The Detroit Lions are already working toward the 2026–27 NFL season, and head coach Dan Campbell wasted no time making early roster moves. On Thursday, January 29, the Lions signed a former Chicago Bears player — taking one piece away from former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, now with Chicago.
No, Detroit didn’t land a superstar like Caleb Williams, but the move is still noteworthy as Campbell and the Lions continue reshaping the roster ahead of next season.
The Lions are coming off a strong finish to the 2025–26 season, which included a 19–16 road win over the Bears on January 4. Campbell praised his team’s resilience after the game.
“All right, good win by the guys. Proud of them. That’s the way to finish,” Campbell said.
“Even when they came back, our guys didn’t bat an eye and we were able to finish it out. Really one of the best games we’ve played as far as complementary football.”
Lions Sign Former Bears Tight End Thomas Gordon
On January 29, the Detroit Lions officially signed former Chicago Bears tight end Thomas Gordon to a reserve/future contract, announcing the move on social media.
Gordon spent his rookie season with the Bears during the 2025–26 campaign. He signed with Chicago in August 2025 but did not make the final 53-man roster. Instead, he joined the Bears’ practice squad in December and was not retained on a future deal after the season ended.
Before his time with Chicago, Gordon played for the UFL’s San Antonio Brahmas, appearing in just one game without recording any statistics.
While the signing is not a blockbuster move, it adds depth to Detroit’s tight end position and gives the Lions a player who has firsthand knowledge of the Bears’ system under Ben Johnson.
Jared Goff Headed to the 2026 Pro Bowl Games
In other Lions news, the team announced on Monday, January 26, that quarterback Jared Goff will participate in the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, replacing Sam Darnold.
“Darnold gets to prepare and Goff gets the Pro Bowl. Nice win for both,” one fan commented, referencing Darnold’s preparation for the Super Bowl matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.
This will be Goff’s fifth Pro Bowl appearance. The other NFC quarterbacks originally selected were Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams and Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys.
