The Detroit Lions will open the 2025 NFL season on Sept. 7 against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS).
Two years of near misses have built up the urgency inside Allen Park. Running back David Montgomery put it best when he said he’s “tired of being close” to a Super Bowl. That mentality is now fueling a roster that believes this is their year to finish the job.
Instead of splurging in free agency, general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell chose stability. Nearly the entire roster from last year’s 15-win season is back, with the belief that better health and added maturity can erase the sting of last year’s divisional-round loss to the Washington Commanders.
But with roster cuts due Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, the Lions face some tough decisions. Here’s how their final 53-man roster shapes up:
Quarterbacks: Goff Still the Guy
There’s no debate here. Jared Goff, fresh off a season where he finished fifth in MVP voting, enters 2025 as the unquestioned starter. Behind him, Kyle Allen earned Campbell’s trust as the backup, outpacing Hendon Hooker, who couldn’t shake turnover issues in the preseason.
Running Backs: History in the Making
Few backfields in NFL history can match what Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery have accomplished. For two straight seasons, both have surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns — a feat never before done by teammates in multiple years. Under new RB coach Tashard Choice — who knows Gibbs from Georgia Tech — the duo is eyeing an even bigger jump.
Wide Receivers: Meeks Makes His Mark
The surprise of camp? Isaiah Meeks. The undrafted rookie from Syracuse earned his spot by racking up 171 yards and two touchdowns in preseason games against Atlanta and Miami. Rookies Isaac TeSlaa and Keon Lovett also showed flashes and could carve out early roles on special teams.
Tight Ends: LaPorta Leads the Pack
Sam LaPorta remains a centerpiece after producing 726 yards and seven TDs in 2024. Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra return to provide depth and versatility, giving Detroit one of the league’s more reliable tight end groups.
Offensive Line: Holes to Fill
Here’s where the biggest questions lie. Frank Ragnow retired and Kevin Zeitler signed with the Titans, leaving Detroit without two stalwarts up front. That’s 40% of a unit that helped drive one of the NFL’s most productive offenses last season, according to ESPN Research.
Veterans Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, and Graham Glasgow will anchor the line, but Campbell and OL coach Hank Fraley will need reinforcements to step up quickly. Rookie Miles Frazier (fifth round, LSU) remains sidelined on the PUP list.
Defensive Line: Hutchinson Returns in Style
Good news for Detroit — Aidan Hutchinson looks fully recovered from last season’s leg injury and has been dominant all camp. The bad news: Alim McNeill (knee) will start on PUP, and Josh Paschal remains out with a non-football injury.
Linebackers: Campbell Taking Charge
With Malcolm Rodriguez on the PUP list, the Lions will lean on veterans Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes. But all eyes are on Jack Campbell, who enters Year 3 as a newly anointed defensive leader — a sign of the coaching staff’s belief in his growth.
Secondary: Depth Tested Early
Second-year CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was expected to play a bigger role in 2025, but a shoulder injury ended his season before it began. Still, the Lions aren’t empty-handed. Rookie first-rounder Terrion Arnold and Ennis Reed are penciled in as starters, with Robertson in the nickel.
At safety, Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch form one of the best duos in the league. Avonte Maddox and Jaden Kennelly provide depth, though rookie Dan Jackson (leg) is headed to IR.
Special Teams: Bates Chasing History
Detroit’s kicking situation is finally stable. Jake Bates broke the franchise scoring record with 142 points last year, hitting 26 of 29 field goals (89.7%). That ties him with legend Jason Hanson (1997) for the best single-season accuracy mark in Lions history (min. 25 attempts).
Bates, punter Jack Fox, and long snapper Scott Daly trained together this offseason and enter the year with excellent chemistry.
The Big Picture
The Lions are running it back with nearly the same roster that won 15 games last year. They have star power, chemistry, and motivation. But the big question looms: can a retooled offensive line hold steady and keep Detroit’s Super Bowl hopes alive?
