As the Detroit Lions enter 2026 free agency, general manager Brad Holmes has his work cut out for him. While the foundation of the roster remains strong with a ton of blue-chip talent, there are more vacant starting and depth roles than in the previous few years. The next few months will require savvy and creative problem solving to get this roster in shape for a Super Bowl run next season.
Here are the Lions’ most-pressing needs heading into free agency, listed in order of most pressing to least.
Offensive tackle
Assuming the Lions grant Taylor Decker’s trade request, they will be entering free agency without their starting left tackle for the first time in a decade. Unless Giovanni Manu has taken a huge step behind the scenes, the Lions do not have a capable starter among their depth. Detroit professed the importance of improving their offensive line this offseason, but they’ll start free agency worse than they finished last year. Offensive tackle require a significant investment this offseason, be it the draft or free agency, but I would expect the Lions to do some work in both avenues.
Interior offensive line
The future position of Tate Ratledge will have a trickle down effect here. If he moves to center, the Lions could theoretically have their starting lineup with Miles Frazier and Christian Mahogany at the guard positions. But Detroit would be wise to add some serious competition at guard, since those two young players remain somewhat unproven.
If Ratledge stays at guard, center becomes one of the team’s primary needs. Juice Scruggs and Michael Niese are capable backups, but neither are really considered starter-level talent. Whether it’s getting involved in the Tyler Linderbaum sweepstakes, adding a lower-tier, veteran center via free agency or trade, or looking to the draft for a replacement, the Lions absolutely need competition.
Edge defender
With Marcus Davenport and Al-Quadin Muhammad facing free agency, Detroit is not only in need of a starter opposite Aidan Hutchinson, but they need depth, as well. Expect the Lions to add at least two capable players at this position this offseason, although I certainly wouldn’t rule out a re-signing of Muhammad.
Running back
With David Montgomery headed to Houston once the trade is official on Wednesday, the Lions find themselves with a pretty serious need at the RB2 spot. I don’t expect Sione Vaki to compete for that position, and while the Lions could always put more on Jahmyr Gibbs’ plate, we also know how much they value keeping him fresh throughout the year. Look for the Lions to add a short-term solution in what I believe to be a relatively deep free-agent class.
Linebacker
All signs point to losing Alex Anzalone in free agency this offseason. In fact, the Lions currently only have two linebackers signed on for 2026. It’s very possible, if not likely, that Detroit re-signs many of their own, including Malcolm Rodriguez, Grant Stuard, Trevor Nowaske, and/or Zach Cunningham.
If the Lions continue to play a ton of base defense, they’ll need a starting-capable linebacker to pair with Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes. If they plan to shift to more nickel looks, they could just run it back with last year’s crew minus Anzalone.
Defensive back
I only say defensive back here because there are a lot of fluid situations. Whether it’s Terrion Arnold’s legal situation or the injury concerns with safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, there are a lot of unknowns about the future of the Lions’ secondary. Detroit is in need of contingency plans all over the place. Re-signing Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin, Avonte Maddox, and Daniel Thomas would help, but it may not be enough, depending on how the other situations play out.
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