The Detroit Lions enter the 2026 season with something to prove.
After missing the playoffs in 2025, Dan Campbell’s squad is looking to reestablish itself as one of the NFC’s elite teams. General manager Brad Holmes spent the offseason reshaping the roster, adding veterans, investing heavily in the draft, and creating competition at nearly every position.
Training camp is just around the corner, and while plenty can change over the next several weeks, it’s time to take our first shot at projecting Detroit’s initial 53-man roster.
Detroit Lions Accelerator Program Derrick Moore Lions trade Detroit Lions Germany games Detroit Lions roster cuts Terrion Arnold Lions Blake Miller Detroit Lions Joel Bitonio retirement Detroit Lions 53-man roster prediction 2026
Quarterbacks (2)
In
Jared Goff
Teddy Bridgewater
Out
Luke Altmyer
There isn’t much mystery surrounding Detroit’s quarterback room.
Jared Goff remains firmly entrenched as the starter after leading the Lions over the past several seasons, while Teddy Bridgewater gives Detroit one of the NFL’s most experienced backup quarterbacks. His familiarity with Dan Campbell and the organization makes him an ideal insurance policy behind Goff.
Rookie Luke Altmyer appears destined for the practice squad unless he puts together an exceptional preseason.
Running Backs (4)
In
Jahmyr Gibbs
Isiah Pacheco
Sione Vaki
Jacob Saylors
Out
Jabari Small
Kye Robichaux
Detroit once again boasts one of the NFL’s deepest backfields.
Jahmyr Gibbs remains the centerpiece after another outstanding campaign, while offseason addition Isiah Pacheco brings toughness and championship pedigree. Sione Vaki continues to provide versatility as both a runner and special teams contributor.
Jacob Saylors earns the final roster spot thanks to his well-rounded game and value in the kicking game.
Jahmyr Gibbs Offensive Player of the Year odds Jahmyr Gibbs contract Jahmyr Gibbs bell cow Jahmyr Gibbs holdout
Wide Receivers (5)
In
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Jameson Williams
Isaac TeSlaa
Greg Dortch
Tom Kennedy
Out
Dominic Lovett
Cedrick Wilson Jr.
Malik Cunningham
Jackson Meeks
Lucky Jackson
Tay Martin
Tarik Black
PUP
Kendrick Law
The top three receivers are virtually locks.
Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to be one of the NFL’s premier slot receivers, Jameson Williams enters another season with sky-high expectations, and Isaac TeSlaa appears poised for a much larger role in Year 2.
The biggest surprise comes at the bottom of the depth chart.
Tom Kennedy once again finds a way onto the roster thanks to his reliability, familiarity with the offense, and ability to contribute on special teams.
Tight Ends (4)
In
Sam LaPorta
Brock Wright
Tyler Conklin
Miles Kitselman
Out
Zach Horton
Thomas Gordon
Sam LaPorta remains one of the NFL’s best young tight ends, while veterans Brock Wright and Tyler Conklin give Detroit other dependable options.
Miles Kitselman edges out Zach Horton for the final spot after an impressive offseason.
Stay Tuned: Brock Wright could become a trade candidate if another team comes calling before final cuts.
Sam LaPorta trade rumors Sam LaPorta injury update Sam LaPorta trade Sam LaPorta natural grass fields
Offensive Line (9)
In
Penei Sewell
Christian Mahogany
Cade Mays
Tate Ratledge
Blake Miller
Larry Borom
Miles Frazier
Juice Scruggs
Ben Bartch
Out
Giovanni Manu
Colby Sorsdal
Melvin Priestly
Michael Niese
Devin Cochran
Seth McLaughlin
Everything starts up front for the Lions.
Penei Sewell remains one of the best offensive linemen in football, while Christian Mahogany appears ready for a full-time starting role. Rookie Blake Miller is expected to seize the starting right tackle job, and Tate Ratledge gives Detroit another young cornerstone inside.
