With free agency and the NFL Draft complete, the focus around the Detroit Lions is beginning to shift toward future contract decisions. Detroit’s impressive 2023 draft class is expected to produce several major extensions soon, including likely deals for Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell, while players like Brian Branch could also be in line for a new contract.

However, the Lions also have several veterans entering the 2026 season with uncertain futures. For these players, the upcoming season represents an opportunity to prove their value and potentially secure a new deal.

A strong performance could mirror what edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad accomplished in 2025. After recording 11 sacks last season, Muhammad revitalized his career and positioned himself for new opportunities in free agency.

As Detroit prepares for the 2026 campaign, here are five Lions players who will essentially be playing for their next contract.

5. LB Malcolm Rodriguez

Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez enters the 2026 season on a one-year prove-it deal after missing significant time following a torn ACL late in the 2024 season. The injury limited him to just seven games in 2025, where he logged 72 defensive snaps and 160 special teams snaps.

Originally a sixth-round pick in 2022, Rodriguez quickly became a fan favorite and showed starting potential early in his career. In fact, he ranked as Pro Football Focus’ 16th-highest graded off-ball linebacker in 2024 before suffering his injury.

However, Detroit’s selection of linebacker Jimmy Rolder in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft could signal a long-term plan to replace Rodriguez. Unless injuries open up more opportunities, Rodriguez may have limited chances to prove he deserves a starting role elsewhere in 2027.

4. K Jake Bates

Kicker Jake Bates returns for his third season with the Lions after signing an exclusive rights free agent tender earlier this offseason.

Bates helped stabilize a position that had been inconsistent early in head coach Dan Campbell’s tenure. After converting an impressive 89.7 percent of his field goals in 2024, his accuracy dropped to 79.4 percent last season.

The decline was partly due to struggles from long range, as Bates went 4-for-9 on field goals from 50 yards or more. While he is set to become a restricted free agent next offseason—giving Detroit some control over his future—improving his consistency in 2026 could earn him a multi-year extension.

3. DE D. J. Wonnum

Edge rusher D. J. Wonnum signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Lions this offseason, putting him squarely in a prove-it situation.

Wonnum has shown flashes of pass-rushing ability during his career, including two separate eight-sack seasons. While he may not be the same type of aggressive pass rusher that Muhammad was in 2025, he could still play an important role opposite star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

If Wonnum can provide consistent pressure on the quarterback—especially with rookie Derrick Moore also entering the rotation—he could position himself for a multi-year deal during the 2027 offseason.

2. RB Isiah Pacheco

Running back Isiah Pacheco enters 2026 with an opportunity to rebuild his value after injuries disrupted the last two seasons of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Now in Detroit, Pacheco is expected to play a complementary role alongside explosive running back Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions’ system has been productive for secondary backs as well, with David Montgomery scoring 33 rushing touchdowns over the past three seasons.

At 27 years old, Pacheco is nearing the stage where running backs often see their value decline. His aggressive running style has always been part of his identity, but it could also shorten his career longevity.

Still, even in a limited role behind Gibbs, a productive season could help Pacheco secure a multi-year contract next offseason.

1. P Jack Fox

Punter Jack Fox is entering the final year of the contract that once made him the highest-paid punter in the NFL.

While he now ranks seventh among punters in average annual salary, Fox has remained one of the league’s most reliable specialists. In 2024, he earned both Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors.

Although his yards-per-punt average dipped slightly in 2025, Fox still ranked among the league’s best in several key metrics. His 42.8 net average ranked 10th in the NFL, and he forced a league-high 26 fair catches while placing half of his punts inside the 20-yard line.

Those numbers highlight how effective punting goes beyond raw distance. If Fox delivers another strong season in 2026, the Lions could once again consider rewarding him with a new contract.

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