The Detroit Lions enter 2026 after a frustrating season derailed by injuries. But Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell moved decisively in the offseason — replacing offensive coordinator John Morton with Drew Petzing, trading David Montgomery to clear cap space, and investing heavily in the offensive line. With Jared Goff still under center and a healthy supporting cast, the Lions are positioned to bounce back in a wide-open NFC North.
Offensive Coordinator Change
The Lions hired Drew Petzing from the Arizona Cardinals to take over play-calling after Dan Campbell took over mid-season last year. Petzing brings a creative, run-heavy scheme that should maximize Goff's strengths: play-action, quick passing, and bootlegs. Expect a healthy dose of Jahmyr Gibbs and new addition Isiah Pacheco, who signed a one-year, $1.81 million deal to replace Montgomery. Pacheco brings power and attitude to complement Gibbs' explosiveness. Greg Dortch was added on a one-year deal for receiver depth behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.
Offensive Line Overhaul
Taylor Decker departed in free agency, marking the end of an era. The Lions responded by drafting Clemson's Blake Miller in the first round at No. 19 overall — a massive right tackle who will pair with Penei Sewell to form one of the best tackle duos in the NFL. The interior got reinforcements too: Cade Mays was signed to a three-year, $25 million deal at center, and Juice Scruggs was acquired from Houston in the Montgomery trade. Larry Borom and Ben Bartch provide tackle depth. This line has the potential to be elite if Miller hits.
Jack Campbell Extension
The Lions extended linebacker Jack Campbell to a four-year, $81 million deal with $51.5 million guaranteed — a significant commitment that ESPN viewed as a questionable overpay. Campbell has been solid but not spectacular, and the Lions declined his fifth-year option before signing the extension. He'll be expected to take on a larger leadership role alongside Alex Anzalone. The defense also added Damone Clark at linebacker and Rock Ya-Sin on a one-year deal at cornerback.
Other Additions
Tyler Conklin was signed at tight end to provide a reliable safety valve for Goff. DJ Wonnum was added on the edge for pass-rush depth. The Lions re-signed Malcolm Rodriguez and Joe Bachie for linebacker and special teams depth. Teddy Bridgewater was brought in as the veteran backup quarterback. The secondary added Roger McCreary and depth pieces. The Lions also cut Terrion Arnold after his offseason arrest, signaling a zero-tolerance culture.
2026 Schedule
The Lions open at home against New Orleans in Week 1, then travel to Buffalo on Thursday Night Football in Week 2 — a brutal early test. A trip to Carolina (Week 4) and Arizona (Week 5) follows before the Week 6 bye. After the bye: Green Bay at home, Minnesota at home, at Miami, and a London game against New England (Week 10). The schedule softens in the second half: Tampa Bay, Chicago on Thanksgiving, at Atlanta, Tennessee at home, at Minnesota (SNF Week 15), and the season finale at Green Bay. The Lions have three primetime games and a London game.
Camp Storylines
The biggest question is the offensive line. Can Miller and Sewell form the dominant tackle duo the Lions envision? How quickly does Petzing's offense gel? Is Pacheco's one-year deal a value or a gamble coming off a Super Bowl MVP season? Can the defense stay healthy after losing so many starters to injury last year? The Lions have talent. Health and quick adaptation to the new offense will determine whether they contend or disappoint.
Tyler Harlan
Tyler Harlan covers sports with an eye for rotations, trends, scheduling spots, and the game context that often gets overlooked.