The Detroit Lions are heading into training camp next week with a lot to sort out on offense, even after bringing back plenty of familiar talent. The biggest change is on the sideline, where Dan Campbell has handed the coordinator job to Drew Petzing. After an uneven 2025 season, the Lions also spent the offseason reinforcing the offensive line, hoping the new setup helps the group move the ball more cleanly in Petzing’s system.
At quarterback, Jared Goff remains the clear starter, but the backup picture is worth watching. Teddy Bridgewater is in place as the reserve and brings the kind of veteran presence coaches trust, especially with younger players around him.
Luke Altmyer, though, is the name that could make things interesting. He’s flashed enough in offseason work to earn attention, and the preseason should give the Lions a real look at whether he can push for the No. 2 job and avoid the waiver-wire risk.
The backfield starts with Jahmyr Gibbs, who is set for his heaviest workload yet. There is, however, some uncertainty around his camp participation if he doesn’t have a new contract by the start of camp.
That said, Gibbs was a full participant during the offseason program. Isiah Pacheco sits behind him as the top backup, while Sione Vaki is trying to carve out a larger offensive role after opening his career as a special teams ace.
Jacob Saylors, Jabari Small and Kye Robichaux round out the reserve group.
Receiver is loaded. Amon-Ra St.
Brown, Jameson Williams and Isaac TeSlaa are the starters, and that trio gives the Lions plenty of firepower. St.
Brown, a two-time First Team All-Pro, leads the way, Williams has taken steps forward in his development, and TeSlaa is drawing buzz as a possible breakout candidate. Behind them, Greg Dortch gives Detroit an experienced fourth option, while Dominic Lovett and Tom Kennedy are trying to keep their spots.
Cedrick Wilson, Malik Cunningham, Tay Martin, Lawrence Keys III, Lucky Jackson and Tarik Black are also in the mix, with Kendrick Law listed injured. The four UFL additions add another layer of competition.
Tight end got a boost earlier this week when Sam LaPorta was cleared to return from his back injury. Detroit missed him after his season ended following Week 10 last year, and his presence matters as the new offense gets installed.
Brock Wright is the backup, but Tyler Conklin will challenge him for that role. Wright already fits the Lions’ scheme, while Conklin brings more proven receiving ability.
Jackson Meeks is another name to watch after converting from receiver and showing real upside. Zach Horton, Miles Kitselman and Thomas Gordon are also on the depth chart.
Up front, Penei Sewell is set to move to the left side, and Blake Miller is in line to battle for the right tackle job. That competition, with veteran Larry Borom also in the mix, is one of the more intriguing parts of camp.
Giovanni Manu is another backup option, while Devin Cochran and Colby Sorsdal are listed as reserves. If Miller wins the job, it would be a major win for Detroit, and Borom’s ability to handle the swing tackle role gives the group added flexibility.
The interior line has its own battle. Tate Ratledge is expected back at right guard, but the left guard spot appears wide open.
Christian Mahogany is the returning starter, though he’ll have to earn the job after an uneven year. Ben Bartch and Juice Scruggs were added to compete for roles, and both have starting experience.
Scruggs can play all three interior spots, while Bartch could be the best option if he stays healthy. Miles Frazier, Michael Niese, Mason Miller and Melvin Priestly are the reserve names.
At center, the Lions added an experienced option in Mays, and the three-year deal he signed shows how much Detroit believes in him. The team sees him as an ascending player, even though he’s relatively new to the position at the NFL level.
Behind him, McLaughlin is an intriguing futures-contract pickup who had his draft stock in 2025 affected by an Achilles injury. If he gets back to the form he showed at Ohio State, he could become one of camp’s surprises.
In Other News...
Kerby Joseph Just Put Lions Fans On Edge Before Camp
With rookies set to report to training camp Saturday and veterans due in Monday, the Lions are about to get their first real look at where everyone stands physically. Players have to pass a physical before taking part, and anyone not quite there can be placed on the PUP or NFI list, which makes every early camp update feel a little more meaningful than usual.
Kerby Joseph is one of the names drawing the most attention after a knee injury cost him most of last season and left the Lions handling his return carefully. He sounded upbeat about his status entering camp, but Dan Campbell made it clear the real test comes once the work ramps up and the knee is pushed in the middle of practice, which is why this one is still worth watching closely. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Rookies Are Arriving With One Huge Question Hanging Over Them
The Lions 2026 rookie class is about to take another step, with the group scheduled to report to the Allen Park Performance Center on July 25. For Detroit, the early focus is on a couple of newcomers who could matter quickly, especially offensive tackle Blake Miller and defensive end Derrick Moore, both of whom are expected to be in the mix sooner rather than later as the team keeps building out its roster for the season ahead.
Miller has already spent offseason work sharpening technique and getting more comfortable with the playbook, which is the kind of foundation the Lions want from a young lineman before the games start counting. Moores path looks a little more crowded on the edge, where veteran D.J. Wonnum is expected to open the season in front of him and Detroit has added more bodies at the position, leaving the rookie to fight for snaps in passing situations while the rest of the depth chart sorts itself out. [Read more 🡒]
Are The Lions Really The NFLs Most Talented Roster
The Lions head toward the 2026 season with a roster that still looks loaded at the top, even after some familiar veterans moved on and opened up bigger jobs for younger players. A league-wide ESPN poll only added to that impression, placing Detroit first overall and putting nine Lions players inside the top 10 at their positions, a reminder that this teams ceiling is being driven by premium talent rather than depth alone.
Penei Sewell and Jahmyr Gibbs both stood out in those rankings, but the broader takeaway is even more striking for Detroit: a lot of the names carrying the roster are still very young. That makes the Lions easy to believe in for now, but it also leaves the real question hanging over the group as the season approaches, because talent at the top is one thing and proving that a younger core can absorb the loss of players like Alex Anzalone and Taylor Decker is another. [Read more 🡒]