If the Dolphins were to hire Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard as its next head coach, Detroit would receive 2026 NFL draft compensation.

"The Lions will cut left tackle Taylor Decker if he does not retire. He will be 33 years old next season and has had issues with shoulder injuries. In 2025, he fell to 45th out of 69 ranked tackles in pass block win rate, and he ranked 61st in run block win rate."

The Detroit Lions will enter the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear identity and an equally clear list of priorities. Rather than chasing splashy skill-position players or forcing need-based reaches, Detroit is in prime position to prioritize building up the trenches, along with its depth and long-term sustainability at multiple positions.

Does Lions offensive coordinator candidate Mike McDaniel hold the current NFL jobs "domino effect" in his hands?

Former Lions offensive coordinator John Morton has joined one of the AFC's top teams as a consultant for the postseason.

For the Detroit Lions, there is now another organization that could have an offensive coordinator vacancy or an opportunity Mike McDaniel could find appealing as a head coach. Following a disappointing and controversial loss to the Denver Broncos, the decision has been made by the Buffalo Bills to fire head coach Sean McDermott.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is widely expected to be the first pick in April's NFL draft, and the Detroit Lions probably don't have any shot at landing the draft's best offensive tackle, Miami's Francis Mauigoa, with their first-round pick, No. 17 overall, either.

The Detroit Lions fell well short of expectations and missed the playoffs this season. We’re doing these earlier than anyone expected, but it’s time to look back on 2025 before moving ahead. Over the next week-plus,

Free agency, the scouting combine and the 2026 NFL Draft highlight the NFL's offseason events, with the Lions aiming to be active participants to improve their roster for the 2026 season. There are key positions on Detroit's offensive and defensive line to upgrade, with the Lions having several options to make those upgrades.

Smith has a long resume that includes orchestrating one of the NFL’s most efficient offenses in Tennessee, a three-year run as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach and a recent stint as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator.