The Detroit Lions will have plenty of changes in 2026, and reality is beginning to set in for some players that they may have just played their last game with the franchise.
Defensively, there is likely to be major turnover after some of the issues that were seen on that side of the ball. A spot where there is likely to be some significant change is in the defensive backfield, and already, one player seems to understand his days with the group could be numbered.
Cornerback Amik Robertson is just a year removed from having a major, successful role for Detroit's defense, but his play wasn't nearly as elite in 2025 and his contract is up in the offseason. That makes him perhaps the biggest candidate to move on from the roster right now.
Robertson was candid after Detroit's 19-16 win over the Chicago Bears when speaking with Kalyn Kahler of ESPN. As he explained, he will miss the culture and teammates he has enjoyed during his time in Detroit, and appreciates the opportunity he has received.
- and want the best for one another. It's rare in his league. Even listening to older guys, they say, take advantage of those relationships with guys that want the best for you in the game of football, because it's rare."
— Kalyn Kahler (@kalynkahler) January 5, 2026
More Amik Robertson: "You appreciate these guys, and you tell them, you tell the coaches when you leave. When I leave here [Chicago], and when I leave that building tomorrow. I want all them to know that, that I appreciate them."
— Kalyn Kahler (@kalynkahler) January 5, 2026
Robertson is a classy player, and it's tough to see such a critical piece of the defense last year beginning to accept the reality of his situation. In spite of that, football remains a cutthroat business that changes year to year.
Obviously, the Lions could re-sign Robertson if they want in free agency, but his words seem to indicate that a change could be in order and he may be allowed to hit the market in March. If that is the case, the biggest reason could already be on Detroit's roster roaming the defensive backfield.
Avonte Maddox, Rock Ya Sin impressed enough to come back for 2026
The biggest reason Robertson shouldn't feel safe? A few other veteran players badly outplayed him most of the season. Ya Sin came into the mix as a depth piece for 2025, and did a nice job playing 17 games and posting 28 tackles, his most in the league since 2022. Bringing him back feels like a no-brainer for Brad Holmes.
Additionally, Maddox was a stabilizing force for the Lions, and his position versatility was a big asset to the defense. He can play safety as well as cornerback, and finished with 32 tackles, one interception and four passes defended.
Better than that, his mindset continues to fit what Detroit is all about. In spite of the fact that the Lions were eliminated, Maddox continued to fight, and ended up making a winning play on defense in crunch time.
READ MORE: Lions' 2026 opponents are finally set (and offer a silver lining)
"Every game I step on the field, I'm playing to win. I'm playing to compete. I'm playing with a lot of pride no matter what the situation is. You can see that for every single player on this team. It's a team that fights no matter what the situation is. Everybody has something to play for. No matter what that little thing is that you're playing for, you take it all out when you're out there on the field."
The combination of Ya Sin and Maddox along with the emergence of younger players could render a reunion with Robertson unnecessary. That means the Lions could save money by retaining a pair of quality depth pieces that fit what they are about in a big way.
Robertson seems to understand that the franchise could be moving on this offseason. It might be the first domino to fall in a string of tough decisions.