Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Lions Links for Tuesday 3-10-26

Articles:

Detroit Lions sign former Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2026/03/10/detroit-lions-sign-former-chiefs-rb-isiah-pacheco/89085490007/




Detroit Lions re-sign LB Malcolm Rodriguez:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2026/03/10/detroit-lions-re-sign-malcolm-rodriguez-nfl-free-agency/89087294007/




Detroit Lions Sign QB Teddy Bridgewater To Backup Jared Goff in 2026:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/detroit-lions-sign-qb-teddy-bridgewater-2026-backup

Detroit Lions Winners and Losers Through 24 Hours of Free Agency:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/detroit-lions-winners-losers-through-24-hours-free-agency-2026












The Lions have found their David Montgomery replacment, we already know which Sonic character he is, too:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-have-found-their-david-montgomery-replacment-which-sonic-character-he-is/

While the feelings are familiar, the Lions are not going through a rebuild right now after losing fan favorites:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/while-the-feelings-are-familiar-the-lions-are-not-going-through-a-rebuild-right-now-after-losing-fan-favorites/

The Lions have a full replacement plan on the roster already, after Kalif Raymond left for the Bears:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-have-a-full-replacement-plan-on-the-roster-already-after-kalif-raymond-left-for-the-bears/


2026 NFL mock draft: Top 10 pick predictions off free agency (Big questions for picks Nos. 11-32 - Given what we've seen in free agency, which first-round pick beyond the top 10 are you most certain about?  The truthful answer: None. But based on what we have seen so far, it's difficult for me to envision the Lions passing on a left tackle if Freeling or Alabama's Kadyn Proctor reach them at No. 17. I have Freeling graded higher and believe he has as much upside as any offensive tackle in the class, while Proctor has the power of a forklift. Taylor Decker, Detroit's former left tackle, requested a release from the team ahead of his 11th season.):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/48151878/2026-nfl-free-agency-mock-draft-field-yates-first-round-predictions-signings

Highest-graded players from the 2025 NFL season at every position (WR - 3. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions (90.6).  St. Brown was the fourth-most-targeted receiver in 2025 (162) and ranked in the top five in receptions (117), receiving yards (1,401) and touchdowns (11). He was also one of the most efficient receivers, averaging 2.48 yards per route run (third-best). He placed in the top five in yards after the catch (591), missed tackles forced (16) and explosive gains (36) as a post-catch threat. He consistently burned defenders in single coverage (90.3 PFF receiving grade, fifth) to the tune of 35 catches for 402 yards and 26 first downs — all top-five marks. St. Brown was also the most-targeted receiver between the numbers (100), where he led the league with 73 receptions en route to a 90.9 PFF receiving grade (second best). The 26-year-old recorded 920 yards, six touchdowns, 43 first downs, 14 forced missed tackles and 25 catches of 15-plus yards from that area of the field.  OFFENSIVE TACKLE - 1. Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions (95.2):  For the second time in the last three years, Sewell finished as the league’s foremost tackle. His 95.2 overall PFF grade was not only a career high, but also tied Jordan Mailata as the second-highest at the position in the last 10 years. Sewell’s 96.8 PFF run-blocking mark led all qualified offensive linemen, and he also allowed just 19 pressures across 601 pass-blocking snaps.  . LB - 2. Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions (90.2):  Campbell has continually raised the standard of his game each season, rising from a 53.2 PFF overall grade as a rookie to a massive 90.2 mark this past year. The 25-year-old linebacker earned the highest PFF run-defense grade (93.0) by a linebacker in the PFF era (since 2006).):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-highest-graded-players-2025-nfl-season

NFL World Reacts to Detroit Landing Ex-Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco in Free Agency: ‘Rugged Style Fits Nicely With Lions’:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-world-reacts-detroit-landing-ex-chiefs-rb-isiah-pacheco-free-agency/

Grades:

2026 NFL free agency team grades: Rams, Jets at top of class, Chargers leave much to be desired (Detroit Lions: C+.  Key additions: C Cade Mays, RB Isiah Pacheco, OT Larry Borom, OL Juice Scruggs (via trade).  Key re-signings: DL Levi Onwuzurike.  Key departures: RB David Montgomery (via trade), LB Alex Anzalone, CB Amik Robertson, DL Roy Lopez.  The Lions have had to tread lightly regarding the cap, and that's included trading away Montgomery and being unable to figure out a deal with longtime left tackle Taylor Decker. They've made decent progress on rebuilding the offensive line, with Mays and Borom looking like players who could immediately step into starting roles. Still, going from Montgomery to Pacheco is a downgrade; losing Anzalone and Robertson hurts the coverage, and losing Lopez hurts the run defense. Can Detroit eke out another needle-moving addition on the defense, perhaps to augment the pass rush?):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2026-nfl-free-agency-rams-jets-chargers/

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NFL Free Agent Signing Grades – Latest Signing Grades for 2026 NFL Free Agency (Lions sign RB Isiah Pacheco (1 year): B+ Grade.  The Lions lost David Montgomery, so they weren’t going to go into season with Jahmyr Gibbs as the only viable back on the roster. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Lions ended up adding a running back in Round 2-4 because of how much they love to run the ball.  Pacheco seems like an insurance policy in case the Lions can’t find a running back they like in that range. He’s a cheap signing who might be able to rebound to pre-2024 form. Pacheco was a rock-solid back until injuries derailed his career. He’s been putrid since, but perhaps being two years removed from his major injury could allow him to revert to his previous ability. If not, then the Lions aren’t really risking anything.):  https://walterfootball.com/freeagentsigninggrades.php

Grading Detroit Lions Signing of RB Isiah Pacheco (Garde: B):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/grading-detroit-lions-signing-isiah-pacheco

