When the Detroit Lions hired Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator, it didn’t come with the kind of splash that makes national headlines. But as the dust settles, the move is starting to look a lot more calculated than flashy, and it could come with some familiar faces from Arizona.

As noted by Mike Payton of A to Z Sports, new coordinators often bring along players who already know their system and style. With Petzing arriving from the Cardinals, a few names immediately make sense as potential targets for Detroit this offseason.

Here are three that stand out.

A Possible Long-Term Answer at Center

With Frank Ragnow having retired prior to the 2025 season, the Lions have been living in a post-Ragnow world and are still searching for long-term stability in the middle of the offensive line. That’s why Hjalte Froholdt is such an interesting name.

Froholdt could become available if Arizona decides to make cap-saving moves. If he hits the market, he would instantly profile as a starting-caliber center for Detroit. He’s been a steady presence for the Cardinals for three seasons and is particularly strong in the run game — something that fits perfectly with the Lions’ identity.

In 2024, he graded as one of the better run-blocking centers in football, and in 2025 he allowed just one sack. For a team built around physicality up front, that kind of reliability would be huge.

A Physical Backfield Fit

There’s still uncertainty surrounding the Lions’ running back depth behind Jahmyr Gibbs, especially with David Montgomery’s future not fully settled. That opens the door for a short-term veteran option, and James Conner checks a lot of boxes.

Conner has been the tone-setter in Arizona’s backfield and is another potential cap casualty. If he becomes available, he’d bring a bruising, downhill style that meshes well with Detroit’s offense and locker room culture. He already knows Petzing’s scheme and could provide immediate stability while the Lions continue developing younger backs or look toward the draft for their next long-term complement to Gibbs.

Valuable Depth on the Offensive Line

Every contender needs quality tackle depth, and Jonah Williams could be a sneaky-smart addition.

Williams has starting experience on both the left and right side and would give Detroit a reliable swing tackle option. He wouldn’t be penciled in as a starter, but he could step in if injuries hit and would be a perfect fit for the heavy, jumbo packages the Lions love to deploy near the goal line.

He’s the type of player who doesn’t grab headlines but becomes incredibly important over the course of a long season.

Bottom Line

None of these potential additions would qualify as a blockbuster move, but that’s kind of the point. They all fit the mold of how Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell like to build: tough, versatile, scheme-familiar players who raise the floor of the roster.

If Drew Petzing does bring along any familiar faces from Arizona, it wouldn’t be surprising at all — and it could quietly strengthen some of Detroit’s most important position groups heading into 2026.