Detroit is just one week away from closing the book on a painful 2025 campaign. After looking like one of the NFL’s most dominant teams the year before, the Lions never found consistent solutions this season. That reality makes change unavoidable, both on the roster and within the coaching staff.
Still, Detroit doesn’t have the financial flexibility or draft capital to overhaul everything at once. Given the injuries and inconsistency that defined the year, a few Lions are positioned to benefit from a second opportunity in 2026 rather than being written off too quickly.
1. Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard
Sheppard’s inexperience was evident at times during his first season running the defense, particularly when in-game adjustments were slow to arrive. Even so, it’s hard to argue that another defensive coordinator would have fared much better under the circumstances. Injuries to key defensive backs like Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch severely limited what the unit could do, especially on the back end.
Problems up front didn’t help either, as Alim McNeill struggled to return to form after injury and the defense failed to get consistent production elsewhere. With that context, Sheppard deserves at least one more season with a healthier roster to show what his system can look like at full strength.
Detroit is already likely headed for a change on offense, as John Morton no longer appears to be the answer at offensive coordinator. Maintaining some continuity on defense while adding new voices elsewhere could provide the balance the Lions need. Giving Sheppard another year may be the most sensible move.
2. Wide Receiver Dominic Lovett
Lovett turned heads during training camp and preseason, raising expectations that he could carve out a role in the offense. Instead, his regular-season impact was almost nonexistent, logging just 14 offensive snaps all year.
Detroit’s heavy reliance on two-tight-end formations—despite injuries at the position—made it extremely difficult for the rookie to see the field. As a result, Lovett never had a real opportunity to prove himself.
Drafted late at No. 244 overall, the former Georgia standout was always facing long odds. Still, he remains an intriguing option and could be groomed as a potential replacement for impending free agent Kalif Raymond. While there’s no guarantee Lovett develops into a contributor, there’s also little evidence to suggest he should be dismissed outright. Bringing him into camp in 2026 and letting him compete makes sense.
3. Defensive Back Avonte Maddox
Maddox joined the Lions on a one-year deal before the 2025 season, expected to play primarily on special teams while serving as veteran insurance in the secondary. Injuries quickly changed that plan, pushing him into a much larger role than anticipated.
The former Super Bowl winner responded by proving his versatility, lining up at both cornerback and safety and providing steady play when the Lions needed it most. His performance down the stretch showed he can still contribute in meaningful ways.
Re-signing Maddox wouldn’t require a major investment, and he represents dependable depth without settling for replacement-level talent. At this point in his career, returning to Detroit would likely appeal to him as well, especially with the Lions positioned to rebound as NFC contenders in 2026.
His increased usage late in the season was unexpected, but it highlighted just how battered Detroit’s secondary was—and how valuable Maddox proved to be. That alone makes a strong case for bringing him back next year.