Grading the Isiah Pacheco Signing for The Lions: A major upgrade in a crucial spot you’re not even thinking about (Grade: B-):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/grading-the-isaiah-pacheco-signing-for-the-lions-a-major-upgrade-in-a-crucial-spot-youre-not-even-thinking-about/

NFL Free-Agency Tracker 2026: Grading Every Major Move (Lions agree with Isiah Pacheco - After the Chiefs agreed to sign Kenneth Walker III on Monday, it became apparent that Isiah Pacheco was going to be changing uniforms. One day later, Pacheco found that Honolulu Blue suits him, as he and the Lions agreed to terms.  Pacheco spent his first four years with the Chiefs after being a 2022 seventh-round pick from Rutgers. He twice ran for more than 800 yards but hasn’t been the same since breaking his leg in Week 2 of the ’24 season against the Bengals. Since that game, he’s rushed for 637 yards on 3.8 yards per carry across 18 games. Grade: C):  https://www.si.com/nfl/nfl-free-agency-tracker-2026-grading-every-major-move

2026 NFL Free Agency LIVE Deal Grader: Grading and tracking every signing and trade (RB Isiah Pacheco signs with Detroit Lions - 2025 PFF Grade: 58.6, 2025 PFF WAR: 0.05, Contract: TBD, PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $2.25 million, PFF Deal Grade: Average.  This is a sensible replacement for David Montgomery, and it's a good situation where Pacheco doesn't need to be a feature back. He's still only 27 years old and has just four years of tread on the tires. In a role where he doesn't need to be overworked, he could get back to being a punishing runner for opposing defenses to tackle.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2026-nfl-free-agency-live-deal-grader

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NFL Free Agent Signing Grades – Latest Signing Grades for 2026 NFL Free Agency (Lions re-sign LB Malcolm Rodriguez (1 year): A+ Grade.  The Lions lost Alex Anzalone, so they absolutely had to keep Malcolm Rodriguez. They managed to do so, as Rodriguez was another obvious candidate for a 1-year “prove it” deal.  Rodriguez was a stout linebacker in 2024, particularly when it came to stopping the run. However, he was out for most of 2025 with an injury. He needs to show that he can remain healthy, hence this sort of a contract. The Lions will get Rodriguez at his best effort as he attempts to showcase why he’s worthy of a huge deal.):  https://walterfootball.com/freeagentsigninggrades.php

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2026 NFL Free Agency LIVE Deal Grader: Grading and tracking every signing and trade (CB Rock Ya-Sin re-signs with Detroit Lions - 2025 PFF Grade: 64.7, 2025 PFF WAR: 0.24, Contract: 1 year, $4 million, PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $6.5 million, PFF Deal Grade: Above Average.  Ya-Sin was effective for the Lions in 2025, seeing 611 snaps and earning a 67.1 PFF coverage grade. He came away with five pass breakups and allowed just a single touchdown on throws into his coverage. He's a solid player and the Lions are bringing him back without spending too much, which makes sense given he is likely to be in a reserve role given the other players on the roster.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2026-nfl-free-agency-live-deal-grader

NFL Free-Agency Tracker 2026: Grading Every Major Move (Lions to re-sign Rock Ya-Sin - Ya-Sin earned the trust of the Lions last season, as evidenced from the six games he started. The team ensured to bring him back after the two sides agreed to terms on a one-year, $4 million deal. Ideally, the team would likely want to have Ya-Sin as a rotational cornerback. Still, it’s a plus that the 2019 second-round pick has plenty of starting experience in his seven-year career, appearing in 96 career games with 45 starts. —Gilberto Manzano.  Grade: C):  https://www.si.com/nfl/nfl-free-agency-tracker-2026-grading-every-major-move

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Grading the Lions’ free agent signing of center Cade Mays (Grade: B+):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-analysis/159168/nfl-free-agent-grades-cade-mays-detroit-lions

Grading The Lions’ Signing Of Cade Mays: What’s good and what’s concerning (Grade:  B+):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/grading-the-lions-signing-of-cade-mays-whats-good-and-whats-concerning/

2026 NFL Free Agency Grades: Colts Re-sign Alec Pierce; Kenneth Walker to Chiefs (Lions set to sign former Panthers C Cade Mays - McKenna: The Lions lost Frank Ragnow before the 2025 season and never quite replaced him — until now. This year, Mays took over the Panthers’ starting center job after an injury to Austin Corbett in Week 3. Mays played well in relief of Corbett, helping the Panthers engineer a run-first identity for Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard. Mays also didn’t allow a sack, per PFF. Mays is 26 years old, and has 52 games of experience. On a three-year, $25-million deal, these should be his prime years of production for an ascending player.  Grade for Lions: B+):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-free-agency-grades

Free Agent Rankings:

NFL Free Agent Rankings: Top 250 players (136. HB Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs - Snaps: 1,481 | PFF grade: 74.5.  Pacheco was a revelation in the Chiefs' backfield after assuming control as a seventh-round rookie in 2022. But since his initial heroics, Pacheco hasn't been quite the same, securing a 68.1 PFF rushing grade over the last two years with only 14 runs of 10 or more yards. The 25-year-old is, at minimum, an intriguing complementary piece for backfields looking for a short-yardage option.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-free-agent-rankings-2026

2026 NFL Draft:


2026 NFL Draft Stock Report – 3/10/26:  https://walterfootball.com/draft2026stock_27.php

2026 NFL Draft Big Board: 5 Biggest Risers on Tony Pauline’s Post-Combine Update (Sadiq, Hood, Thieneman, Mc-Neil-Warren, Stukes):  https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-two-thousand-twenty-six-nfl-draft-big-board-five-biggest-risers-on-tony-paulines-post-combine-update/

Posted by LionsFan at 8:46 PM

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