The Detroit Lions came into 2025 riding high on momentum and expectations-but when the dust settled, they fell short of the mark. Now, with the offseason officially underway for all but the Seahawks and Patriots, the focus in Detroit shifts to what needs to happen to get this team over the hump in 2026.
Here’s the good news: the Lions might be closer to a Super Bowl breakthrough than their recent finish suggests. And if there’s a blueprint to follow, the two teams headed to the big game-Seattle and New England-have laid it out.
According to ESPN analyst Ben Solak, their success wasn’t built on magic. It was built on smart decisions, bold spending, and maximizing what they already had.
And in more than a few ways, Detroit is already aligned with that model.
Let’s break it down.
A Middle-Class QB Contract Can Win in Today’s NFL
One of Solak’s key takeaways is that you don’t need a quarterback on a rookie deal or a megastar on a $50 million contract to win. A solid, middle-tier QB contract can absolutely work-if the team builds wisely around it.
That’s where Jared Goff comes in. His deal isn’t breaking the bank, and he’s proven he can lead a high-powered offense.
With the right pieces around him, Goff doesn’t need to be Superman. He just needs to keep doing what he’s done: distribute the ball, protect possessions, and capitalize on mismatches.
Dan Campbell Checks the Right Boxes as a Head Coach
Another point from Solak: you don’t have to hire the next offensive genius to win. A CEO-style head coach who sets the tone, builds culture, and empowers coordinators can be just as effective.
Dan Campbell fits that mold to a tee. He’s more than just a motivator-he’s a leader who’s helped reshape the identity of this franchise.
He’s got the locker room, he’s got the staff, and he’s got the buy-in. That matters.
Explosive Plays Are a Must-And the Lions Already Have Them
You want to contend in today’s NFL? You better be able to create chunk plays.
That’s another pillar of Solak’s analysis, and it’s one the Lions already check off. Between Amon-Ra St.
Brown, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, and a creative offensive scheme, Detroit has shown it can hit the gas pedal and stretch defenses. The foundation for a dynamic offense is already in place.
So What’s Missing? Aggressive Free Agency Spending
Here’s where the Lions have lagged behind-and where they need to make up ground this offseason.
Seattle and New England didn’t just draft well. They spent.
The Seahawks brought in veteran pieces like Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp, and DeMarcus Lawrence to plug holes. The Patriots made splash moves for Stefon Diggs, Harold Landry, and cornerback Carlton Davis-who, notably, the Lions let walk.
Those weren’t just headline moves. They were impact moves. And they helped push both teams to the Super Bowl.
Detroit, on the other hand, has leaned heavily on a draft-and-develop model. That’s admirable-and it’s produced some real talent-but at some point, you have to supplement homegrown success with proven veterans. That’s the next step.
Brad Holmes Faces a Defining Offseason
General manager Brad Holmes has done a lot right since taking over. He’s nailed draft picks, built a strong locker room, and helped turn the Lions into a legitimate contender. But the next move is his most important yet.
When asked recently about the team’s free agency approach, Holmes struck a cautious tone. He emphasized work ethic and due diligence, stressing that flashy moves aren’t always the right ones. But he also left the door open to bigger swings-without making any promises.
“I don’t want to sit here and say that more activity is going to be the answer,” Holmes said. “That’s not to say we won’t do something in that splash category, but it’s not indicative of a lack of effort or work ethic.”
That’s fair. You don’t want to spend recklessly.
But the Lions are in a window. They’ve got a quarterback on a manageable deal.
They’ve got a strong coaching staff. They’ve got explosive talent on both sides of the ball.
What they don’t have-yet-is the kind of targeted, aggressive free agency push that can elevate a good team to a great one.
The blueprint is there. The time is now.
If Detroit wants to be playing in late January next year, it starts with bold decisions this March. The roster is close.
The culture is strong. The quarterback is capable.
Now it’s on Holmes and the front office to push the chips in and go get the pieces that can make the difference.
Because if they do? The Lions won’t just be knocking on the door. They’ll be ready to kick it down.