The Detroit Lions worked hard to improve their roster after a disappointing 2025 season, and many believe they have accomplished their mission significantly considering the moves that were made.
Upgrades were made to key spots on the offense and the defense, and the Lions on paper seem to have boosted their weak points enough to where they can be seen as a significant contender in the NFC in 2026 relative to their schedule.
Did Detroit do enough to be significant Super Bowl contenders, though? That fact is debatable to some. As the reviews of the offseason continue to roll in, a middling grade and analysis from Matt Okada of NFL.com is sure to raise some eyebrows.
Okada gave the Lions a 'C' grade for their work this year, and made the bold statement that Detroit didn't improve nearly enough at any position this offseason. He also believes the Lions may not be able to replace all their key defensive departures enough to improve.
"It doesn’t feel like the Lions improved anywhere these last couple months. They replaced Decker with first-round pick Blake Miller, who is likely to start at right tackle as Penei Sewell slides to the left side. Isiah Pacheco was signed to fill the void left by Montgomery. They’ll be lucky to plug the holes created by the departures of DE Al-Quadin Muhammad and LB Alex Anzalone with rookies like DE Derrick Moore (44th overall pick) and LB Jimmy Rolder (118th). The depth in the secondary was already a concern, and the release of 2024 first-round pick Terrion Arnold after his recent arrest underscores the question marks at cornerback."
"In the Lions’ defense, their roster is still strong and good enough to compete in the North. But they spent the fourth-fewest dollars in free agency, had a middling draft and lost some important contributors. As such, Detroit comes away with an uninspiring grade after an unexciting offseason."
It's important to remember that teams partaking in exciting offseason additions don't often match the hype once the year begins. As a result, it isn't a lock that the Lions will be a disappointment on the field once they play actual games. The offseason certainly wasn't flashy, but the Lions did make additions at key spots across the roster that can help them win games.
Detroit also may not be done making moves. The Lions could have a situation arise in training camp and the preseason which nesessitates a bigger move. While the offseason might have slowed down, it isn't completely over until the regular season begins.
Ray Agnew believes the Lions added enough competition to the roster
Even if the Lions don't make another move the rest of the offseason and in training camp, they have done enough to restock their depth. Agnew, Detroit's assistant general manager, said earlier this offseason the Lions were looking at toughness and competition. He believes the Lions were aggressive in finding it, and were thinking about missing the playoffs the whole time.
"Obviously you don't like not making the playoffs, and we didn't change the approach of guys (we targeted). The same tough, competitive guys that we (always) get that we like that fit us. We didn't change that up. But, you're a little more aggressive. You want to build competition at every position to get everybody on their toes and (make everybody believe) that won't happen again."
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In terms of specifics, Agnew was not willing to say what position Detroit boosted the most, but rather deferred to the fact that he thinks the Lions are better across the board for this season.
"I don't want to say where we improved the most. Obviously, we probably added the most to the offensive line, but I think we improved as a team. I don't want to say where we improved most. We improved as a team, I'll put it that way."
Was the improvement enough to put the Lions over the top next season? That remains up for debate, and some aren't sure that is the case. The Lions could make another move to improve, but if they don't, they will be relying on a boring offseason to show up big when games begin.
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