NFL Insider Provides Optimism for Lions After Disappointing Season

Jeremy Fowler says Detroit "no need to panic" heading into 2026 after 9-8 finish in 2025.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Despite a disappointing 9-8 season in 2025, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler says the Detroit Lions have "no need to panic" heading into the 2026 season. Fowler cited the team's talented roster and the hiring of new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing as reasons for optimism. The Lions will also look to address defensive needs in the upcoming draft, with predictions they will use multiple early picks on defensive players.

Why it matters

The Lions were expected to take a big step forward in 2025 after a 15-2 season in 2024, but instead regressed, finishing tied for last in the NFC North. How the team responds this offseason will be crucial in determining if they can get back on track and return to playoff contention.

The details

The Lions faced challenges in 2025, losing both their offensive and defensive coordinators after the 2024 season. However, the team's core roster remains intact, and new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing is expected to provide a boost. The Lions are also looking to address defensive needs in the upcoming draft, with predictions they will use multiple early picks on defensive players like edge rusher Akheem Mesidor and linebackers Kyle Louis and Harold Perkins.

  • The Lions finished the 2025 season with a 9-8 record, tied for last in the NFC North.
  • The Lions hired Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator for the 2026 season.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Jeremy Fowler

An NFL insider who works for ESPN and provided an optimistic outlook on the Detroit Lions heading into the 2026 season.

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, who is not one to back down after facing adversity.

Drew Petzing

The new offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, hired to help improve the team's offense after a disappointing 2025 season.

Akheem Mesidor

An edge rusher out of the University of Miami who is projected to be drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Kyle Louis

A linebacker out of the University of Pittsburgh who is projected to be drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third or fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Detroit still has one of the league's most talented rosters and should jump right back into contention.”

— Jeremy Fowler (ESPN)

“I think he's going to fit in really like a glove. To be a really good coordinator, I think you have to know all of it. You have to know the run game, you have to know protections and certainly the pass game. Drew, he checks every one of those boxes, man. It was about somebody being detailed, have knowledge of it, enthusiastic, good communicator. All of those things.”

— Dan Campbell, Head Coach (Detroit Lions)

What’s next

The Lions will look to address their defensive needs in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they are projected to use multiple early picks on defensive players.

The takeaway

Despite a disappointing 2025 season, the Detroit Lions have reason for optimism heading into 2026. With a talented roster, a new offensive coordinator, and a focus on improving the defense in the draft, the Lions have the pieces in place to bounce back and return to playoff contention.