Richard Sherman is looking at the Detroit Lions and seeing two things at once: a defense that could cause real problems, and a team he still believes can win the NFC North.
On the latest edition of his podcast, the former NFL cornerback said the biggest issue for Dan Campbell’s team is what happens on the defensive side, especially with key pieces unavailable to start the year.
“They continue to be a great offense. The concern, the real concern is defensively, like when you lose Terrion Arnold to the system, then you got, you know, when is Brian Branch going to be healthy?
When are your elite safeties going to be healthy? So, when is Brian Branch going to be back?
When is Kerby Joseph going to be healthy? Like, those are two elite players,” Sherman said.
Branch and Joseph are both on the Physically Unable to Perform List to open the season, and there is no set timetable for either one to return.
Earlier this week, general manager Brad Holmes said the team is still optimistic about both players.
“Well, we still have confidence that they can come back," said general manager Brad Holmes earlier this week. "You just can't really give an exact timeline.
But yeah, I mean, they're both here, they're rehabbing, they're working hard. Just can't offer timeline.
But yeah, the hopes is to have both of them back at some point.”
Even with that uncertainty hanging over the defense, Sherman still picked Detroit to finish first in the NFC North in 2026. The Lions went 9-8 in 2025 and ended up fourth in the division, but Sherman thinks the offense gives them a real edge.
“I got the Lions. I got your Detroit Lions.
Biased or unbiased, I feel like objectively they have the best quarterback. He’s one of the best quarterbacks in the National League," Sherman said.
"And for some reason, people forget about that until Detroit is just top five offensively, and you’re like Amon-Ra St. Brownn and Sam LaPorta and all these guys, Jameson Williams.
But you forget the guy slinging a rock around the yard. And I think Jared Goff is going to have another really elite season.”
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