The Lions Almost Hired a Different Campbell and It Would’ve Changed Everything

Detroit Lions almost hired Iowa State's Matt Campbell as head coach before he changed his mind, leading to Dan Campbell getting the job instead.

Detroit Lions almost hired Iowa State's Matt Campbell as head coach before he changed his mind, leading to Dan Campbell getting the job instead.

The Lions get an extra roster spot as sixth-round pick Ahmed Hassanein receives an international roster exemption, giving Brad Holmes more flexibility during training camp.

Cornerback Terrion Arnold reveals what makes Dan Campbell's Lions training camp different, from intense two-hour practices to veteran leadership that actually teaches teammates.

The Giants exploited the NFL's broken compensatory pick deadline to steal draft compensation that should have gone to the Lions for losing DJ Reader.

The Lions lost 11 free agents including DJ Reader to the Giants, but losing coverage linebacker Alex Anzalone and his $8.5 million per year contract hurts most with no obvious replacement ready.

Brad Holmes is aggressively reshaping the Lions roster with big signings like Cade Mays and painful departures including David Montgomery and Taylor Decker in a calculated offseason overhaul.

Nine new undrafted rookies join the Lions with DT Aidan Keanaaina and EDGE Anthony Lucas leading the pack as Holmes searches for hidden gems after zero UDFAs made the initial roster.

DJ Reader signs with the Giants leaving the Lions thin at nose tackle with the team banking on Alim McNeill's health and internal development to fill the void.

The Lions are projected to have the NFL's easiest schedule according to Warren Sharp's analysis, potentially giving Detroit the break they need after a brutal injury-plagued season.

Brad Holmes drafted three elite-tier grit players while division rivals the Vikings and Packers got zero, proving his systematic approach to building Lions culture actually works.