By the time that the 2026 regular season rolls around, the Detroit Lions’ starting lineup could look quite different to 2025.
For one, the Lions have lost multiple contributors in free agency. The Lions have supplemented these departures with external signings and will continue to do so with the NFL Draft. However, there is also a chance that some of their returning starters from 2025 may not resume their starting role come 2026. Competition has been at the forefront of Detroit’s roster building mentality, and nothing will be given. A starting role needs to be earned, and there is no shortage of players vying for a spot.
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Which 2025 starter could lose their starting role in 2026?
My answer: Christian Mahogany.
For the purposes of this exercise, I am trying to ignore injury replacements—for example, Shane Zylstra finished the 2025 season as the starting tight end, but he was clearly not a true starter. On a similar note, Thomas Harper substituted in at safety for most of last season and, due to an injury to Brian Branch, could be called upon to start in 2026. However, he would not be a starter if Branch and Kerby Joseph are active.
Because the Lions parted ways with starters like Alex Anzalone, Taylor Decker, DJ Reader, and Amik Robertson this offseason, the number of returning starters at risk of a demotion is actually fairly slim.
At offensive skill positions, Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, and Sam LaPorta should be locked in as starters barring a significant trade. Along the offensive line, Penei Sewell and Tate Ratledge are sure-fire starters. On defense, Alim McNeill should return to starting duties despite a rough 2025 campaign, while Aidan Hutchinson is the unquestioned star of the defensive line. Jack Campbell rightfully earned his All-Pro nod, while Derrick Barnes is almost certainly penciled in as a starter for next season. As for the secondary, I do not see D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Kerby Joseph, or Brian Branch losing their starting roles when healthy (though a player like Arnold still has a lot to prove in what could be a pivotal season for him). I similarly do not see much change coming from the special teamers of Jake Bates, Jack Fox, and Hogan Hatten.
That really only leaves Christian Mahogany as the lone 2025 starter that could lose his starting spot in 2026.
As it stands, I view Mahogany as the front runner for the left guard spot, but there will be ample competition. The Lions drafted Miles Frazier last year in the fifth round and gave him snaps as part of a late-season rotation. The team also traded for Juice Scruggs and signed Ben Bartch this offseason, both of whom have starting experience. There is also a chance that Detroit drafts an interior offensive lineman in the upcoming draft.
While Mahogany impressed as a rookie in 2024, his 2025 season was derailed by a leg injury. Although he should be fully recovered from that injury, it is worth remembering that he was a mere sixth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft—far from a prestigious draft position. Because Mahogany does not have the pedigree nor track record to guarantee a starting role next season, he could get dethroned if he gets outperformed in training camp.
Is there another 2025 starter than could lose his starting role in 2026? Let us know in the comments below.
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