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The Detroit Lions enter the 2026 season with something to prove.
After missing the playoffs in 2025, Dan Campbell’s squad is looking to reestablish itself as one of the NFC’s elite teams. General manager Brad Holmes spent the offseason reshaping the roster, adding veterans, investing heavily in the draft, and creating competition at nearly every position.
Training camp is just around the corner, and while plenty can change over the next several weeks, it’s time to take our first shot at projecting Detroit’s initial 53-man roster.
In
Out
There isn’t much mystery surrounding Detroit’s quarterback room.
Jared Goff remains firmly entrenched as the starter after leading the Lions over the past several seasons, while Teddy Bridgewater gives Detroit one of the NFL’s most experienced backup quarterbacks. His familiarity with Dan Campbell and the organization makes him an ideal insurance policy behind Goff.
Rookie Luke Altmyer appears destined for the practice squad unless he puts together an exceptional preseason.
In
Out
Detroit once again boasts one of the NFL’s deepest backfields.
Jahmyr Gibbs remains the centerpiece after another outstanding campaign, while offseason addition Isiah Pacheco brings toughness and championship pedigree. Sione Vaki continues to provide versatility as both a runner and special teams contributor.
Jacob Saylors earns the final roster spot thanks to his well-rounded game and value in the kicking game.
In
Out
PUP
The top three receivers are virtually locks.
Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to be one of the NFL’s premier slot receivers, Jameson Williams enters another season with sky-high expectations, and Isaac TeSlaa appears poised for a much larger role in Year 2.
The biggest surprise comes at the bottom of the depth chart.
Tom Kennedy once again finds a way onto the roster thanks to his reliability, familiarity with the offense, and ability to contribute on special teams.
In
Out
Sam LaPorta remains one of the NFL’s best young tight ends, while veterans Brock Wright and Tyler Conklin give Detroit other dependable options.
Miles Kitselman edges out Zach Horton for the final spot after an impressive offseason.
Stay Tuned: Brock Wright could become a trade candidate if another team comes calling before final cuts.
In
Out
Everything starts up front for the Lions.
Penei Sewell remains one of the best offensive linemen in football, while Christian Mahogany appears ready for a full-time starting role. Rookie Blake Miller is expected to seize the starting right tackle job, and Tate Ratledge gives Detroit another young cornerstone inside.
Despite some difficult cuts, this remains one of the NFL’s better offensive lines.
In
Out
If this group reaches its potential, it could become one of Detroit’s biggest strengths.
Aidan Hutchinson remains the face of the defense, while Alim McNeill looks to return to full health after battling injuries. Rookie Derrick Moore should contribute immediately, and additions D.J. Wonnum and Payton Turner give Detroit considerably more edge depth than it had a year ago.
In
Out
Jack Campbell has developed into the unquestioned leader of Detroit’s linebacker room following his All-Pro campaign in 2025.
Barnes and Rodriguez continue to provide experience, while rookie Jimmy Rolder has an opportunity to become an immediate contributor.
This group may not generate many headlines, but it has the potential to quietly become one of the team’s most consistent units.
In
Out
With Terrion Arnold no longer on the roster, the competition at cornerback has become one of the biggest storylines entering training camp.
Veteran D.J. Reed headlines the group, while Roger McCreary brings valuable versatility. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. has an opportunity to take a significant leap in Year 3, and rookie Keith Abney II could force his way into the rotation early.
Rock Ya-Sin and Khalil Dorsey round out one of Detroit’s deepest position groups.
In
Out
PUP
Brian Branch’s recovery from an Achilles injury could keep him on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the season.
Fortunately, Brad Holmes built plenty of depth this offseason.
Kerby Joseph remains one of the NFL’s premier ballhawks, while Chuck Clark, Christian Izien, Thomas Harper, and Dan Jackson provide Detroit with multiple capable options until Branch returns.
In
There is little drama here.
Jake Bates cemented himself as Detroit’s kicker, Jack Fox remains among the NFL’s elite punters, and Hogan Hatten continues to handle long-snapping duties.
