The Detroit Lions’ difficulties heading into 2026 are nothing compared to the decades of losing that the formerly helpless franchise endured before combining head coach Dan Campbell with GM Brad Holmes, but the team’s evident slide last season sparked recent rumors of internal turmoil.
Campbell responded to the allegations on Friday, March 27, in a strong tone, clearly aiming to put them to rest.
“Brad and myself do everything together,” Campbell told the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett. “And regardless of what’s been said out there, that’s a bunch of… listen, we’re golden, man. We are the best we have ever been. We want to win, and we’re going to do it right. “
Holmes also recently addressed his reported issues with Campbell.
“I don’t know where the other items came from, but no,” Holmes said. “I mean, if anything, it’s me and Dan in total lockstep, as we always have been, and we’re just kind of looking at everything top to bottom, which we already have done, and that we will continue to do for sure. “
Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes. So Far, the Lions have had a strong free agency period.
Mike Valenti of 97. 1 in Detroit quoted an anonymous reporter while addressing a question on his radio broadcast last week about how the Lions have handled free agency this season.
“Someone who follows the team told me that this was the first offseason According to Candace Pedraza of FanSided, Dan and Brad have significant disagreements in squad creation.
Detroit has been rather reserved, failing to make any genuinely significant signings or trades as the team approaches April with the Nos. 17 and 50 selections in the first and second rounds of the impending NFL draft.
Despite this, Ben Solak of ESPN rated the Lions as the third-most improved team after the first two rounds of free agency, based on the transactions they made.
Detroit has numerous demands but little money to spare, but it excelled at making high-upside bets on the sidelines. [Isiah] Pacheco will not be 100% of what David Montgomery was for them, but the Lions no longer want that; instead, they want a skilled short-yardage, pass-protecting back to supplement Jahmyr Gibbs, which they received for near the veteran minimum.
Lions Have Time and Potential To Make Significant Offseason Roster Changes.
The Lions also signed a viable starter at center in [Cade] Mays for $8 million per year during an offseason when the center market was booming. [DJ] Wonnum is best suited as a No. 3 edge rather than a No. 2 option, but when paired with Aidan Hutchinson, he can step into Al-Quadin Muhammad’s boots and more. If healthy, [Roger] McCreary might start at corner. This course has a lot of value.
Several experts have identified Detroit as a prospective candidate for five-time Pro Bowler and star edge-rusher Maxx Crosby earlier this offseason, although no information of a substantial trade offer to the Las Vegas Raiders for Crosby from the Lions has ever surfaced.
Because of that discussion, however, Detroit is also a team that writers and talking heads have identified as a prospective destination for Myles Garrett if he becomes available following recent news that Garrett and the Cleveland Browns have modified his contract language in a way that makes him more tradeable every offseason from now through 2030.
The Lions might also be in contention for offensive lineman Trent Williams if he and the San Francisco 49ers separate ways this season, since the two sides are now engaged in a contract dispute that might culminate with the future Hall of Famer’s release in the name of $33 million in salary cap savings.
Detroit requires a left tackle after granting Taylor Decker his release earlier this month.
