Only Detroit Lions players currently under contract are evaluated in this breakdown. Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFAs) and Restricted Free Agents (RFAs) are not included, while players signed to Futures contracts are included.
This analysis reflects the roster as of the time of writing and focuses on projected roster status, depth, and overall unit strength heading into the 2026 season.
Roster Breakdown (Under Contract Only)
Quarterback (QB)
Make the Team: Jared Goff
On the Bubble: N/A
Cut: N/A
Goff is the only quarterback under contract at the time of writing. No further analysis is needed here.
Existing Unit Grade: Above League Standard
Running Back (RB)
Make the Team: Jahmyr Gibbs
On the Bubble: David Montgomery (financial), Sione Vaki
Cut: Kye Robichaux, Jabari Small
David Montgomery likely returns on a reduced number. Vaki hasn’t received non–garbage time carries but provides special teams value. Robichaux and Small profile as camp bodies or practice squad candidates and do not threaten the 53-man roster.
Existing Unit Grade: Above League Standard
Tight End (TE)
Make the Team: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright
On the Bubble: N/A
Cut: Zach Horton
The biggest question is LaPorta’s health following back surgery for a herniated disc during the 2025 season. Wright is a solid TE2/TE3 and offers little cap savings if released. Horton is not NFL-caliber but will serve as a camp body after signing a Futures deal.
Expect Detroit to add at tight end via free agency and the draft. A Day 2 or Day 3 pick would not be surprising, especially with LaPorta’s future contract and recent injury history in mind.
Existing Unit Grade: Above League Standard
Wide Receiver (WR)
Make the Team: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa
On the Bubble: Dominic Lovett, Malik Cunningham
Cut: Jackson Meeks
The top three are locked in and should dominate snaps in 2026. Detroit is unlikely to invest heavily here, instead adding at the margins. Lovett and Cunningham are competing for a single WR5/return role. Meeks could return on the practice squad.
Existing Unit Grade: Above League Standard
Offensive Tackle (OT)
Make the Team: Penei Sewell
On the Bubble: Taylor Decker (retirement), Giovanni Manu
Cut: Mason Miller, Devin Cochran
Detroit will continue adding here. Decker likely returns if he wants to play, as replacing him wouldn’t justify the potential $12M (2026) or $18M (2027) savings. Manu remains a developmental player and could transition inside.
A first-round tackle selection remains firmly in play.
Existing Unit Grade: Elite Top End, Lacks Depth
Interior Offensive Line (IOL)
Make the Team: Tate Ratledge, Miles Frazier, Christian Mahogany
On the Bubble: Graham Glasgow (financial/retirement)
Cut: Colby Sorsdal, Seth McLaughlin
Ratledge and either Frazier or Mahogany should open the season as starters. A veteran center addition remains a priority (including a potential Frank Ragnow return). Glasgow could return in a reduced role and salary.
Existing Unit Grade: About League Average, Needs Veteran Leadership
EDGE
Make the Team: Aidan Hutchinson
On the Bubble: Ahmed Hassanien
Cut: N/A
Only two edge defenders are under contract. Hassanien carries no guaranteed money, making him a cut risk. Detroit must make a significant investment opposite Hutchinson through the draft, free agency, or both.
Existing Unit Grade: Elite Top End, Desperate for Depth
Defensive Tackle (DT)
Make the Team: Alim McNeill, Tyliek Williams
On the Bubble: Mekhi Wingo
Cut: Tyler Lacy, Chris Smith
McNeill and Williams project as starters. Expect Detroit to add a veteran and a late-round draft pick. Wingo’s roster retention throughout 2025 suggests the team still sees potential.
Existing Unit Grade: About League Average, Needs Depth
Linebacker (LB)
Make the Team: Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes
On the Bubble: N/A
Cut: N/A
Both are locks, but the unit lacks depth. Expect turnover, possibly including a Day 2 weakside linebacker selection.
Existing Unit Grade: Elite Top End, Desperate for Depth
Cornerback (CB)
Make the Team: DJ Reed, Terrion Arnold
On the Bubble: Ennis Rakestraw, Khalil Dorsey
Cut: N/A
Rakestraw’s health remains a concern. Dorsey is a core special teamer with limited defensive usage. All four could return, but Detroit is still likely to add a CB2/CB3 type.
Safety (SAF)
Make the Team: Kirby Joseph, Brian Branch
On the Bubble: Thomas Harper, Dan Jackson, Loren Strickland
Cut: N/A
Joseph and Branch are locks. Two of the three bubble players likely stick. A veteran depth signing remains possible.
Specialists
Make the Team: P Jack Fox, LS Hogan Hatten
Bubble/Cut: N/A
This group should remain intact. Kicker Jake Bates is an ERFA and is virtually guaranteed to return.