Following a disappointing end to the regular season, failing to make the playoffs after being the number one seed in the playoffs the year before, the Detroit Lions looked to quickly revamp their roster and return to playoff success. With multiple key expensive contracts needing to be established with running back Jahmyr Gibbs, linebacker Jack Campbell, safety Brian Branch, and tight end Sam Laporta, it was clear that the Lions would have to let go of a few players.

At the start of free agency, on March 10, 2026, a period where non-signed athletes are free to sign with other teams, the Lions quickly saw key pieces leave the team. Starting off with running back David Montgomery being traded to the Houston Texans, and Alex Anzalone being signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both players had massive roles in the schemes of the Lions’ offensive and defensive plays, and will sadly need to be replaced.

While the Lions continued to lose more depth players, such as kick returner Khalif Raymond and defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad, they were also able to sign a large number of people as well. Starting with former Carolina Panther center Cade Mays, edge rusher DJ Wonnum, and former Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco.

However, many gaps have yet to be filled for next year, especially on the defensive side, where the Lions ranked 30/32 in points given up per game according to ESPN. The Lions sit in pick 17 in the upcoming NFL draft and desperately need a solid player after the last few drafts haven’t been up to standard. Either an offensive tackle or a defensive end would suit perfectly on the roster for Detroit and hopefully boost the team.

In addition to the draft, the Lions still need to pick up more players in the ongoing free agency. Some people to target would be Las Vegas Raider DE Max Crosby, or on the cheaper side, Cowboys DE Jadeveon Clowney.

I think that the recent departures and new additions put a ton of pressure on the players looking for extensions to overperform. Jack Campbell, for instance, ranked second in PFF Pro Football Focus Metric (PFF) out of any linebacker, and for the Lions to make a playoff push next year, he will have to overperform again.

The future is bright for the lions; the only question is for how long. The success for next year directly corresponds to the amount of money the Lions spend in free agency, and for now, they are lacking. However, it’s a long spring and many different trades/signings can occur, and I’m excited to see the team come next season.