The Detroit Lions are heading into one of the most important offseasons of the Dan Campbell era, and this one has to be about clarity.
The Lions have talent. They have culture. They have a core that can compete. What they don’t have right now is margin for error. If Detroit wants to get back to being a legitimate NFC threat in 2026, these are the five non-negotiable moves they must make.
No fluff. No luxury picks. Just business.
1. Hire a New Offensive Coordinator (and Let Dan Campbell Be the CEO)
The Lions need to replace John Morton. Morton had his shot, and Dan Campbell quickly realized it was not working out. Yes, the Lions have put up a ton of points (on average) with Campbell calling the plays, but anyone who had watched realizes they have not maxed out their potential.
Dan Campbell is at his best when he’s:
- Managing the whole operation
- Setting tone and culture
- Making big-picture calls
Not micromanaging route concepts or sequence issues.
A new offensive coordinator allows Campbell to be the CEO head coach this roster needs, not a firefighter putting out weekly fires.
2. Draft an Offensive Tackle in Round 1 (Regardless of Taylor Decker’s Future)
This one might make people uncomfortable, but it’s unavoidable.
Whether Taylor Decker retires, restructures, or plays one more year, the Lions must draft a left tackle in Round 1.
No exceptions.
You don’t wait until the problem is urgent. You stay ahead of it. A prospect like Kadyn Proctor makes too much sense:
- Elite size
- SEC-tested
- Ready to develop behind a veteran if needed
This is about protecting the franchise QB, now and for the next decade.
3. Add a True Center (Draft or Free Agency)
The interior offensive line quietly became a problem area, and it showed in critical moments.
The Lions need:
- Cleaner snaps
- Better communication
- A stabilizer in pass protection
Whether it comes via the draft or free agency, center has to be addressed directly, not patched together.
You can’t run a high-level offense without trust in the middle of the line.
4. Get a Legitimate Edge Rusher Opposite Aidan Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson is a monster. He draws attention every snap. He changes game plans.
And he still needs help.
Right now, offenses can:
- Chip Hutchinson
- Slide protection his way
- Dare someone else to beat them
That’s not sustainable.
Detroit needs a true edge threat on the opposite side, someone who can win one-on-one and punish teams for overcommitting to Hutchinson. This can’t be a rotational flyer. It has to be a real investment.
5. Prepare a Safety Backup Plan (Branch/Joseph Insurance)
This one depends on health — but it can’t be ignored.
If Brian Branch and/or Kerby Joseph aren’t ready for Week 1, the Lions can’t scramble in August.
They need:
- A veteran safety option
- Or a draft pick ready to contribute early
The Lions’ defensive system relies heavily on safety versatility. Losing even one starter without a plan would be costly.
The Bottom Line
This offseason isn’t about splurging or chasing headlines. It’s about fixing the pressure points:
- New offensive leadership
- Future-proofing the offensive line
- Helping Hutchinson finish plays
- Protecting the back end
If the Lions nail these five moves, they’re not just fixing problems; they’re extending their competitive window.
And that’s what this offseason has to be about.
One Response
Yes!!! Yes to all of these. And those folks saying replace Goff, change QB, Goff is a bum, etc. you are just spouting a ridiculous narrative that doesn’t even male sense!! In fact those are probably the same tools who kept saying to dump Stat Padford and the like!!