The Detroit Lions aren't playoff-bound in 2025, which is an awfully difficult pill to swallow for a fanbase who entered the season harboring Super Bowl expectations. The 8-8 Lions have suffered following the loss of Ben Johnson, as a six-turnover game in Minnesota managed to end their season.
The 23-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings saw Jared Goff turn the ball over five times, and the run game couldn't get going once again. And for a team who's Super Bowl window is gradually diminishing, Dan Campbell is well aware that substantial changes are a requirement in the Motor City.
Dan Campbell: "I'm gonna be looking at a lot. I'm gonna be looking at a lot of things, because I do not like being home for the playoffs."
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) December 26, 2025
Just like all of us do, the 49-year-old hates having to watch the playoffs from the couch, and it's hard to blame him.
Campbell is always sending blunt messages in press conferences about taking accountability for the team's several shortcomings, especially after a loss, so it's assuring to know he actually plans to address those issues this coming offseason. But actions are more telling than a quote ever will be.
Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes need to address both the OL and DL this offseason
And if Campbell is getting candid about making changes, there's no better place to start than the trenches. A big reason the run game has gone stagnant across the last few weeks is because this offensive line has taken a massive step backwards from where it was a season ago.
Outside of Penei Sewell, the entire starting offensive line comes with red flags. Tate Ratledge is unproven, Taylor Decker's age is starting to catch up with him, and both Graham Glasgow and 2024 sixth-round pick aren't starting-caliber interior offensive linemen.
The silver lining that comes with the Lions' elimination is that it means they'll be picking higher than usual in the 2026 NFL Draft. That means they will likely be able to draft a long-term successor for Decker in one of Utah's Spencer Fano, Alabama's Kadyn Proctor, or Miami's Francis Mauigoa.
Ravens' star center Tyler Linderbaum is expected to be one of the biggest names in the free agency market, and the Lions have the money to bring him in. As long as they actually put forth the effort to improve the offensive line, it will continue to have a positive effect on the future of an elite offense.
However, the defensive line needs just as much help. Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad have excelled at rushing the passer and Tyleik Williams is the likely D.J. Reader successor, but they have already invested too much money in Alim McNeil and the lack of depth is still a clear red flag.
While boasting superior draft capital and newfound cap space, Brad Holmes has to add some more rotational pass-rushers so the secondary isn't asked to do as much. With that said though, once the Lions fortify the trenches, they'll return right back to being one of the most feared teams in the NFC.