above Cut There is little benefit here other than net cap savings which would have to be used in part to replace Montgomery See Replacements Costs Above Replacement Options are a Gamble and scarce Any ideal FA running back replacement would need to fit a specific profile: Veteran UDFA or Trade Age of 25 or 26 currently Power back Traits with capabilities as a runner, receiver, blocker and has vision and wiggle Played 40%+ snaps on Offense with prior team Willing to sign at least a two-year deal (likely 3-4) Willing to take a Salary with Cap at ~$3-$4M APY Rookie Highly Productive in College that was healthy A bigger back with capabilities as a runner, receiver, blocker and has vision and wiggle Possibly using a draft pick to fill a hole that already was filled Monty realizes his best opportunity to maximize his money, best chance at a title and prolong his career/body is with Detroit in 2026 Splitting carries with a younger back will keep him healthy like in 2025 Is he unwilling to uproot his young family multiple times in one of his last few years in the league Next year's offensive flow may dictate more use and Playing Time He will be 29 next year, an Age when players, specifically RBs, start to slip In 2027, he will likely be cut or asked to renegotiate regardless of what team he is on, as a $8.5M salary and $1M roster bonus isn't sustainable for a 30-year-old backup RB. The case for why Montgomery will be a former Lion Only if Montgomery demanded it (Monty Initiated) If Monty is so unhappy with his role and have an impact on the Locker Room, then you have to try and find a solution to offload him. Lions will take a net-loss somewhere with this approach (Dead Cap, Loss of Good Player, replacement costs, lower trade return) because it is out in the open. Lions approached him about a pay cut (Lions Initiated) If the Lions don't feel that Montgomery is worth his signed contract, approached him about a pay cut and he balked, then they will probably have to try and move him. This would likely result in a post-June 1st cut to maximize Cap Savings Someone makes an offer too good to be true (Other Team Initiated) If a team offers the Lions a 2nd or 3rd for Monty, you probably have to take that even with the dead money cap hit.

Even though the Detroit Lions 2025 season ended early, there were still plenty of players that left their mark, including four that earned First or Second team All-Pro honors form the Associated Press. The Detroit Lions made an X post honoring the four, and there were four additional Lions per the AP Voting (Gibbs had votes at two positions) that also received votes but didn't make the 1st or second teams. AP All-Pro Notes LB Jack Campbell joins Chris Spielman (1991), Joe Schmidt ( (1954-59, 1961-62)) and Wayne Walker 1965 as Detroit Lions LBs to be named an AP First team All-Pro. Penei Sewell, named to his third straight AP First Team All-Pro award, becomes one of 35 OL that have that honor for three straight seasons in NFL History. The vast majority of them are in the hall of Fame. Jahmyr Gibbs earned votes at both RB and All-Purpose Positions 1st Team Sewell - 137 (first at RT) Campbell - 89 (first at LB) Graphic Courtesy of Detroit Lions X 2nd Team St. Brown - 54 (fifth at WR) Hutch - 55 (sixth at EDGE) Graphic Courtesy of Detroit Lions X Also receiving Votes Gibbs - 9 (third, all-purpose) Gibbs - 4 (sixth at RB) Branch - 2 (14th at saf) Fox - 3 (11th at punter) Hatton - 2 (16th at LS)