Detroit Lions 2026 Training Camp Primer

Training camp is here for the Detroit Lions.

Rookies reported over the weekend, and veterans will do so on Tuesday. After that, it is full speed ahead toward the 2026 season.

For Dan Campbell's team, the upcoming campaign will be centered around an all-business approach as they look to rebound from a disappointing 9-8 finish that saw them place last in the NFC North.

Here is a recap of the Lions' offseason, as well as a preview of what's to come when the Lions officially open training camp.

Key losses

It was something of a turbulent offseason for Detroit. It began prior to free agency, when the team released veterans Graham Glasgow and Taylor Decker. The Decker saga was a surprise, as the veteran had announced his intention to return for another season just days before he requested his release.

The move was made for financial reasons, and though Campbell said there was an opportunity for him to return prior to his release, he noted that it would've been at a lower rate than what he was owed. Decker remains unsigned at this stage of the offseason.

Shortly after, the Lions traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. This ended a three-year era where Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs formed a formidable duo in Detroit's backfield.

Once free agency began, several key players primarily on the defensive side of the ball departed. Alex Anzalone and Amik Robertson were two of the top departures, with Anzalone being a multi-year captain and Robertson being a swiss-army knife in the secondary.

Al-Quadin Muhammad, DJ Reader and Roy Lopez were all key players on the defensive line that also left for new teams. The Lions also lost Kalif Raymond, their punt returner and third receiver for the last five years who signed with the Chicago Bears.

The offseason had one more twist for Detroit in June, as Terrion Arnold turned himself into authorities after a warrant was issued for his involvement in a alleged kidnapping and robbery plot in Florida.

Arnold was released by the Lions in late-June, opening a need at cornerback late in the offseason. It marked the end of what was a disappointing two-year tenure with the team for the 2024 first-round pick.

On the coaching front, the Lions parted ways with offensive coordinator John Morton but kept a majority of their coaching staff intact otherwise. They hired Drew Petzing from the Arizona Cardinals to fill the void.

Key additions

Detroit entered the offseason with the intent of saving some cash in future seasons to account for extensions for key players within their core. One of those players, linebacker Jack Campbell, has a deal done already to the tune of four years, $81 million.

The team focused on adding players on one-year deals, but did make one external multi-year commitment in signing center Cade Mays. The Lions hope Mays can be a long-term answer after Frank Ragnow's retirement prior to last season and subsuquent failed comeback attempt.

Otherwise, the Lions made moves to sign players to one-year deals. Notable additions to the offense include tackle Larry Borom, wide receiver Greg Dortch, offensive linemen Ben Bartch and Juice Scruggs (trade with Texans) and tight end Tyler Conklin.

Defensively, the Lions targeted the secondary as an area of need. Christian Izien and Chuck Clark are both additions at safety, while Roger McCreary has slot and boundary versatility at cornerback. Elsewhere, linebacker Damone Clark, defensive tackle Jay Tufele and defensive ends D.J. Wonnum and Payton Turner are all also on one-year contracts.

Late in offseason workouts, the Lions added competition to their wide receiver room with the additions of four UFL wide receivers. This group includes Lucky Jackson, Tarik Black, Tay Martin and Lawrence Keys III.