2026 Detroit Lions Offseason Thread

[lordstanley]

11 minutes ago, Jason_R said:

Yeah, Goff was not the problem. It is hard to believe that as inept as the OL looked for most of the season, the Lions still finished #5 in points scored, #5 in yards gained, and tied for #4 with fewest INTs thrown at 8. (Packers and Bears tied with the Iggles for first with just 7 INTs.) Goff took a step forward this year, even as the OL took a step back. 

Even a bit better than that, as the Lions were tied for 4th in pts scored with 481 and just 2 points behind 3rd place Seattle. I'll take that production anytime. Shows how unusually good the 2024 Lions were - that team scored 564 points which was 39 points more than 2nd place Buffalo and 46 points more than this year's leaders LA Rams and 34 points more than the only other team (the '21 Cowboys) in the 2020s to hit 530 points.

[MichiganCardinal]

Dan Campbell was hired five years ago today.

[Jason_R]

Agree. If I’m Dan, I tell Petzing that the first call he needs to make is to David Montgomery. 

FYI, in 2025 Detroit had 442 rushing attempts for 2,041 yards. In 2024 they had 535 attempts for 2,488 yards. In 2023, they had 500 attempts for 2,311 yards. If they really want to get back to the running game, they need him. 

[Sports_Freak]

On 1/20/2026 at 8:06 PM, Jason_R said:

Agree. If I’m Dan, I tell Petzing that the first call he needs to make is to David Montgomery. 

FYI, in 2025 Detroit had 442 rushing attempts for 2,041 yards. In 2024 they had 535 attempts for 2,488 yards. In 2023, they had 500 attempts for 2,311 yards. If they really want to get back to the running game, they need him. 

Fixing the OL will go a long way to getting back a dominate running game. The way Dan was talking about Montgomery, he made it sound like they were doing him a favor by moving him to a team where he can get more touches. I don't know anything about the cap but if the Lions feel David has lost a step and they can get a bruising back in the later rounds while concentrating of beefing up the OL, I could see them moving on from Monty. I don't like it and I don't agree with it but we're just fans. The Lions brass is gonna do what they're gonna do. I could see a scenario where Montgomery gets traded. 😒

[Jason_R]

So long, Skip. 🫡

[Sports_Freak]

Thanks for the memories, Skip;

 

 

[Motown Bombers]

Going to blow some minds here. 

 

[Stanley70]

Does anyone think that? He has been pretty good about not commiting to too many years with FA's. Except when he had to have a CB. He says they fill holes in free agency and drafts for talent.

Has there been a FA deal longer than 2 years aside from DJ Reed?

Edited Monday at 07:09 PM by Stanley70

[MichiganCardinal]

I think the perception is that he cares more about signing "his own guys" (i.e., those that he drafted) than finding replacement caliber players in free agency.

Which, yeah, that's what you do when you draft well.

[Motown Bombers]

Remember at the time of the hire when everyone thought he was a clown. 7 coaches were hired that year and only Campbell and Sirianni remain with their teams. 

 

[1984Echoes]

Offseason Shopping/ FA Want list:

Not necessarily in any order:

Kwity Paye, DE, 27 (at start of next season), UM, Colts FA.

Devin Bush, OLB, 28, UM, Browns FA.

Chig Okonkwo, TE, 27, Maryland, Titans FA.

Bryan Cook, SS, 26, OSU, Chiefs FA.

Alontae Taylor (maybe?), CB, 27, UT, Saints FA.

[1984Echoes]

PS: That leaves the 1st two draft rounds open for LT and Center.

Also... I'm thinking Dave Montgomery might be moved for draft picks but I'm uncertain if it's worth it or not. We'd need another "tough-as-nails" replacement... so I don't see the sense. Just commenting on his current dissatisfaction. I only see a couple possibilities anyways, like the Raiders, Browns, Cardinals... maybe. But what if he could get us a couple 4ths...? Is that a possibility? Is that worth it?

Just some food for thought...

[Motown Bombers]

Really like Daniel Bellinger as a free agent. He has connections to Kafka, is a good blocker, and has great hands. Makes a lot of sense for TE2. 

[Motown Bombers]

4 minutes ago, 1984Echoes said:

PS: That leaves the 1st two draft rounds open for LT and Center.

Also... I'm thinking Dave Montgomery might be moved for draft picks but I'm uncertain if it's worth it or not. We'd need another "tough-as-nails" replacement... so I don't see the sense. Just commenting on his current dissatisfaction. I only see a couple possibilities anyways, like the Raiders, Browns, Cardinals... maybe. But what if he could get us a couple 4ths...? Is that a possibility? Is that worth it?

Just some food for thought...

Kind of wondering if Petzing changes the equation with Montgomery? I would think he would understand at this point he is clearly RB2 but can still be a valuable cog. 

[1984Echoes]

3 minutes ago, Motown Bombers said:

Kind of wondering if Petzing changes the equation with Montgomery? I would think he would understand at this point he is clearly RB2 but can still be a valuable cog. 

