Friday, May 22, 2026

Lions Links for Friday 5-22-26

Articles:

Rookies see special teams as opportunity to make an early impact:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/rookies-see-special-teams-as-opportunity-to-make-an-early-impact




NFL Analyst Ranks Detroit Lions 2026 Supporting Cast For Jared Goff:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/nfl-analyst-ranks-detroit-lions-2026-supporting-cast-for-jared-goff

Detroit Lions OT Blake Miller: 'It Definitely Feels More Real':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-blake-miller-it-definitely-feels-more-real


How Jack Campbell's Contract Extension Impacts Lions Salary Cap:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/how-jack-campbell-contract-extension-impacts-lions-salary-cap



ESPN suggests unlikely free agent signing for Lions, Pro Bowl defensive end:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-analysis/164853/detroit-lions-perfect-fit-free-agent-jadeveon-clowney



NFL insider just dropped an extremely encouraging update on Lions tight end Sam LaPorta’s back:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/nfl-insider-just-dropped-an-extremely-encouraging-update-on-lions-tight-end-sam-laportas-back/

Jahmyr Gibbs’ role with the Detroit Lions could be changing a lot in 2026:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/jahmyr-gibbs-role-with-the-detroit-lions-could-be-changing-a-lot-in-2026/


NFC North: QB buzz, plus underrated, surprising roster moves (Detroit Lions - Mike Clay's 2026 projected win total: 12.  Odds to win NFC North: +185.  Strength of schedule: Sixth-easiest schedule in NFL  Most surprising move of the offseason - Under GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell, the identity of the Lions has been built on grit and loyalty. So, it was surprising to see the organization part ways with veteran offensive tackle Taylor Decker, who was the team's longest-tenured player, as well as releasing offensive lineman Graham Glasgow in March to save $5.6 million against the salary cap. Veteran running back David Montgomery was also traded to the Houston Texans in exchange for O-lineman Juice Scruggs, a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick. These moves were surprising because Decker, Glasgow and Montgomery all played key roles on offense over the past few seasons.  The offseason moves have helped the QB position.  After failing to reach the postseason for the first time since 2022, the Lions used this offseason to prioritize improving the offensive line. Detroit drafted Clemson OT Blake Miller with the 17th pick while adding three new linemen in free agency. They signed former Panthers center Cade Mays to a three-year deal, ex-Dolphins lineman Larry Borom and free agent guard Ben Bartch to beef up the unit. Improved pass protection is key for quarterback Jared Goff, who had a 62-point drop-off in Total QBR when he was pressured (14) compared to not pressured (76), per ESPN Research. Only San Francisco backup Mac Jones (65-point drop-off) was affected more.  Most underrated move - The signing of unrestricted free agent running back Isiah Pacheco. Pacheco is viewed as a replacement for Montgomery, who was traded to Houston, and he's confident that his violent running style will complement Jahmyr Gibbs' speed in the backfield.  He is hopeful that the move to Detroit will also spark a new beginning for a career that has gotten off track. Last season, he finished with a disappointing 462 rushing yards and two total touchdowns in 13 games but appears to be motivated by the new situation.  Holmes was focused on adding players this offseason, such as Pacheco, to reestablish Detroit's blue-collar identity because "the urgency needed to be more pushed up on everything" after missing the postseason, he said during the NFL draft.  Move that will have the biggest impact on next season - Hiring Petzing as offensive coordinator. Petzing is replacing John Morton, who was fired after one season in the role. So far, Petzing has earned the respect of Campbell and his players through his work ethic and résumé. He had been the Arizona Cardinals' offensive coordinator for the previous three seasons.  In 2025, Detroit was still among the league leaders in total points per game (28.3) but struggled to find an offensive identity outside of home run plays. This was despite having Pro Bowlers Gibbs and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, among other playmakers. The team is hoping to change that under Petzing.  "When you listen to him and you sit down with him, and you listen to him talk, he understands quarterback play," Campbell said of Petzing during the NFL's owners meeting in March. "He understands tight end. He understands O-line. He understands receivers. He's coached all of those. He can coach it from the ground up -- all of it. That gives you good direction."):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48834642/nfl-nfc-lions-packers-bears-vikings-kyler-murray-caleb-williams-jordan-love

The five most favorable schedules for NFL playoff contenders (Detroit Lions - Lions opponents posted the sixth-worst winning percentage in 2025. While basing this year's strength of schedule on last year's results provides only a mostly accurate picture because it does not account for the improvement or regression that comes with offseason moves, it still speaks to the enviable position the Lions find themselves in.  That alone is enough to make Detroit a candidate to bounce back and return to the playoffs, not to mention the offense has a chance to be among the league's most explosive. The NFC North will be tough, but a majority of Detroit's non-division games come against bottom-dwellers. In total, it will play 10 contests against teams in the bottom half of Pete Prisco's post-NFL Draft power rankings.  In addition to the sheer volume of subpar teams on the docket, the Lions also benefit from a couple of stretches against them in consecutive weeks. As shown in the table above, Detroit gets two separate three-week runs against teams the public expects to finish with losing records. Those come in Weeks 3-5 and Weeks 13-15, giving Dan Campbell opportunities to build momentum when it matters most: the beginning and end of the season.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2026-nfl-playoff-contenders-easiest-schedules/

1 Trade Candidate for Every NFL Team: A.J. Brown, Anthony Richardson Among Players Who May Be Dealt (Detroit Lions: Terrion Arnold, CB - After showing some encouraging flashes as a rookie, Terrion Arnold regressed in 2025. Part of that came down to his playing in just eight games, but his PFSN CB Impact Score dropped from 76.2 to 72.4, and he has only one interception in 24 career games. The Detroit Lions have a log-jammed cornerback room with D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin projected to compete outside, as well as fifth-round rookie Keith Abney II. If enough of those guys perform well enough, Arnold could net the Lions some good draft capital.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-trade-candidates-2026/

Video:

Lions TE Tyler Conklin wakes up with 'GMFB' to discuss playing under HC Dan Campbell:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/lions-te-tyler-conklin-wakes-up-with-gmfb-to-discuss-playing-under-hc-dan-campbell
Posted by LionsFan at 9:25 PM

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