The Detroit Lions are aiming for a major rebound after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Detroit finished the regular season with a 9–8 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022, leaving several players eager to respond in 2026.

One of the most motivated players heading into the new season is star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Pro Bowl pass-catcher recently shared that the team’s struggles last season have fueled his determination to help Detroit return to the postseason.

“I’ve been excited to get back to work. I feel like last year, we had a disappointing season as a team. That’s how we feel internally. So, I’ve just been excited to get back to work,” St. Brown said in an interview with Eric Woodyard of ESPN.

“I’ve been motivated as ever. I feel like I’m motivated every year, but this year, I feel like it was a little different.”

Lions Begin Important 2026 Offseason Program

Detroit is preparing for a crucial offseason as the team looks to build momentum for the 2026 NFL season. The Lions will begin their voluntary offseason program with organized team activities (OTAs) from May 27–29.

Following OTAs, Detroit will hold its mandatory minicamp on June 16–17 as players continue preparations for training camp later in the summer.

These early workouts will be important for building chemistry and setting the tone after last season’s playoff disappointment.

St. Brown Continues to Produce Elite Numbers

Despite Detroit’s team struggles in 2025, Amon-Ra St. Brown delivered another outstanding individual season.

The Lions’ top receiver recorded 117 receptions for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns, continuing to establish himself as one of the most reliable wide receivers in the NFL.

His consistent production makes him a central piece of Detroit’s offense heading into 2026.

Healthy Offseason Helping St. Brown Prepare for 2026

Another reason for St. Brown’s excitement is that he finally has a full offseason to train. Last year, he missed most of the team’s offseason program while recovering from knee surgery.

This time around, the Lions star is fully healthy and able to participate in workouts from the start.

“I didn’t really have an offseason the year before because I came off surgery, so to have a healthy offseason was nice for me,” St. Brown explained. “Just training and getting back to work, getting back to the grind and now being back in Detroit, back with the guys.”

With OTAs approaching and the team returning to practice soon, St. Brown said the locker room is energized and ready for the challenge ahead.

Lions Hoping for a Bounce-Back Season

After missing the playoffs in 2025, the Detroit Lions are determined to return to postseason contention. With a healthy roster and key stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown leading the offense, Detroit hopes the 2026 season will bring a much different result.