Earlier on Thursday, we wrote up how the Detroit Lions are on the verge of having one of the league’s most expensive secondaries, and it triggered some thought about how the rest of their position groups rank among the NFL.

So we’re going to take a look at where each group stands, and we’re going to compare them to some of the teams that Lions fans often say they wish the Lions would be more like to see if Detroit is far apart from them in this regard. Let’s jump in and start with the most important position in the sport.

Quarterback

The Lions are 10th in the NFL in spending on quarterbacks. Jared Goff and company account for $40.2 million of the Lions’ salary cap in 2026. That’s not bad at all. Goff’s deal continues to look like a discount more and more as the years go on and other quarterbacks get bigger deals. Let’s see how they compare to some of the usual contenders.

Running Back

This one is about to drastically change any day now. The Lions are 21st in the league in running back spending. They have $11.4 million dedicated there. But once Jahmyr Gibbs becomes the league’s highest-paid running back, they’ll likely shoot all the way up to the top of the league.

Wide Receiver

Now here is where you see some real spending from the Lions. They have $49.1 million dedicated to receivers this coming season. That’s fourth in the NFL. The good news is that they likely won’t be adding to this anytime soon, with both Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams recently getting paid.

Tight End

Another one that could change quite a bit before you know it. The Lions are spending $15.2 million on tight ends in 2026. That’s 17th in the NFL. Once Sam LaPorta gets his deal, that number is going up.

Offensive Line

This spot is currently the most expensive position group the Lions have. It accounts for $53.4 million of the Lions’ salary cap this season. But it’s not bad at all when you consider where it ranks in the league. They’re sitting 18th. This is the joy of having most of the line on rookie deals.

Edge Rushers

This is sure to get a bunch of Lions fans upset because, as we know, this has been a big point of contention between the team and fans. The Lions are 29th in edge spending, with $14.2 million going to it. Obviously, it’s because, besides Hutchinson, whose extension doesn’t really kick in till next year, the Lions have a bunch of guys on rookie deals or small short-term deals.

Now, here’s where it gets fun. Because the teams you think are spending a lot more money here than the Lions are definitely not.

Interior Defensive Linemen

This is where the Lions are spending a decent amount, believe it or not. They’re sitting at 11th in the league here with $43.1 million. Most of that is Alim McNeill’s deal, but they’re also paying Tyleik Williams a first-round pick salary. It all adds up.

Linebacker

Jack Campbell is likely to soon become the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL, so this one is going to change quite a bit. Right now, it’s sitting right in the middle of the league at 15th. The Lions have $24.5 million dedicated to linebackers in 2026.

Cornerback

The Lions have a lot of money wrapped up here. $34.7 million to be exact. That’s ninth in the league right now. It could continue to go up if Terrio Arnold is able to stay healthy and continue to improve.

Safety

One last one that could soon skyrocket once Brian Branch gets paid the hefty contract he’s expected to get. Right now, the Lions sit at 21st in the NFL with $18.2 million in this department in 2026.

Detroit Lions News

Brian Flores expands lawsuit against NFL, and the Lions unexpectedly become part of growing situation

Mike Payton 2 hours ago