Pride of Detroit
The Detroit Lions have many questions to answer next offseason.
Though a majority of their core and Pro Bowl-caliber players will return, there remain multiple starting positions that could be reshuffled in 2026. For one, the Lions might look for upgrades at positions that were below standards. The Lions will also face some pending free agents whose 2026 destination could shake up how the depth chart plays out. There is also the question of retirements, as some of the long-standing veterans might hang up their cleats.
How much different will the starting lineup look in 2026 compared to the disappointing 2025 campaign?
Today’s Question of the Day is:
My answer: Seven.
On offense, we could see a significant shakeup along the offensive line. Technically, no starting position is locked in. Penei Sewell and Tate Ratledge should be unquestioned starters next season, but their position is up in the air. Sewell could start at either left tackle or right tackle, his side being determined by the status of Taylor Decker and/or whatever tackles they bring in via free agency or the draft—I am leaning towards Decker retiring, but time will tell. As for Ratledge, he could factor into the conversation at center if no bonafide starter is acquired. If one is, he could return to right guard, but there is also a non-zero chance of him playing left guard. Christian Mahogany had a disappointing second season, and while he is likely penciled in as a starter, a significant offseason move (such as a reunion with Kevin Zeitler) could send him to the bench. Similarly, the Lions like Miles Frazier, and he could win a spot with a good training camp. In summary, I see three offensive line spots up for grabs.
Elsewhere on offense, I think the Lions are fairly locked in. Jared Goff is safe as the starting quarterback, as is Jahmyr Gibbs at running back (though David Montgomery’s RB2 role might get overhauled). Sam LaPorta is likely to return from his back injury by training camp. The trio of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa will almost certainly maintain their starting roles in 2026—in theory, TeSlaa could get pushed down the depth chart by a significant signing, but I would be surprised if that happens.
The defense is a complicated situation. For one, the definition of a “starting” role is less clear given how often modern defenses rotate players in and out. To simplify things, I would categorize the Lions as having the following starting positions on defense: two defensive ends, two defensive tackles, three linebackers, three cornerbacks (two outside, one in the slot), and two safeties. In principal, it is impossible for Lions to start each of those positions (you can only play 11 players, after all), but in practice, those are the Lions’ most significant roles on defense and thus what I would consider a starter.
The following players are locked in as starters...
