The Detroit Lions face numerous significant choices during the 2025 NFL offseason.
The Lions finished with a record of 15-2 to secure the NFC North title and gain a first-round bye, but were defeated by the Washington Commanders in the divisional round.
Currently, the Lions aim to discover a route that replicates their prior success in the regular season, while also seeking methods to overcome the playoff obstacles that have kept them from the Super Bowl for 59 consecutive seasons.
Below are five offseason inquiries for general manager Brad Holmes, head coach Dan Campbell, and the Lions to address in 2025 as they approach Year 5 of this management team.
Consistency with new coordinators?
The Lions will feature new play-callers on each side of the ball, as Ben Johnson heads to Chicago and Aaron Glenn goes to New York.
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Last week, head coach Dan Campbell expressed his desire to keep continuity in the system for both offensive and defensive units. He executed an internal promotion by advancing Kelvin Sheppard from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator. Sheppard had been training alongside Glenn and will have Shaun Dion Hamilton, Sheppard’s former assistant, returning to his previous position coaching linebackers.
Detroit Lions linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard communicates with players prior to a play against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, September 8, 2024.
“No, I don’t anticipate changes in philosophy,” Campbell stated last Monday. “No, I believe what we are is exactly that, and we’ve maintained this since my arrival.”
“Does that imply that a few things are adjusted?” A few aspects will be adjusted, which is typical with new coordinators if that occurs, as you want it to reflect their unique touch and style. However, what I desire is what we will execute, our identity, and what (Jared) Goff represents
On Tuesday, the Lions decided to bring on John Morton, the Denver Broncos’ pass game coordinator, as their new offensive coordinator. In 2022, he worked on the Lions’ staff and was referred to as “one of the masterminds” behind the Lions’ strategy.
In 2024, the Lions boasted seven Pro Bowl players and additionally had one named an All-Pro, safety Kerby Joseph. The offense brings back starters at each position except for right guard Kevin Zeitler, who is a potential free agent. The defense has first-team players in all positions except for strongside linebacker and one cornerback due to impending free agents
It might require a moment to come together, but the Lions possess the talent to attain comparable success in both areas. The offense is expected to thrive with Goff, the offensive line, and skill position players ready. The defense ought to adhere more closely to its strategy from the first half, focusing on a scheme based on man coverage and applying pressure with the front seven, provided they remain healthy.
Balancing the enhancement and upkeep of the roster?
The Lions are among the top 10 in available cap space for 2025, but fall into the bottom five for 2026 because of contract extensions given to four key players. The Lions possess 31 free agents awaiting decisions, but only a handful are regulars: Carlton Davis, Zeitler, and defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike.
The Lions need to secure appropriate short-term contracts to complete the roster during free agency without compromising their flexibility. Detroit may begin issuing extensions to players from the 2022 draft class, such as Aidan Hutchinson, Jameson Williams, and Joseph.
“We know of several other players who are currently on expiring contracts, who made valuable contributions to our team this year, as well as players who deserve consideration for an extension,” Holmes stated last Thursday. “Therefore, there hasn’t been any intense action so far, but we are fully aware of it.”
Regardless of who they reintroduce, roster changes will be unavoidable. The front office will continue its strategy of utilizing free agency to fill gaps and the draft to seek the top players available.
The approach transformed the roster into a competitor, and there’s no reason to deviate now. In 2024, the Lions featured just one rookie starter, first-round cornerback Terrion Arnold, yet they discovered additional contributors and assets poised for expanded roles if their development continues.
The Lions possess seven draft picks and aim to acquire young talent to advance, similar to how the team did with the 2023 draft class or how the Philadelphia Eagles bolstered their defense this season. The Lions are unlikely to use the picks to trade for a veteran player.
“Holmes stated that if the veteran player is suitable and can assist us, we have no issue proceeding if it benefits our football team.” “However, we’ve consistently stated that we plan to develop through the draft, and I believe that’s why we find ourselves in our current position regarding the ‘window standpoint’ that allows us to continue building as we have been.”
According to the law of averages, the Lions are expected to have a stronger defense after being heavily impacted in 2024. The Lions were missing over a dozen defensive players, primarily on the line or at linebacker.
The Lions’ defense slowly weakened as injuries became concentrated in the front seven. They filled a few gaps due to the playmakers they possessed in Jack Campbell, Brian Branch, and Joseph, but missed a transformative line. With Hutchinson, D.J. Reader, and Za’Darius Smith, along with any new recruits, the Lions aim to enhance their defensive line performance.
“When we were in top shape, I believed our pass rush was quite effective,” Holmes remarked. “I believed the entire defense was clear, considering the figures that demonstrated what we could generate before that attrition occurred.”
Performance during crucial moments?
The 2024 playoffs serve as a clear reminder of how a handful of plays can determine the result of every game. The Lions have experienced the harsh lesson for two consecutive years now — this time with a five-turnover game on their home field. They possess the athletes and leadership necessary for success, but must resolve the postseason puzzle. This begins with ensuring accuracy during the player recruitment phase.
“I believe the key aspect is to have desire — you possess your culture, your identity, and you have players who align with that, and we have that,” Dan Campbell stated last Monday. “We have athletes in all key roles necessary for success, and these individuals are built the right way, so yes, our opportunity is wide open.”
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