As the Lions prepare for the offseason, here are the four most critical positions that need attention:
Each offseason carries its own unique atmosphere, especially since Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes took over the Detroit Lions in 2021. The first offseason marked a major shift when they traded franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford, dismantling the roster and starting fresh. In the following year, Holmes leveraged the No. 2 overall pick to secure top-tier talent like pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson and wide receiver Jameson Williams, who fell due to injury. The offseason after that, Holmes was active in both the draft and free agency, adding players like Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch, while aggressively strengthening the secondary with signings such as Cam Sutton and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Last offseason, Holmes aimed to overhaul the secondary again, drafting younger talent like Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw while acquiring proven cornerback Carlton Davis. Now, as the Lions recover from an early playoff exit, they focus on rebuilding both the roster and coaching staff. For roster needs, one of the key areas is the cornerback position, where the Lions hope to finally find stability.
Here are the four biggest needs for the Lions heading into the offseason, ranked.
4. Defensive Tackle
It’s time for Holmes to invest heavily in the defensive line again. Levi Onwuzurike, a pending free agent, might be too costly to retain given his inconsistent play and the potential offers he could receive elsewhere. While he had impressive games, like registering nine pressures against the Vikings in Week 18, his overall performance was uneven, with multiple games of underperforming. If Onwuzurike leaves, Detroit will need to replace his snaps, especially considering the unproven status of players like Brodric Martin and the free-agent status of others like Kyle Peko and Pat O’Connor. Even with healthy contributions from Alim McNeill and DJ Reader, Detroit needs more depth and consistency on the defensive line.
3. Cornerback
Once again, cornerback is a position filled with questions. However, this year the issues are different. With key players like Cam Sutton and C.J. Gardner-Johnson under contract, the focus shifts to determining the roles of players like Terrion Arnold and Amik Robertson. Arnold could potentially step up as CB1, but there are concerns about his readiness. Robertson showed promise when filling in for an injured Carlton Davis, but his role may depend on the defensive coordinator’s preference. Meanwhile, Ennis Rakestraw, drafted in the second round of 2024, is a versatile player but may need time before assuming a major role. Davis could be an important piece to bring back, but with his injury history, the Lions must carefully assess whether he’s worth a long-term commitment or if they should pursue alternatives in free agency.
2. EDGE
Last offseason, concerns about a lack of depth opposite Aidan Hutchinson were prevalent, but the Lions’ approach didn’t yield significant results. Marcus Davenport was brought in on a low-risk, high-reward contract, but the experiment didn’t work out. Josh Paschal, tasked with filling a key role, ended up playing more snaps than anticipated due to injuries, and with several defensive ends sidelined throughout the season, the pass rush suffered. Holmes acknowledged the depth issues during his end-of-year press conference. “When you’re down five defensive ends due to injury, then I don’t know who has a sixth, seventh, and eighth effective pass rusher,” Holmes said. Despite some depth contributions from veterans like Za’Darius Smith, the team will need to make a more aggressive push for upgrades at EDGE, whether through free agency or the draft, especially considering Smith’s age and injury concerns.
1. Guard
The most urgent need for the Lions next season is likely the offensive line, particularly at guard. Last offseason, the Lions made a modest move by replacing Jonah Jackson with veteran Kevin Zeitler, but this year, the line showed signs of wear, especially in critical moments like the playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. Graham Glasgow, at 32, struggled, allowing more pressures per snap at left guard than in previous years and seeing a decline in his run-blocking performance. Zeitler, who played well but will turn 35 next season, could return on a similar deal, but the Lions must address the guard position to remain competitive. Rookie Christian Mahogany showed promise late in the season, and while he could be a future starter, the Lions should still consider adding depth or upgrading the position through the draft, especially given Zeitler’s age and Glasgow’s decline.