I'm just always thinking of the short shelf lives of RB's...

I mean, Montgomery has shown no evidence of slowing down whatsoever...

He can still be amazing, IMO. (And I'm certain in everyone else's mind too...)

I just always keep it in the back of my mind.

 

 

Edited 23 hours ago by 1984Echoes

[Mr.TaterSalad]

3 minutes ago, Motown Bombers said:

Kind of wondering if Petzing changes the equation with Montgomery? I would think he would understand at this point he is clearly RB2 but can still be a valuable cog. 

Montgomery may want to go elsewhere though an be an RB1. We are fortunate and spoiled to have two good RBs here in Detroit. On some rosters, Monty would clearly be their RB1. So he may just want to leave and go get RB1 money. Given his age at 28 and the short shelf life of RBs, this is likely is last opportunity at getting starting money in a contract.

[Mr.TaterSalad]

14 minutes ago, 1984Echoes said:

Offseason Shopping/ FA Want list:

Not necessarily in any order:

Kwity Paye, DE, 27 (at start of next season), UM, Colts FA.

Devin Bush, OLB, 28, UM, Browns FA.

Chig Okonkwo, TE, 27, Maryland, Titans FA.

Bryan Cook, SS, 26, OSU, Chiefs FA.

Alontae Taylor (maybe?), CB, 27, UT, Saints FA.

I think any free agent shopping list begins with offensive line help. Specifically, at the Center position. I haven't reviewed all the free agent Center's to be yet. But I think before we go out spending money on other positions, we have to have a plan to shore up this offensive line. I think Decker is gone one way or another as well, so that needs to be factored in as well.

[1984Echoes]

7 minutes ago, Motown Bombers said:

Really like Daniel Bellinger as a free agent. He has connections to Kafka, is a good blocker, and has great hands. Makes a lot of sense for TE2. 

If they want to run a TE-heavy offense as it seems they do...

I think they have room for both TE's...

Bellinger as a block-heavy TE who can also catch... And Okonkwo as an H-Back/LaPorta-lite type TE who is an extremely dangerous (and highly reliable) pass-catcher. (Can beat any LB'er with speed...). Peltzing likes TE-screens and breaking his 3rd tight end out wide... That would be Okonkwo or LaPorta... (Or both?)

[1984Echoes]

3 minutes ago, Mr.TaterSalad said:

I think any free agent shopping list begins with offensive line help. Specifically, at the Center position. I haven't reviewed all the free agent Center's to be yet. But I think before we go out spending money on other positions, we have to have a plan to shore up this offensive line. I think Decker is gone one way or another as well, so that needs to be factored in as well.

FA Centers may cost way too much ($18M AAV for the best one?), so turn to the draft.

Unless Ragnow wants to come back?

I think Tackles are the same situation.

FA money for those two positions is ridiculous.

I say... Draft OC and OT.

IMO.

[1984Echoes]

7 minutes ago, Mr.TaterSalad said:

Montgomery may want to go elsewhere though an be an RB1. We are fortunate and spoiled to have two good RBs here in Detroit. On some rosters, Monty would clearly be their RB1. So he may just want to leave and go get RB1 money. Given his age at 28 and the short shelf life of RBs, this is likely is last opportunity at getting starting money in a contract.

I wonder what is the highest draft picks we could get for him?

I think not much, considering that short shelf life.

A 4th and a 5th? Better? Worse?

[Motown Bombers]

I’ll say worse since Swift only netted a 4th and he was younger and more explosive. Montgomery also doesn’t have a cheap contract. They may not have a trading partner at all. 

[Hongbit]

38 minutes ago, Motown Bombers said:

Really like Daniel Bellinger as a free agent. He has connections to Kafka, is a good blocker, and has great hands. Makes a lot of sense for TE2. 

I’ve always liked this guy.   Underrated for sure. 

[Stanley70]

Drafting a OT at 1-16 makes the most sense, although Holmes doesn't like to get boxed in like that. He could trade up but we need the picks. Then they could sign a C or Zeitler type OG, moving Ratledge to C, to finish the line. Maybe add a lower priced veteran tackle backup since Manu can't be counted on. Plus they have needs at safety and DE. 

They are going to have to restructure some guys and probably release Decker. Plus they have to resign a few guys like Anzelone, one or two of the DT's, and Raymond. I would hate to see them backload too many deals and wind up like New Orleans and have a 2-3 year salary cap hell situation.

[Motown Bombers]

Anzalone is gone. He’s over 30 and will make too much. They can free up about $40 million by restructuring Goff. He doesn’t appear to be going anywhere in the next three years so there is little risk. 

[1984Echoes]

5 minutes ago, Motown Bombers said:

Anzalone is gone. He’s over 30 and will make too much...

I really like Paye and Bush.

Couple of UM guys who might be happy to come home to the Lions and contend for Super Bowls and they address DE and OLB needs...