The Detroit Lions already have a winning roster, with or without big splashes in free agency. Full stop.
They were marred by injuries and a major retirement in their trenches, in addition to a lack of interior pocket pressure thanks to too many returning, rotation pieces on their defensive line. That, plus the numerous injuries in their secondary that basically stopped them before they could even get started, just buried them.
But, headed into 2026, they're expected to be at 80 percent strength, minus Brian Branch given his need to recover from an Achilles tear. Still, Detroit has a new-look offensive line to toss out with Cade Mays and Larry Borom, and some extra help in their secondary with Roger McCreary and Christian Izien coming aboard.
Is that all enough to actually contend for a Super Bowl, though? According to The Athletic's NFL writer Jourdan Rodrigue, maybe not so much. While Rodrigue had nothing but nice things to say about Detroit's process, she places them in a category a few steps below contender: "Neutral-positive."
"That this is the Dan Campbell-era Lions’ floor is a high compliment to the transformation of the organization over the last several seasons. In free agency, their focus on partially rebuilding the offensive line after an uncharacteristic 2025 season, plus mixing up their run game (running back David Montgomery was traded to Houston) was clear. The Lions could and probably will still add to their offensive line and defense in the draft, particularly at edge. This is a well-built team that has clarity about its next moves."
Lions eek out of danger zone in The Athletic's latest assessment
Rodrigue placed the Lions in the "neutral-positive" zone alongside the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Intimidating opponents, but not ones you expect to make deep postseason runs in 2026.
However, all of these teams feel set up for success beyond just this year, which is why it's kind of an amazing spot for Detroit to be in. As Rodrigue notes, this group is, "a happy and high-ceiling place for a team to spend a few years if it can."
READ MORE: Lions projected to make a risky draft move to address remaining free agency hole
With great quarterback play and basically just one or two key holes to fill through the draft - specifically, at the edge, at left tackle, and potentially at safety - Detroit's set up for long-term success within the NFC North and NFC overall.
While other teams like the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are loading up for a win-now push in 2026, the Lions don't have that same pressure on them. Their free agency moves, such as only honing in on one-year, low-cost deals, reflect that thought process.