Evaluating how the Lions can rebound after disappointing 2025 season

It is often easy to brush off Week 1 as an aberration, but the Detroit Lions' resounding defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers proved to be a harbinger of the things that would plague them in the 2025 season. 

The 27-13 loss put their interior offensive line and secondary deficiencies on full display, and they were never able to truly recapture their old magic on either side of the ball in 2025. There were certainly moments, such as a 52-point avalanche against the Chicago Bears and a decisive "Monday Night Football" win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but every moment of hope was followed by a disheartening defeat.

Sunday’s loss effectively put the nail in the coffin of Detroit's postseason hopes. In a home matchup against the equally inconsistent Pittsburgh Steelers, the Lions' defense ran out of steam in the second half, allowing Aaron Rodgers to methodically carve them up and Jaylen Warren to rip off two long rushing touchdowns. A last-ditch touchdown drive came up short, dropping the Lions to 8-7 on the season and putting their playoff hopes on life support. Though not technically eliminated, they would need to win both of their remaining games on the road in Minnesota and Chicago while also having the Packers lose to both the sub-.500 Ravens and Vikings. 

In all likelihood, the Lions are going to be spending January at home for the first time since the 2022 season, a disheartening prospect on the heels of a 15-win season. On the flip side, the extended offseason will give them a head start on what looks to be a fork-in-the-road offseason and a chance to reflect on what wrong in 2025.  

Evaluating the Lions' path to a 2026 rebound 

As much work as the Lions have this offseason, there are few teams with a stronger core. The list of players under contract through at least 2028 includes quarterback Jared Goff, All-Pro left tackle Penei Sewell, star wide receivers Amon-Ra St Brown and Jameson Williams, and sack-specialist Aiden Hutchinson. The one star yet to receive an extension is dynamic running back Jahmyr Gibbs, but he still has two years left on his rookie contract. 

Overall, the Lions' offense is in pretty good shape headed into 2026, especially with tight end Sam LaPorta set to return from an injury, but improving the interior of their offensive line is a must. The effort to replace center Frank Ragnow grew so dire that the team was set to bring the four-time Pro Bowler out of retirement, and it’s no coincidence that the running game fell off significantly in the second half of the season. With the Lions' reliance on the play-action game and Goff’s lack of mobility in the pocket, a strong offensive line is the key to a more consistent offense.