Detroit Lions' highly productive offseason masks 5 lingering concerns that could derail a Super Bowl push

Detroit Lions have built one of the NFL’s most complete rosters, but they’re not without concerns. Five lingering issues could stand between Detroit and a legitimate Super Bowl run if they aren’t addressed before Week 1.

The Detroit Lions have had a strong offseason by almost every measure. The 2026 NFL Draft was productive, free agency added meaningful pieces, and the coaching hires were spot on. Detroit is one of the 10 youngest teams in the league, and the offensive line looks significantly improved. But no roster is without holes, and even a team built this well has areas worth watching. I’ve outlined 5 concerns heading into Lions training camp, and while none of them should tank the season, a few of them need real attention before Week 1.

Health is the chief concern

This is the big one. If you go back through 2023, 2024, and 2025, the Lions don’t suffer so many injuries, they potentially win the Super Bowl in one of those years. I think 2024 was probably their best chance, but Detroit became one of the most injured teams in NFL history. Then in 2025, they somehow topped that. The Lions were 25th in the NFL in adjusted games lost to injury in 2024 and 31st in 2025.

Going into training camp, the Lions are making some changes. No more joint practices should help cut down on the wear, and I don’t think we ever see quarterback Jared Goff play a preseason snap. We know what he is.

But the bigger questions revolve around safety Kerby Joseph, whose injury remains undisclosed, and safety Brian Branch, who is recovering from an Achilles tendon injury. Branch could return as early as September or October, but how long into the season are the Lions going to have to play without him? I think they did well protecting themselves with depth at safety, but when Joseph and Branch are together, that’s the best safety duo in the NFL. Then there’s tight end Sam LaPorta and his back, and you have to worry about anybody else going down because Detroit just cannot afford it.

Interior defensive line depth is thin

I don’t think the Lions did enough work here. Alim McNeill and Tyreek Williams are your two starters, and we know what to expect from them. But after that, it is huge question marks. There’s rookie Skyler Gill-Howard, who I think could develop into a pass-rushing defensive tackle. There’s Miles Adams, Levi Onwuzurike, Tyler Lacy, Chris Smith, Mekhi Wingo, and undrafted free agent Aidan Keanainaa. The big question is, who is that third guy? The Lions need a run-stuffing nose tackle, and they really only have one on the roster right now.

There’s not much left on the free agent market, and this doesn’t feel like a trade situation. It feels like the Lions are going to wait until cutdowns across the league and then claim someone or sign a player who just got released. I would be shocked if they went into the regular season without making a move there.

Cornerback depth is a problem

Now that Terrion Arnold is gone, you can put Rock Ya-Sin as your starter, and that would be fine, I suppose. But what happens if Ya-Sin gets hurt? What if DJ Reed gets hurt? After them, you have rookie Keith Abney, Roger McCreary (who you probably don’t want to move from the nickel spot), Ennis Rakestraw, Khalil Dorsey, Nick Whiteside, and a couple of undrafted free agents who probably won’t make the 53-man roster.

You have to understand, Ya-Sin was the safety net. Now he’s going to be the starter. The Lions have no net behind him. I know Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell, and I know their thought process is going to be “next man up.” But this is not the time to sit on their hands. If I’m the Lions, I’m looking to make a trade or a free agency signing to get back to where they need to be so Ya-Sin can return to the safety net role.

Tackle depth could be better

This is a smaller concern. You’ve got Blake Miller, Penei Sewell, and Larry Borom as the swing tackle. After that, there are a lot of guards and interior guys. Colby Sorsdal has been with the Lions for a while but has barely played regular-season football since 2023. Giovanni Manu hasn’t shown much yet. Miles Frazier can play every position on the line, and maybe that’s the solution if Borom had to step into a starting role. But it’s worth monitoring.

The offense needs time to gel

Drew Petzing is new in town. I love that hire, but he is going to add elements to this offense the Lions have never run before. Combine that with a rebuilt offensive line, and the question becomes: how long does it take to gel, and how much of a leash does Detroit have early in the season? I think they have enough talent to get it done, but even the best talent needs time. The Lions cannot afford too many bumps early on.

These concerns are relatively minimal outside of health and the interior defensive line. But the Lions need to address some of these problems before the season starts. Frankly, I think they’re going to be just fine.

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