Remember when the Lions were the NFL’s favorite punchline? Those days feel like ancient history now. Coming off their most successful season in decades, Detroit’s been busy making moves to keep the momentum going. Let me catch you up on what’s been happening in the Motor City.
First up, let’s talk about that schedule that dropped. The Lions are staring down the third-toughest NFL schedule for 2025, which means repeating last year’s 15-win season won’t be a cakewalk. But hey, when has this team ever taken the easy road?
Speaking of roads, how about that draft? The Lions picked up seven new players, with defensive tackle Tyleik Williams leading the pack as their first-round pick at No. 28. The front office caught some flak for their selections – The Athletic wasn’t exactly throwing them a parade – but since when has Brad Holmes cared what the draft grades say? This is the same GM who built the team that shocked the NFL last few seasons.
On the coaching front, there’s been a shake-up that’s got everyone talking. John Morton’s stepped in as the new offensive coordinator, and he’s already being called the team’s biggest offseason win. Given how the offense has been rolling, that’s saying something.
The secondary got a serious upgrade too. The Lions brought in D.J. Reed, Avonte Maddox, and Rock Ya-Sin to shore up the defensive backfield. If you watched any games last season, you know how crucial these additions could be.
But the biggest news? It’s gotta be Goff. The Lions locked down their quarterback with a massive four-year, $212 million extension, including $170 million guaranteed. Remember when everyone thought Goff was just a bridge quarterback? Now he’s the highest-paid player in franchise history. Funny how things work out. Now we see if he can bounce back this season and lead us to the promise land.
Looking ahead (and yes, I know it’s only May), this Lions team feels different. The roster’s deeper, the coaching staff’s stronger, and there’s this sense around Allen Park that last year wasn’t a fluke. In fact, it was just the beginning. Sure, that schedule’s going to test them, but this isn’t the same old Lions team that used to fold under pressure.
Dan Campbell’s got these guys believing, and honestly, it’s hard not to believe right along with them. The pieces are there. The culture’s set. Now it’s just about proving that 2024 was the start of something special, not the peak.
For Lions fans who’ve been waiting generations for sustained success, this might finally be your time. Just remember to keep those kneecaps bitten off, or whatever it is Coach Campbell’s always talking about.
See you at Ford Field. This season’s gonna be fun.