The Detroit Lions enter the offseason in a familiar but uncomfortable position: close to contention, yet still carrying questions that could define how far they go in 2026. After building one of the league’s most balanced rosters, general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell now face a different challenge — reinforcing strengths while addressing subtle cracks.
Here’s how the Lions’ biggest concerns stack up heading into the new league year.
1. Offensive line
For the better part of four seasons, Detroit’s offensive line has been its identity. It has powered a top-tier rushing attack, kept the quarterback upright and allowed the offense to control tempo. But for the first time in a while, there are real questions about continuity and long-term stability.
Age, contract structure and depth are all factors. Injuries tested the unit’s depth last season, forcing younger players into extended roles. While the line remained competitive, the dominance wasn’t always as overwhelming as it had been in prior years.
There are also looming financial decisions. Premium offensive linemen command premium salaries, and the Lions already have major extensions either signed or on the horizon. If even one veteran piece were to miss extended time, the ripple effect could alter the entire offense’s efficiency.
Detroit’s system relies heavily on play-action and a physical run game. If the line regresses from elite to merely average, it shrinks the margin for error everywhere else. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, maintaining trench superiority isn’t optional — it’s foundational.
2. A second pass rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson
No concern is more straightforward than this one. The Lions need consistent pressure opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Hutchinson has developed into one of the NFL’s premier edge defenders, commanding double teams and chipping attention weekly. Yet offenses were often comfortable sliding protection his direction, daring someone else to win one-on-one.
Detroit’s defense improved in multiple areas last season, particularly in coverage and situational discipline. But when facing elite quarterbacks, the lack of a reliable secondary pass rusher showed up at critical moments.
Generating pressure with four rushers remains the gold standard in January football. Without a credible threat opposite Hutchinson, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn must scheme pressure — blitzing linebackers or safeties — which can expose the secondary behind it.
Whether through the draft or free agency, the Lions need a player who can produce eight to 10 sacks and consistent quarterback hits. It doesn’t need to be a superstar. It needs to be dependable.
3. Safety depth and the return timeline for Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch
The Lions’ safety tandem of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch has been central to the defense’s versatility. Joseph’s range on the back end and Branch’s hybrid ability near the line of scrimmage allow Detroit to disguise coverages and rotate late.
The concern isn’t long-term talent. It’s health and depth.
If either player misses time — whether in training camp or early in the season — Detroit’s flexibility shrinks. The drop-off behind them could force more conservative coverages, limiting the aggressive identity the defense has cultivated.
Branch, in particular, has become a tone-setter. His ability to blitz, cover the slot and support against the run makes him more than a traditional safety. Joseph’s ball skills, meanwhile, remain a takeaway threat every week.
The Lions don’t necessarily need a star addition at safety. But they may need insurance — a veteran presence who can stabilize the group if recovery timelines extend longer than expected.
Detroit is close. Very close. But in a conference loaded with quarterback talent and ascending defenses, “close” isn’t enough. If the offensive line holds firm, a second pass rusher emerges and the secondary remains intact, the Lions won’t just be contenders — they’ll be complete.