Lions given props for 'strong foundations' despite disappointing 2025 season

The Detroit Lions have been one of the most exciting franchises in the NFL to watch the past few years, but they hit a big snag last season. Dan Campbell and company went from first to last in the NFC North. It wasn't pretty. There were highlights but not enough.

But that's in the past. Now, it's about the future of the Lions. They still have their stars, such as quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. They have superstar edge Aidan Hutchinson. But they don't have a Super Bowl win or appearance yet.

One NFL expert thinks things could rebound this season. Alex Kay of Bleacher Report released his list of one reason each NFL team shouldn't be overlooked in 2026. For the Lions, he likes what they're doing right now but admits that Campbell has some questions to answer after last season.

NFL expert believes the Lions will rebound in the 2026 season

Kay notes that even though Campbell has headed up a Lions rebuild that "saw the club move from plucky upstart to bona fide Super Bowl contender," his "efforts hit a snag in 2025 when the team underwhelmed and missed the playoffs for the first time in three years, but Detroit should only grow from that painful experience."

He praises Detroit for having one of the "strongest foundations in football, which is why it isn't concerning that the front office only opted for relatively minor roster adjustments this offseason."

Kay also notes that the "Lions will be a tough out" so long as Campbell is able to lead this team in his culture centered on "toughness, accountability and physical dominance."