A few notable names narrowly miss the roster projection:
Each has the talent to make an NFL roster, but Detroit’s depth could make this one of the most difficult cutdown days of the Brad Holmes era.
The Detroit Lions have built one of the deepest rosters in the NFL.
There are very few glaring weaknesses, and nearly every position features legitimate competition heading into training camp. While injuries and preseason performances will inevitably alter this projection, the foundation is in place for Detroit to return to playoff contention.
If this projection comes close to reality, Dan Campbell will have one of the most talented and balanced rosters he’s coached since arriving in Detroit. The challenge now is turning that talent into wins and getting the Lions back where they believe they belong: competing for an NFC championship.
Continue reading...
After missing the playoffs in 2025, Dan Campbell’s squad is looking to reestablish itself as one of the NFC’s elite teams. General manager Brad Holmes spent the offseason reshaping the roster, adding veterans, investing heavily in the draft, and creating competition at nearly every position.
Training camp is just around the corner, and while plenty can change over the next several weeks, it’s time to take our first shot at projecting Detroit’s initial 53-man roster.
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Quarterbacks (2)
In
- Jared Goff
- Teddy Bridgewater
Out
- Luke Altmyer
There isn’t much mystery surrounding Detroit’s quarterback room.
Jared Goff remains firmly entrenched as the starter after leading the Lions over the past several seasons, while Teddy Bridgewater gives Detroit one of the NFL’s most experienced backup quarterbacks. His familiarity with Dan Campbell and the organization makes him an ideal insurance policy behind Goff.
Rookie Luke Altmyer appears destined for the practice squad unless he puts together an exceptional preseason.
Running Backs (4)
In
- Jahmyr Gibbs
- Isiah Pacheco
- Sione Vaki
- Jacob Saylors
Out
- Jabari Small
- Kye Robichaux
Detroit once again boasts one of the NFL’s deepest backfields.
Jahmyr Gibbs remains the centerpiece after another outstanding campaign, while offseason addition Isiah Pacheco brings toughness and championship pedigree. Sione Vaki continues to provide versatility as both a runner and special teams contributor.
Jacob Saylors earns the final roster spot thanks to his well-rounded game and value in the kicking game.
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Wide Receivers (5)
In
- Amon-Ra St. Brown
- Jameson Williams
- Isaac TeSlaa
- Greg Dortch
- Tom Kennedy
Out
- Dominic Lovett
- Cedrick Wilson Jr.
- Malik Cunningham
- Jackson Meeks
- Lucky Jackson
- Tay Martin
- Tarik Black
PUP
- Kendrick Law
The top three receivers are virtually locks.
Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to be one of the NFL’s premier slot receivers, Jameson Williams enters another season with sky-high expectations, and Isaac TeSlaa appears poised for a much larger role in Year 2.
The biggest surprise comes at the bottom of the depth chart.
Tom Kennedy once again finds a way onto the roster thanks to his reliability, familiarity with the offense, and ability to contribute on special teams.
Tight Ends (4)
In
- Sam LaPorta
- Brock Wright
- Tyler Conklin
- Miles Kitselman
Out
- Zach Horton
- Thomas Gordon
Sam LaPorta remains one of the NFL’s best young tight ends, while veterans Brock Wright and Tyler Conklin give Detroit other dependable options.
Miles Kitselman edges out Zach Horton for the final spot after an impressive offseason.
Stay Tuned: Brock Wright could become a trade candidate if another team comes calling before final cuts.
You must be registered for see images attach
Offensive Line (9)
In
- Penei Sewell
- Christian Mahogany
- Cade Mays
- Tate Ratledge
- Blake Miller
- Larry Borom
- Miles Frazier
- Juice Scruggs
- Ben Bartch
Out
- Giovanni Manu
- Colby Sorsdal
- Melvin Priestly
- Michael Niese
- Devin Cochran
- Seth McLaughlin
Everything starts up front for the Lions.
