The Lions Actually Made Moves This Offseason. Who Benefits Most?
Look, nobody expected Brad Holmes to go full Jerry Jones this offseason. That’s not his style, and frankly, that’s not what this roster needed. But don’t mistake quiet for complacent. The Lions signed 15 external free agents this offseason, well above their usual number under Holmes, plus added seven draft picks and nine undrafted free agents.
The scope was smart and targeted. Clear focus on fixing that offensive line with Cade Mays and rookie Blake Miller. They attacked the defensive end room with DJ Wonnum, Payton Turner, and Derrick Moore. And they quietly fortified the secondary depth with Roger McCreary, Christian Izien, and Chuck Clark, plus drafting Keith Abney.
So who comes out ahead? Two names jump off the page.
Jared Goff Gets His Pocket Back
After getting absolutely murdered for 38 sacks last season, Goff has to be breathing easier knowing Holmes invested heavily in protection. Yeah, there will be growing pains early with three new pieces and Penei Sewell moving to left tackle. But when this line clicks, Goff gets back to what he does best: managing a clean pocket and picking defenses apart.
That’s when Goff is lethal. That’s when he looks like the quarterback who helped drag this franchise out of the basement.
Jahmyr Gibbs Could Explode
The Pro Bowl back saw his efficiency crater late last season when opposing defensive fronts started eating the offensive line alive. If these moves create bigger holes and cleaner running lanes, Gibbs could take a massive leap.
And here’s the kicker: the signing of Isiah Pacheco gives Gibbs breathers without cutting into his overall workload. With minimal skill position additions, Gibbs is still going to feast in both the running and receiving game. The stage is set for a monster 2026 season.
Both guys benefit from the same thing: Brad Holmes recognizing a problem and actually fixing it instead of hoping it gets better on its own. Wild concept, I know.
Which Lions player do you think benefits most from this offseason? Drop your picks below and tell us why we’re wrong.