Despite some difficult cuts, this remains one of the NFL’s better offensive lines.
Defensive Line (9)
In
Aidan Hutchinson
Alim McNeill
Tyliek Williams
Derrick Moore
D.J. Wonnum
Levi Onwuzurike
Skyler Gill-Howard
Payton Turner
Tyler Lacy
Out
Ahmed Hassanein
Anthony Lucas
Mekhi Wingo
Tyre West
Myles Adams
Chris Smith
Aidan Keanaaina
If this group reaches its potential, it could become one of Detroit’s biggest strengths.
Aidan Hutchinson remains the face of the defense, while Alim McNeill looks to return to full health after battling injuries. Rookie Derrick Moore should contribute immediately, and additions D.J. Wonnum and Payton Turner give Detroit considerably more edge depth than it had a year ago.
Aidan Hutchinson sack record Aidan Hutchinson Derrick Moore Aidan Hutchinson ESPN ranking
Linebackers (6)
In
Jack Campbell
Derrick Barnes
Malcolm Rodriguez
Jimmy Rolder
Damone Clark
Trevor Nowaske
Out
Joe Bachie
Erick Hunter
Jack Campbell has developed into the unquestioned leader of Detroit’s linebacker room following his All-Pro campaign in 2025.
Barnes and Rodriguez continue to provide experience, while rookie Jimmy Rolder has an opportunity to become an immediate contributor.
This group may not generate many headlines, but it has the potential to quietly become one of the team’s most consistent units.
Cornerbacks (6)
In
D.J. Reed
Roger McCreary
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Rock Ya-Sin
Keith Abney II
Khalil Dorsey
Out
Nick Whiteside
De’Shawn Rucker
Aamaris Brown
With Terrion Arnold no longer on the roster, the competition at cornerback has become one of the biggest storylines entering training camp.
Veteran D.J. Reed headlines the group, while Roger McCreary brings valuable versatility. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. has an opportunity to take a significant leap in Year 3, and rookie Keith Abney II could force his way into the rotation early.
Rock Ya-Sin and Khalil Dorsey round out one of Detroit’s deepest position groups.
Detroit Lions safeties rankings
Safeties (5)
In
Kerby Joseph
Christian Izien
Chuck Clark
Thomas Harper
Dan Jackson
Out
Avonte Maddox
Loren Strickland
PUP
Brian Branch
Brian Branch’s recovery from an Achilles injury could keep him on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the season.
Fortunately, Brad Holmes built plenty of depth this offseason.
Kerby Joseph remains one of the NFL’s premier ballhawks, while Chuck Clark, Christian Izien, Thomas Harper, and Dan Jackson provide Detroit with multiple capable options until Branch returns.
Specialists (3)
In
Jake Bates
Jack Fox
Hogan Hatten
There is little drama here.
Jake Bates cemented himself as Detroit’s kicker, Jack Fox remains among the NFL’s elite punters, and Hogan Hatten continues to handle long-snapping duties.
Biggest Surprise Cuts
A few notable names narrowly miss the roster projection:
Giovanni Manu
Cedrick Wilson Jr.
Dominic Lovett
Ahmed Hassanein
Mekhi Wingo
Each has the talent to make an NFL roster, but Detroit’s depth could make this one of the most difficult cutdown days of the Brad Holmes era.
The Bottom Line
The Detroit Lions have built one of the deepest rosters in the NFL.
There are very few glaring weaknesses, and nearly every position features legitimate competition heading into training camp. While injuries and preseason performances will inevitably alter this projection, the foundation is in place for Detroit to return to playoff contention.
If this projection comes close to reality, Dan Campbell will have one of the most talented and balanced rosters he’s coached since arriving in Detroit. The challenge now is turning that talent into wins and getting the Lions back where they believe they belong: competing for an NFC championship.
Drafted with AI assistance, edited and fact-checked by DSN staff.