Although the Detroit Lions’ season is over, the organization isn’t wasting any time preparing for the 2026–27 campaign. In the NFL, offseason maneuvering can be just as aggressive as in-season competition, and on Thursday, January 29, head coach Dan Campbell and the Lions made an early roster move involving a former Chicago Bears player—one who previously fell under Ben Johnson’s watch.

No, Detroit didn’t pull off a blockbuster move by stealing a star like Caleb Williams. Still, it’s notable that the Lions are already active so soon after the season wrapped up.

Detroit closed out the 2025–26 schedule with a road victory over Chicago on January 4, edging the Bears 19–16. Following that win, Campbell praised his team’s effort and mindset.

“That was a good way to end it, and I’m proud of those guys,” Campbell said afterward. “I didn’t expect anything less from them. Finishing strong isn’t always easy in those situations, but they showed up.”

He went on to explain how difficult it can be to stay motivated after postseason hopes are gone, especially against a team that had already secured its position. Still, he emphasized how resilient his players were, particularly when Chicago rallied late.

“They didn’t flinch,” Campbell added. “That was one of our better performances in terms of playing complementary football. A lot of guys stepped up.”

Lions Add Tight End Depth

On January 29, the Lions officially announced the signing of former Bears tight end Thomas Gordon to a reserve/future contract, sharing the news via social media.

Gordon spent his rookie season with Chicago during the 2025–26 year. He initially signed with the Bears in August but failed to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster. He later joined the practice squad in December, though Chicago ultimately chose not to offer him a futures deal once the season concluded.

Prior to his time with the Bears, Gordon played briefly in the UFL with the San Antonio Brahmas, appearing in just one game without recording any statistics.

While the signing isn’t a headline-grabbing move, it does give Detroit added depth at tight end. There’s also the possibility that Gordon brings some behind-the-scenes familiarity with Chicago’s system that could prove useful.

Jared Goff Earns Another Pro Bowl Nod

In additional Lions news, the team confirmed on Monday, January 26, that quarterback Jared Goff will participate in the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, stepping in as a replacement for Sam Darnold.

One fan summed it up succinctly: “Darnold gets time to prepare, and Goff gets the Pro Bowl. Works out for everyone,” referencing Darnold’s upcoming matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.

For Goff, the Pro Bowl is nothing new. This selection marks the fifth appearance of his career. He joins NFC quarterbacks Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams and Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys, who were originally named to the roster.