Penei Sewell remains one of the best offensive linemen in football, while Christian Mahogany appears ready for a full-time starting role. Rookie Blake Miller is expected to seize the starting right tackle job, and Tate Ratledge gives Detroit another young cornerstone inside.
Despite some difficult cuts, this remains one of the NFL’s better offensive lines.
Defensive Line (9)
In
- Aidan Hutchinson
- Alim McNeill
- Tyliek Williams
- Derrick Moore
- D.J. Wonnum
- Levi Onwuzurike
- Skyler Gill-Howard
- Payton Turner
- Tyler Lacy
Out
- Ahmed Hassanein
- Anthony Lucas
- Mekhi Wingo
- Tyre West
- Myles Adams
- Chris Smith
- Aidan Keanaaina
If this group reaches its potential, it could become one of Detroit’s biggest strengths.
Aidan Hutchinson remains the face of the defense, while Alim McNeill looks to return to full health after battling injuries. Rookie Derrick Moore should contribute immediately, and additions D.J. Wonnum and Payton Turner give Detroit considerably more edge depth than it had a year ago.
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Linebackers (6)
In
- Jack Campbell
- Derrick Barnes
- Malcolm Rodriguez
- Jimmy Rolder
- Damone Clark
- Trevor Nowaske
Out
- Joe Bachie
- Erick Hunter
Jack Campbell has developed into the unquestioned leader of Detroit’s linebacker room following his All-Pro campaign in 2025.
Barnes and Rodriguez continue to provide experience, while rookie Jimmy Rolder has an opportunity to become an immediate contributor.
This group may not generate many headlines, but it has the potential to quietly become one of the team’s most consistent units.
Cornerbacks (6)
In
- D.J. Reed
- Roger McCreary
- Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
- Rock Ya-Sin
- Keith Abney II
- Khalil Dorsey
Out
- Nick Whiteside
- De’Shawn Rucker
- Aamaris Brown
With Terrion Arnold no longer on the roster, the competition at cornerback has become one of the biggest storylines entering training camp.
Veteran D.J. Reed headlines the group, while Roger McCreary brings valuable versatility. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. has an opportunity to take a significant leap in Year 3, and rookie Keith Abney II could force his way into the rotation early.
Rock Ya-Sin and Khalil Dorsey round out one of Detroit’s deepest position groups.
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Safeties (5)
In
- Kerby Joseph
- Christian Izien
- Chuck Clark
- Thomas Harper
- Dan Jackson
Out
- Avonte Maddox
- Loren Strickland
PUP
- Brian Branch
Brian Branch’s recovery from an Achilles injury could keep him on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the season.
Fortunately, Brad Holmes built plenty of depth this offseason.
Kerby Joseph remains one of the NFL’s premier ballhawks, while Chuck Clark, Christian Izien, Thomas Harper, and Dan Jackson provide Detroit with multiple capable options until Branch returns.
Specialists (3)
In
- Jake Bates
- Jack Fox
- Hogan Hatten
There is little drama here.
Jake Bates cemented himself as Detroit’s kicker, Jack Fox remains among the NFL’s elite punters, and Hogan Hatten continues to handle long-snapping duties.
Biggest Surprise Cuts
A few notable names narrowly miss the roster projection:
- Giovanni Manu
- Cedrick Wilson Jr.
- Dominic Lovett
- Ahmed Hassanein
- Mekhi Wingo
Each has the talent to make an NFL roster, but Detroit’s depth could make this one of the most difficult cutdown days of the Brad Holmes era.
The Bottom Line
The Detroit Lions have built one of the deepest rosters in the NFL.
There are very few glaring weaknesses, and nearly every position features legitimate competition heading into training camp. While injuries and preseason performances will inevitably alter this projection, the foundation is in place for Detroit to return to playoff contention.
If this projection comes close to reality, Dan Campbell will have one of the most talented and balanced rosters he’s coached since arriving in Detroit. The challenge now is turning that talent into wins and getting the Lions back where they believe they belong: competing for an NFC championship.
Continue reading...
