After a tough loss in the divisional round of the playoffs, the Lions are looking to bounce back next season. Despite a historic regular season marred by injuries, the team fell short, particularly in the defensive department, when it mattered most.
Next season, things will be even more challenging for the Lions following some significant offseason changes. Head Coach Dan Campbell faces the tough task of adjusting to the loss of both of his coordinators. While the roster isn’t expected to undergo drastic changes, the team will undoubtedly go through an adjustment period as they figure out the new dynamics.
In terms of roster-building, the Lions have less work than many other teams this spring. But today, they’ve made their first big move by locking in players they want to bring back for next season—at least to compete in training camp. The team has announced the signing of 12 players to reserve/future contracts:
- QB Jake Fromm
- WR Tom Kennedy
- OT Jamarco Jones
- IOL Kingsley Eguakun
- DT Chris Smith
- EDGE Isaac Ukwu
- LB Abraham Beauplan
- LB DaRon Gilbert
- CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver
- S Loren Strickland
- S Erick Hallett
- WR Ronnie Bell
This means these players are now off-limits to other teams and won’t count against the offseason 90-man roster limit. They’ll now get a chance to compete for a spot in training camp. Notably, the first 11 players spent time on the Lions’ practice squad, and the team clearly wants to keep evaluating their potential. As for Ronnie Bell, he was on the 49ers practice squad before signing with the Lions on January 21, 2025.
In other news, the Lions have also re-signed two key players to their active roster. Defensive back Morice Norris, who ended the season on the active roster, is back with the team. Offensive lineman Netane Muti, who was on injured reserve for the entirety of the 2024 season, has also been re-signed. The Lions clearly didn’t want Muti to become an unrestricted free agent in March and ensured he stays on the team through at least training camp.
The big question now is: how many of these players will make the 53-man roster come the fall? We’ll certainly see more moves in the coming months as the Lions continue to shape their team for the 2025 season. Stay tuned for more updates!
