It’s early to be judging how teams have done in the NFL offseason. While organizations made a lot of big moves during the second week of March, there’s still a lot of great players remaining. Furthermore, there are holes for teams to still address across the league, especially with Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions.
But Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton likes what Campbell and the Lions have returning. Moton likes it so much, he ranked Detroit’s roster the best in the NFC North on March 16.
Moton also placed the Lions roster at No. 6 overall in the entire league.
“Detroit’s roster underachieved last year due to subpar coaching and injuries. The Lions missed the playoffs, but they should bounce back in 2026 thanks to their talent on both sides of the ball,” wrote Moton.
“Defensively, the Lions certainly missed their elite safety duo, specifically late in the season when All-Pro Kerby Joseph and Pro Bowler Brian Branch sat out because of injuries. With them back on the field, Detroit’s secondary should be stingier in coverage. Two-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson won’t have to disrupt opposing aerial attacks alone.
“Keep in mind that linebacker Jack Campbell is coming off an All-Pro year with 176 tackles (nine for loss), five sacks, four pass breakups and three forced fumbles.
“The Lions’ top-tier talent is more polished in terms of accolades than the Bears’ lead players on the depth chart.”
On his list, Moton placed the Lions one spot ahead of the reigning NFC North champion Chicago Bears.
Lions Address Offensive Line, Running Back Early in NFL Free Agency
No one can fault Moton for liking Detroit’s returning players. Campbell and Lions general manager Brad Holmes have done a terrific job adding quality players through the draft in recent years.
But Moton didn’t even address what’s to like about Detroit’s offseason additions. In free agency, the Lions signed center Cade Mays, right tackle Larry Borom and running back Isiah Pacheco.
Detroit has seemingly added these players in an attempt to get back to who they are — a physical offense that wants to impose its will.
Mays presents an upgrade over what the Lions started along the interior of their offensive line last season. At running back, Pacheco will help replace traded running back David Montgomery.
“This is a sensible replacement for David Montgomery, and it’s a good situation where Pacheco doesn’t need to be a feature back,” Pro Football Focus’s Gordon McGuinness wrote. “He’s still only 27 years old and has just four years of tread on the tires. In a role where he doesn’t need to be overworked, he could get back to being a punishing runner for opposing defenses to tackle.”
While McGuinness acknowledged Mays as an upgrade at center, he argued there’s risk with the addition because Mays is much-better in pass protection than run blocking.
But that’s why it’s still early to be grading NFL rosters. The Lions could still add a mauler at tackle, giving the offensive line potentially two upgrades over last season.
Could Lions Still Make Splash Move?
Moton essentially argued Detroit’s best moves for its defense next season would be better health. Particularly in the secondary, injuries hurt the Lions again during 2025.
But that doesn’t mean the Lions won’t execute a blockbuster move on defense. One possibility remaining is a Maxx Crosby trade.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday the Las Vegas Raiders could still move Crosby, perhaps closer to the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Since [the Raiders] already looked at trading, they’re open to that possibility, potentially, if the right offer would come,” Fowler said, according to Doric Sam of Bleacher Report. “We’re looking at timelines here. Now is gonna be a little slow, but you get closer to the draft, perhaps trade offers will heat up, or even maybe closer to the season.”
With a Crosby trade remaining on the table, the Lions might make smaller moves on defense to acquire depth. That will keep Detroit in contention for a major cap hit coming via trade.
During the first week of free agency, the Lions signed defensive backs Christian Izien and Roger McCreary to short-term deals.
The team’s final decision on a Crosby move this offseason might come by draft time. The Lions could add an edge rusher to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson at No. 17 overall in the first round.
Selecting a first-round edge rusher, though, only makes sense if the Lions don’t acquire Crosby.
Again, these possibilities are why it’s early to be grading NFL rosters. But if grades are going to be done, it’s still obviously better to receive strong marks.
In the middle of March, Moton sees the Lions roster in a great spot.
Lions Get Great Update Amid NFL Free Agency