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This offseason, the Lions made many moves. Some will help impact the team in a positive way, while others could have a negative impact moving forward. Overall, Detroit did a pretty good job of retaining players, signing free agents, and addressing needs in the NFL Draft. But at the end of the day, every team loses players who contributed the season before. I broke down the Lions’ three biggest losses heading into the 2026 season.
Alex Anzalone Leaves for Tampa Bay
Although Anzalone’s play started to decline, he will be missed. Currently, the players who could replace Anzalone are Malcolm Rodriguez, Jimmy Rolder, and Trevor Nowaske. While those may not seem like the best options, I believe they will be able to suffice.
With Jack Campbell serving as the captain of the defense, I believe he will help carry this linebacker corps. Not to mention, Detroit also has Derrick Barnes, who has begun to play like a Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker.
Out of the three candidates, Rodriguez is currently in the driver’s seat to win the starting job. Rodriguez returned in Week 10 from a torn ACL last season and slowly worked his way back in. With a full offseason to prepare, I believe Rodriguez will be better than many expect.
Larry Borom or Blake Miller at Right Tackle
Both players are viable options, but neither of them will come close to the production we saw from Penei Sewell last season. Sewell switched to the left side after Detroit cut longtime Lion Taylor Decker.
While this is a major upgrade to the left side and the offensive line overall, there will still be some ups and downs on the right side. Currently, no starter has been named between Miller and Borom, as Dan Campbell said no decision will be made anytime soon.
One thing to note is that Miller has taken the majority of first-team reps during OTAs. Miller was a four-year starter at Clemson and never missed a snap. Borom has spent five years in the NFL and has 38 starts under his belt. He started 11 games for the Dolphins last season.
David Montgomery Gets Traded to Houston
Detroit shocked many fans when they opted to trade longtime fan favorite David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in exchange for a fourth-round pick, Juice Scruggs, and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
While many believe that was solid value, what Montgomery brought to the table may have been worth more than that. Montgomery was an elite short-yardage and goal-line back. In some aspects, this could help the Lions, as it will allow Detroit to fully unleash Jahmyr Gibbs.
As good as Gibbs is as a runner and pass-catching threat, he has not proven to be the best pass blocker. Montgomery, on the other hand, is a proven pass blocker who helped keep Jared Goff clean in the pocket.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Detroit did not lose too many key starters, and I fully expect the Lions roster as a whole to perform better this season. Out of the three, I believe the loss of Anzalone will be the most impactful. Miller or Borom should be able to hold their ground at right tackle, and it will help that the Lions play one of the easier schedules in the NFL.
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Alex Anzalone Leaves for Tampa Bay
Although Anzalone’s play started to decline, he will be missed. Currently, the players who could replace Anzalone are Malcolm Rodriguez, Jimmy Rolder, and Trevor Nowaske. While those may not seem like the best options, I believe they will be able to suffice.
With Jack Campbell serving as the captain of the defense, I believe he will help carry this linebacker corps. Not to mention, Detroit also has Derrick Barnes, who has begun to play like a Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker.
Out of the three candidates, Rodriguez is currently in the driver’s seat to win the starting job. Rodriguez returned in Week 10 from a torn ACL last season and slowly worked his way back in. With a full offseason to prepare, I believe Rodriguez will be better than many expect.
Larry Borom or Blake Miller at Right Tackle
Both players are viable options, but neither of them will come close to the production we saw from Penei Sewell last season. Sewell switched to the left side after Detroit cut longtime Lion Taylor Decker.
While this is a major upgrade to the left side and the offensive line overall, there will still be some ups and downs on the right side. Currently, no starter has been named between Miller and Borom, as Dan Campbell said no decision will be made anytime soon.
One thing to note is that Miller has taken the majority of first-team reps during OTAs. Miller was a four-year starter at Clemson and never missed a snap. Borom has spent five years in the NFL and has 38 starts under his belt. He started 11 games for the Dolphins last season.
David Montgomery Gets Traded to Houston
Detroit shocked many fans when they opted to trade longtime fan favorite David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in exchange for a fourth-round pick, Juice Scruggs, and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
While many believe that was solid value, what Montgomery brought to the table may have been worth more than that. Montgomery was an elite short-yardage and goal-line back. In some aspects, this could help the Lions, as it will allow Detroit to fully unleash Jahmyr Gibbs.
As good as Gibbs is as a runner and pass-catching threat, he has not proven to be the best pass blocker. Montgomery, on the other hand, is a proven pass blocker who helped keep Jared Goff clean in the pocket.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Detroit did not lose too many key starters, and I fully expect the Lions roster as a whole to perform better this season. Out of the three, I believe the loss of Anzalone will be the most impactful. Miller or Borom should be able to hold their ground at right tackle, and it will help that the Lions play one of the easier schedules in the NFL.
Continue reading...
