The Detroit Lions are heading into the 2026 offseason earlier than they’d hoped, after a 9-8 campaign that left them on the outside looking in when the playoff field was finalized. It’s the first time since 2022 that Detroit missed the postseason - a tough pill for a team that had been building momentum year over year. Now, with expectations still high and pressure mounting, this offseason becomes critical.
The first major domino already fell: the team parted ways with offensive coordinator John Morton. Whoever steps into that role next won’t just be inheriting a playbook - they’ll be handed the keys to a talented but underperforming offense that needs to rediscover its rhythm.
The job ahead? Help get this team back into the Super Bowl conversation.
Let’s break down the road ahead for Detroit - key offseason dates, draft capital, free agents, and what the 2026 schedule has in store.
Key Offseason Dates for the Lions
The Lions’ front office and coaching staff will be busy over the next few months, with several pivotal events on the NFL calendar that will shape the team’s 2026 roster:
- Jan. 27: East-West Shrine Bowl
- Jan. 31: Senior Bowl
- Feb. 23 - March 2: NFL Scouting Combine
- March 3: Deadline for franchise or transition tags
- March 9 - 11: Early negotiation window for free agents
- March 11: Free agency and trade period officially opens
- April 20: Offseason workout programs begin
- April 23 - 25: 2026 NFL Draft (in Pittsburgh)
- Mid-July: Rookie training camp opens
- Late-July: Veteran training camp begins
Each of these checkpoints is a chance for Detroit to reset, reload, and retool for a stronger run in 2026.
Draft Capital: Where the Lions Stand
The Lions have a solid collection of picks heading into the 2026 NFL Draft - including their original selections in the first, second, fourth, and fifth rounds. Here’s how their draft board currently looks:
- 1st Round: No. 17 overall
- 2nd Round: No. 50 overall
- 4th Round: No. 118 overall
- 5th Round: No. 155 overall
- 5th/6th Round: TBD (potential compensatory pick)
- 6th Round: No. 186 (via Browns)
- 6th Round: No. 203 (via Jaguars)
- 7th Round: No. 222 (via Browns)
Notably absent is a third-round pick - the Lions traded both of their 2026 third-rounders to move up for wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa in the 2025 draft. That aggressive move signaled Detroit’s commitment to adding explosive weapons, but it also means they’ll need to make the most of their remaining picks this year.
Free Agency: Who’s Hitting the Market?
Detroit’s front office will have some big decisions to make with 20+ players set to hit free agency. Here’s a breakdown of who could be on the move - and who the Lions might want to prioritize bringing back.
Unrestricted Free Agents
These players are free to sign with any team once free agency opens:
- Linebackers: Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez, Grant Stuard, Zach Cunningham, Zeke Turner
- Edge Rushers: Al-Quadin Muhammad, Marcus Davenport
- Cornerbacks: Amik Robertson, Arthur Maulet, Avonte Maddox, Jalen Mills, Rock Ya-Sin
- Safeties: Daniel Thomas
- Tight Ends: Anthony Firkser, Shane Zylstra
- Offensive Linemen: Dan Skipper (LT), Jamarco Jones (LT), Kayode Awosika (RT), Trystan Colon (C)
- Wide Receiver: Kalif Raymond
- Quarterback: Kyle Allen
- Defensive Linemen: D.J. Reader (DT), Roy Lopez (NT)
That’s a lot of experience potentially walking out the door - especially at linebacker and cornerback, two areas where Detroit’s depth will be tested if they don’t re-sign key contributors.
Restricted Free Agents
These players have three accrued seasons and are eligible for qualifying offers:
- EDGE: Josh Paschal, Tyrus Wheat
- WR: Tom Kennedy
- LB: Trevor Nowaske
Detroit will have the right to match any offer these players receive, giving them a bit more control over these negotiations.
Exclusive Rights Free Agents
These players can only sign with the Lions if they’re offered a contract:
- Kicker: Jake Bates
Bates showed promise and could be a low-cost, high-upside option to keep around for special teams stability.
2026 Schedule: Who the Lions Will Face
The full schedule - with dates, times, and TV slots - will be released in mid-May, but we already know who’s on the docket. And there’s no shortage of marquee matchups.
Home Games
- NFC North: Bears (11-6), Packers (9-7-1), Vikings (9-8)
- NFC South: Buccaneers (8-9), Saints (6-11)
- AFC East: Patriots (14-3)*, Jets (3-14), Giants (4-13)
- AFC South: Titans (3-14)
One of these home games will be played internationally - though the league hasn’t revealed which one yet.
Away Games
- NFC North: Bears, Packers, Vikings
- NFC South: Falcons (8-9), Panthers (8-9)*
- AFC East: Bills (12-5)*, Dolphins (7-10)
- NFC West: Cardinals (3-14)
There’s a good mix of playoff-caliber teams and rebuilding squads, but no question - road trips to Buffalo and Carolina will test this team’s mettle.
What’s Next for Detroit?
The Lions are entering a pivotal offseason. The foundation is still there - a competitive roster, a passionate fan base, and a front office that’s shown it’s not afraid to take bold swings. But after a step back in 2025, this team needs to make the right moves to stay in the NFC mix.
Hiring the right offensive coordinator is step one. Nailing the draft and free agency? That’s step two and three.
Detroit’s window isn’t closed - but the margin for error is shrinking. This offseason will go a long way in determining whether the Lions are ready to roar again in 2026.