Ranking the Lions’ needs ahead of free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft

Here’s the importantance of what the Lions need to get done this offseason

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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The offseason is in full swing for the Detroit Lions. We’re just a few weeks away from free agency, and the 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner after that. There’s a lot of talk abotu what the Lions need to do this offseason and what positions they need to fill. Today, we’re going to look through the positions of need and rank them

1. Center

Let’s start it off with the thing that needs to be figured out more than anything. The Lions need to find their next center, and they need that guy to be a ready-to-go starter. So, free agency or a trade for the position makes the most sense. If the Lions have to go draft a guy, then so be it. But this spot would be better for a veteran.

2. Tackle

Whether it’s a left tackle or a right tackle, it doens’t matter. Whether Taylor Decker retires or not, it doens’t matter. The Lions need to find their guy of the future right now. The free agency class is not great, but the draft class is very deep. If the Lions walk out with nobody, it’s a big mistake.

3. Tight End

You might disagree, but with Drew Petzing running an offense that utilizes tight ends a lot, it means the Lions have to invest in the position. If I were Brad Holmes, I’d sign one in free agency, and I’d draft another one in April. Tight ends are going to be big in Detroit going forward.

4. Cornerback

Look, if there’s one thing you could take away from the Super Bowl, it wasn’t defensive line play. It was cornerback play that locked down the field long enough for the defensive linemen to get home. The Lions just can’t wait any longer here. They need someone who can come in and make a difference right now.

5. Edge Rusher

Here’s your edge rusher. The Lions don’t need to get involved with the Maxx Crosby stuff or try to sign anyone from the free agent class. I would say a first-round edge rusher in this draft is the way to go. You can find your guy opposite Aidan Hutchinson and not break the bank in the process.

6. Safety

I’m sorry, I’m just not sold on internet doctors who have never treated Kerby Joseph tricking you into thinking his career is over when they talk about an injury that isn’t even public knowledge. Obviously, you’re going to miss BrianBranch for a while, but the Lions could get by with Joseph and Thomas Harper early. They should still draft a guy for good depth, though.

7. Linebacker

If Alex Anzalone is potentially done with the Lions, they’ll need someone to take his place. They could wait till the draft to find that guy. I really like Kyle Louis from Pittsburgh.

8. Quarterback

The Lions are going to need to find a QB2. Kyle Allen could be an option, but Jacoby Brissett is the way to go if the Cardinals cut him as a cap casualty.

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