The ink's barely dry on the 2025 season, but the Detroit Lions front office is already deep into planning for 2026. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have built a legitimate contender, making the NFC Championship Game in January 2025. That success, however, means some tough decisions are looming with key players hitting free agency. This isn't your older brother's Lions, constantly rebuilding. This is about sustaining excellence.
First up, the big money. Amon-Ra St. Brown's contract extension, signed in April 2024 for four years and $120 million, locks down their undisputed WR1. Jared Goff also inked a four-year, $134 million deal in May 2024. Those foundational pieces are set. The real drama starts with the defensive side of the ball. Aidan Hutchinson, coming off a 15-sack season in 2025, is due for a monster extension. His rookie deal expires after 2026, but the Lions will try to get that done much sooner, likely making him one of the highest-paid edge rushers in the league, north of $30 million annually. Don't expect him to hit the open market.
The trenches are where Holmes has invested heavily, and 2026 brings some difficult choices. Alim McNeill, a beast in the middle, is entering his contract year. He recorded 6 sacks and 12 TFLs in 2025, proving his value as a disruptive interior force. The Lions will prioritize re-signing him, but it won't be cheap, likely around $15 million per year. John Cominsky, a rotational piece who's been surprisingly effective with 4 sacks last season, is also a free agent. He's a good locker room guy and a solid depth player, but his price point might push him out of Detroit if a team offers him starting money.
Here's the thing: the Lions have been fantastic at developing defensive line talent. Think about how much Levi Onwuzurike improved in 2025 after a slow start to his career. They might let a Cominsky walk, trusting their ability to find another gem in the draft or a cheaper veteran. My hot take? They should let Cominsky walk. His production is replaceable, and that money is better spent elsewhere.
The secondary is always a moving target. Cam Sutton, signed in 2023, has been a reliable veteran, but he'll be 31 when the 2026 season kicks off. His two-year, $22 million deal is up. The Lions might look to go younger here, especially with Ifeatu Melifonwu's emergence at safety and Brian Branch solidifying the slot corner spot. Kindle Vildor, a depth corner, is also a free agent. Expect both Sutton and Vildor to test the market. They might bring Vildor back on a minimum deal if he doesn't find a suitor.
On offense, the big names are locked up. However, depth at running back and tight end will be key. David Montgomery, signed through 2025, will be 29. The Lions love his bruising style, but they also have Jahmyr Gibbs, who became a true dual-threat back with over 1,500 total yards in 2025. They might let Montgomery walk and lean fully into Gibbs, supplementing him with a cheaper, younger back. Brock Wright, the blocking tight end, is another free agent. His role is valuable, but again, easily replaceable. Look for the Lions to draft a tight end in 2026 to develop behind Sam LaPorta.
This offseason will be about strategic re-investment and trusting their scouting department. They've built a winning culture and a strong roster. The challenge is keeping it together. I predict the Lions will make a splashy trade for a veteran cornerback before the 2026 draft to shore up the backend.