Lions Face $1 Billion Roster Challenge Amid Coaching Turnover

Detroit's high-priced stars may limit roster flexibility as team looks to bounce back from 9-8 season.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Detroit Lions are facing a potential $1 billion in player contract commitments as they look to rebound from a disappointing 9-8 season in 2025. After two straight playoff appearances, the Lions lost key offensive coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn to head coaching jobs, leading to a step back. With star players like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jahmyr Gibbs commanding top dollar, GM Brad Holmes must balance the roster and address defensive needs in free agency.

Why it matters

The Lions appeared poised for a Super Bowl run after back-to-back strong seasons, but the loss of their top offensive coaches and a dip in defensive performance led to a step back in 2025. Now, with nearly $1 billion committed to their top players, the Lions face a challenge in maintaining roster depth and improving on the defensive side of the ball to get back into contention.

The details

The Lions' 9-8 record in 2025 was a disappointment after they went 12-5 in 2024 and 15-2 in 2025, making it to the Super Bowl. The departure of offensive coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, who took head coaching jobs elsewhere, was a key factor in the team's regression. With star players like quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs all commanding top dollar, GM Brad Holmes must find a way to balance the roster and address defensive needs through free agency.

  • The Lions went 12-5 in the 2024 season.
  • The Lions went 15-2 in the 2025 season and made it to the Super Bowl.
  • The Lions slumped to 9-8 in the 2025 season.

The players

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, entering his 5th season with the team.

Aaron Glenn

The former defensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, who left to take a head coaching job elsewhere.

Ben Johnson

The former offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, who left to take a head coaching job elsewhere.

Jared Goff

The starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions.

Amon-Ra St. Brown

The star wide receiver for the Detroit Lions.

Jahmyr Gibbs

The running back for the Detroit Lions who is in line for a big contract extension.

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions, who must balance the roster and address defensive needs.

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What they’re saying

“Detroit has committed nearly $1 billion to star players on extensions, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs is the next to be paid. Will that affect roster depth? GM Brad Holmes faces a balancing act, as the Lions need to improve their run defense and add talent to the secondary.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Lions will need to address their defensive needs through free agency this offseason, as they look to get back into contention after a disappointing 9-8 season.

The takeaway

The Lions' high-priced roster commitments could limit their flexibility to improve the team's defense, which was a weakness in 2025. GM Brad Holmes must find a way to balance the roster and get the most out of the team's star players to put the Lions back in the Super Bowl window.