Dan Campbell and Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions.
Getty
The Detroit Lions are down but not out, and one Detroit Lions favorite, a former player, just became available again.
The Detroit Lions have seen some unexpected turnover in their offensive line this offseason, but may have missed out on a chance to make a much-needed addition.
The Lions lost Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow in cap-cutting moves, while veteran tackle Dan Skipper opted for retirement. The changes brought plenty of disruption to a unit that had been one of the league’s best for several years before struggling in 2025, and one analyst believes the Lions faced a golden opportunity to inject more stability with a relatively low-cost signing.
Lions Could Have Strengthened Offensive Line
In an article addressing moves that NFL general managers should have made, SI.com’s Albert Breer called out Lions GM Brad Holmes for missing the boat on veteran right tackle Barden Smith.
Breer suggested Smith would have allowed the Lions to flip one of their top players to another side.
“If I were the Lions, I would’ve topped the two-year, $20 million deal that the Texans did with Colts RT Braden Smith, and used that as a pivot point to flip All-Pro Penei Sewell over to the left side,” Breer wrote. “Detroit’s been at its best under GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell when its offensive line has been dominant. And signing Smith would have been comparable to adding Kevin Zeitler a few years back, bringing in a reliable third-contract vet who you know exactly what you’re getting.”
The move could have reinforced the team’s attempt to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season and solidified their new-look rushing attack. The Lions moved David Montgomery, signalling that star Jahmyr Gibbs could take a larger role in the offense in 2026.
The team also added veteran running back Isiah Pacheco, who adds some versatility while likely not garnering as many carries as Montgomery had in recent seasons.
Lions Have Addressed Flaws on the Line
The Lions have not sat idle after losing some major pieces of their offensive line, making a series of additions to boost it. The signed center Cade Mays, tackle Larry Borom, and acquired guard Juice Scruggs in the David Montgomery trade.
Michael Colwander of the SideLion Report suggested that these moves could signal a stronger emphasis on the run game for the Lions.
“All three OL acquisitions graded out as better pass blockers than run blockers,” he wrote. “That may initially seem a bit odd, as the Lions have prided themselves during the Dan Campbell era on having a tough-nosed run game. The Isiah Pacheco signing reinforces that. Are the Lions moving away from the run game and going to rely on the arm of quarterback Jared Goff? Not necessarily.”
Colwander added that all of the additions — especially Borom — would strengthen the pass blocking for the Lions and help keep Goff better protected.
Some analysts believe the Lions will address their offensive line early in the NFL draft. ESPN expert Mel Kiper Jr. predicted that would target Alabama lineman Kadyn Proctor with the No. 17 overall pick.
“The Lions entered free agency with a Taylor Decker-sized hole at left tackle after the veteran asked for his release,” Kiper wrote. “They signed Larry Borom, but they shouldn’t stop there. Proctor’s play was a little uneven last season, but I think he can stick at left tackle in the NFL and could help keep Jared Goff upright as Detroit tries to get back to the playoffs. Proctor has 40 starts worth of experience, knows how to take away opponent pass-rush moves and moves very well for a 6-7, 352-pound blocker.”