As Year 5 of the Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell era approaches what looks like another disappointing season, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky has weighed in on what the Detroit Lions’ next steps need to be.

Despite mounting evidence suggesting the Lions may miss the playoffs once again, GM Brad Holmes remains confident that the team isn’t fully in a “Super Bowl window.” That conviction, while admirable, may have contributed to a lack of major offseason moves, which critics argue have been necessary to take the team to the next level.

The Current Phase of the Lions’ Rebuild

Rebuilds in the NFL often happen in phases. The first phase focuses on moving from past mediocrity to consistent playoff contention, which the Lions have achieved to some extent. However, this current phase, according to Orlovsky, is coming to a close, and the franchise must now pivot to version 2 of their rebuild.

Dan Orlovsky’s Take on the Lions’ Future

On the latest edition of NFL Live, Orlovsky broke down the clear next steps for Detroit:

“I think the question is, what was the cornerstone for this rebuild that’s now become a weakness? That’s the offensive line. And then, what’s version 2 of this rebuild? Because version 1 seems to have closed this window right now.”

Orlovsky added that while the Lions still have a “window” with Brad Holmes as GM and Dan Campbell as head coach, the team hasn’t fully capitalized on it yet. The focus now must be on deciding which players to retain and how much to invest in key contributors like Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell as they approach their second, high-value contracts.

“The drafting will have to continue to be a home run. But I just want to see what’s gonna be the next steps of version 2 of this rebuild in Detroit,” Orlovsky explained.

Why the Draft Pipeline is Critical

Detroit’s last two draft classes haven’t delivered immediate impact, and some young players take time to develop. However, maintaining a strong talent pipeline of rookie contract players is essential. If the Lions fail to return to their previous drafting success, version 2 of the rebuild risks falling short, much like a disappointing sequel rather than a championship-worthy evolution.

The message is clear: the Detroit Lions’ next phase must focus on smart roster decisions, strategic contract management, and high-impact draft picks to ensure the team transitions from a rebuilding contender to a true NFL playoff threat.