The Detroit Lions' decision to bring Drew Petzing on board as their new offensive coordinator has sparked plenty of conversation. Fans and analysts alike have been speculating about how Petzing's arrival might shape the Lions' roster moves this offseason.
Would they look to bring in players familiar with Petzing's system from his time with the Cardinals? It seemed like a logical step to help integrate his style and terminology with the current squad.
Surprisingly, the Lions have taken a different route. Despite the Cardinals' challenging 3-14 season, there were players who could have potentially bolstered the Lions' lineup.
For instance, veteran guard Evan Brown, who had previously played 32 games with Detroit and worked under Petzing in Arizona, seemed like a natural fit. Yet, Brown opted for a one-year deal with the Houston Texans instead.
The need for a backup quarterback was another area where a Petzing connection could have been beneficial. Jacoby Brissett, who started 12 games under Petzing last season, appeared to be a perfect candidate. However, the Lions chose to bring back Teddy Bridgewater for another round.
That said, the Lions haven't entirely ignored players with ties to Petzing. One under-the-radar signing that stands out is tight end Tyler Conklin.
Conklin and Petzing crossed paths during their time with the Minnesota Vikings from 2018 to 2019. Back then, Petzing was transitioning from assistant quarterbacks coach to wide receivers coach, while Conklin was carving out his role on both offense and special teams.
Conklin's early years saw him catching 13 passes for 135 yards, with five of those receptions converting into first downs. His role expanded significantly in subsequent seasons, culminating in 61 receptions in 2021, a feat he repeated in 2023 with the New York Jets.
While the Lions haven't yet made any major moves involving former Cardinals players, it doesn't mean they won't in the future. However, with the current focus likely leaning towards strengthening the defense, the anticipated influx of Petzing's former players hasn't materialized-adding another layer of intrigue to an already unpredictable offseason for Detroit.