With the football season over, let’s explore what the Detroit Lions can learn from the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles.
Both teams have similar building philosophies, focusing on strengthening the trenches and cultivating a strong draft-and-develop culture. When it comes to the best offensive lines in the NFL, the Lions and Eagles are frequently mentioned among the top contenders.
Both teams also boast impressive wide receiver depth, a solid tight end, and a dynamic rushing game. The Eagles benefit from the dual-threat capability of quarterback Jalen Hurts, something the Lions don’t have with Jared Goff, so let’s focus on the other similarities.
However, despite these similarities, there are notable differences worth considering, which could offer valuable lessons for the Lions as they continue to evolve.
One key aspect the Lions should take note of as they build their roster is how the Eagles have committed significant financial resources. The Eagles have eight players with contracts over $50 million, and six more earning at least $20 million per year.
They also made aggressive moves, like signing superstar Saquon Barkley after the Giants let him go, which contributed to one of the most productive seasons ever from a running back. While the Lions are set at running back, this reflects the Eagles’ bold approach to veteran acquisitions.
For comparison, the Lions have six players with contracts above $50 million and five with annual salaries of at least $20 million, putting them on a similar path with upcoming extensions. However, the Eagles have spent their money not only on retaining their own players but also on adding high-profile talents, like cornerback Darius Slay and wide receiver A.J. Brown, whom they traded for and later extended.
This highlights the Eagles’ willingness to take risks, especially when it comes to their defense. They continued to add top-tier prospects, such as Jalen Carter, who had off-field concerns but turned out to be a key part of their Super Bowl-winning defense.
While the Lions’ strategy has been more focused on developing their own talent, it may be worth considering the Eagles’ riskier, more aggressive approach. For instance, if a similar situation arises, where a player with potential off-field risks is available, the Lions should take a deeper look at the evaluation process, trusting the strong locker room culture that Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have built.
Holmes, in particular, has been excellent in the draft, with only three of his picks not being part of the team’s roster in some capacity. His success aligns with the Eagles’ approach in this area.
The Lions’ recent mid-round picks have generally focused on development projects. However, the Eagles have prioritized finding immediate contributors in the later rounds, such as linebacker Nakobe Dean, who was a proven college star that fell in the draft, or cornerback Kelee Ringo in 2023. This strategy allowed the Eagles to get instant production from their rookies.
In fact, one of the stars of the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory was third-round pick Milton Williams, who has recorded 11.5 sacks in 67 games, showing the value of targeting players who can make an immediate impact.
The Lions have had some success with their third-round picks, such as Alim McNeill and Kerby Joseph. However, some of their recent mid-round selections, like Giovanni Manu, Sione Vaki, and Brodric Martin, have yet to make a significant impact.
As the Lions continue to tighten their roster, they might benefit from adopting the Eagles’ approach of finding players who can contribute right away rather than focusing solely on long-term development.
Both the Lions and Eagles share similar structures, and under Holmes and Campbell, the Lions are heading in the right direction. However, there are valuable lessons to be learned from the Super Bowl champions that could help accelerate their growth.