​The Detroit Lions head into the 2026 campaign with lofty expectations after finishing 9-8 last season, a year that tempered their optimism and underscored the work still needed to reclaim the NFC North. The organization undertook substantial changes on both sides of the ball this offseason in a deliberate bid to rebound, reenergize the franchise, and position itself as a legitimate title contender. General manager Brad Holmes used free agency and the draft to address a variety of needs, while the departure of the old regime and the arrival of a new offensive play caller signaled a refreshed approach. New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing inherits an offense that, on paper, remains among the most talented in the league, boasting the kind of depth and playmaking ability that can elevate a good unit into a great one. Yet even teams with star power have vulnerabilities, and Detroit is no exception as it looks toward 2026.
Here are three major red flags the Lions will need to navigate as the season approaches.
1) Finding a reliable pass rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson
One of Detroit’s biggest questions is who will consistently generate pressure to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. Last season, Al-Quadin Muhammad totaled 11 sacks, but those numbers came with caveats. He notched 7.5 sacks in three bursts, then faded for stretches, making it clear that the Lions need steady production beyond Hutchinson. The task of replacing that impact goes beyond raw sack totals; it’s about sustaining pressure, hurrying quarterbacks, and disrupting timing on a down-to-down basis.
The competition to fill this role features veteran DJ Wonnum and rookie Derrick Moore, with Payton Turner also in the mix. Turner, a first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2021, has battled injuries throughout his career. If he can stay healthy, his athleticism could add a dangerous dimension to Detroit’s edge rush, giving the defense a versatile option off the edge. Wonnum brings valuable NFL experience and a track record as a dependable rotational rush presence, which could stabilize the position if he wins the job. Moore, as the highest-drafted edge defender selected by Holmes since Hutchinson, carries notable upside. However, betting on a rookie to immediately anchor the position carries inherent risk, even in a defensive system built to maximize edge pressure.
2) Questions remain in the cornerback room
Detroit’s secondary endured a shakeup when it parted ways with former first-round pick Terrion Arnold. While Arnold wasn’t a breakout star, his departure creates more uncertainty at a position group that is already relatively thin. The top of the depth chart is expected to be led by DJ Reed, who emerged as a reliable option prior to last season’s hamstring setback. Reed’s performance after returning from injury raised questions about whether he can recapture his previous form, and the Lions will need him to become a consistent shutdown presence to anchor the defense.
The competition for the No. 2 cornerback job promises to be one of training camp’s most intriguing battles. Veteran Rock Ya-Sin enters as a favorite, but third-year defensive back Ennis Rakestraw will receive ample opportunities to prove himself and earn meaningful snaps. If neither player can clearly separate themselves, Detroit could find itself in need of more answers as the season unfolds.
3) Another new offensive coordinator for a high-profile unit
With Drew Petzing stepping in as offensive coordinator, Detroit is once again adjusting to a new voice calling plays and designing the game plan. Petzing inherits a weapons-laden offense on paper, featuring skill players who are capable of producing in multiple ways and creating matchup problems for defenders. The challenge for Petzing will be to harmonize these talents into a cohesive, efficient attack that can consistently move the ball, exploit defenses, and stay ahead of opposing game plans.
In short, Detroit’s 2026 outlook is built on a foundation of talent and a hunger to reclaim its place atop the division. But the Lions’ path back to serious contention will hinge on three clear hurdles: cementing a reliable edge presence opposite Hutchinson, stabilizing and maximizing the cornerback depth and performance, and integrating a new offensive coordinator into a framework that demands immediate results. If Detroit can navigate these red flags, the franchise’s window to contend could be wide open in what promises to be a pivotal season.