Dan Campbell’s Job Security Is Not Actually a Question
Let’s get something straight right off the bat. If the Lions miss the playoffs in 2026, Dan Campbell’s job is not in danger. Period.
Would the seat get a little warmer? Sure. But any real pressure would be external noise from fans reacting emotionally, not actual front office movement. This franchise is not going to blow up what Brad Holmes and Campbell have built after four straight winning seasons. Four straight winning seasons. Do you understand how long it has been since this franchise could say that? Since 1972.
With the roster they have assembled and the schedule they drew, missing the playoffs would be a legitimate shock. But even if it happens, Campbell has earned the benefit of the doubt several times over. This is not the Bobby Ross era. This is not the Rod Marinelli disaster. This is a stable, competent front office that does not panic.
Tyler Lacy Keeps Getting Reps and That Means Something
Throughout OTAs and minicamp, Tyler Lacy was getting consistent reps in situations where the Lions wanted a bigger defensive end on the field. In some cases, he was working ahead of Levi Onwuzurike. That is not nothing.
The Lions like Lacy because he gives them versatility. He can line up as a big end, set a firm edge against the run, and then slide inside when they want more size and power on the interior. He is exactly the type of length and size player this coaching staff has been gravitating toward on the defensive line.
That said, let’s pump the brakes. These practices were in pajamas. No real contact, no pads, and no way to truly evaluate how a defensive lineman holds up at the point of attack. The reps are noteworthy, but we will not really know what the Lions have in Lacy until training camp when the pads come on and he has to prove he can consistently hold the edge and win against actual NFL offensive linemen.
Teddy Bridgewater’s Coaching Future Is Inevitable
Bridgewater has been asked if he wants to coach in the NFL. He said he does not.
I do not believe him for one second.
Bridgewater and Dan Campbell have a very tight relationship, and you can absolutely see a world where he comes in as an assistant quarterbacks coach behind Mark Brunell and grows from there. It is a wait and see situation, but yeah, he is coaching in this league eventually.
Jahmyr Gibbs Is Already in God Mode
Gibbs has 38 touchdowns in the last two seasons. He has 3,768 total yards. That is pretty damn good. Not everyone is doing that.
Now, if you want to talk about true video game numbers, if Gibbs goes out there and runs for 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns and then puts up another 700 yards and five touchdowns through the air, that would be about as God mode as someone could probably get. The good news is that he has a way better offensive line to work behind in 2026.
The Real Camp Battle to Watch Is Left Guard
Left guard is the big one to keep an eye on since it is going to be the biggest battle with the most combatants. Safety should be fun, but we need to see if Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are back yet. Terrion Arnold is going to win that corner job, and Roger McCreary should have the slot locked down. Not much of a battle there.
As for undrafted rookies, Luke Altmyer and Miles Kitselman both have pretty good possibilities of making the roster this year. They both bring something to the table, even if they probably would not play a lot or at all.
The Receiver Additions Are About Replacing Kalif Raymond
The prime thought process behind bringing in multiple receivers was replacing Kalif Raymond. They want guys who can do gadget plays and return kicks and punts. Greg Dortch is likely that guy, but competition helps you find other options. Plus, it is beginning to look like Jackson Meeks is full on moving to tight end. He might have had a shot at being that fifth or sixth receiver this year.
Sione Vaki Is Worlds Ahead of Manu
These two are not even in the same category. Vaki is worlds ahead of Manu. I get that it does not seem that way because he is not producing as a running back, but he is truly one of the best special teams players on this team and has a chance to be one of the best in the league. That matters a lot, even if it is not super sexy.
I do not see Manu making the 53 man roster this year.
Is Tyler Lacy the next diamond in the rough or are we overhyping pajama practice reps again? Drop your take below.
