Lions Lose Key Players in Free Agency, Raising Questions About Draft Plans

Experts weigh in on how Detroit's free-agent moves will impact their upcoming draft strategy.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 8:06pm

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The Detroit Lions have had a relatively quiet free agency period so far, losing several key players like EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad, LB Alex Anzalone, and OT Taylor Decker. While the team has made some marginal additions like C Cade Mays and RB Isiah Pacheco, experts are divided on whether the Lions are better or worse off heading into the 2026 NFL Draft compared to the end of last season.

Why it matters

The Lions are looking to build on their recent success and make a push for the playoffs, but the loss of veteran contributors like Muhammad, Anzalone, and Decker could create holes that need to be addressed in the draft. How Detroit navigates free agency and the draft will be crucial in determining their chances of contending in the NFC North.

The details

The Lions' free-agent decisions have reportedly caused some disagreement between head coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes. Campbell is said to have wanted to retain players like Anzalone and Muhammad, while Holmes opted to let them walk in favor of younger, cheaper options. The team has also lost RB David Montgomery and CB Amik Robertson, further depleting their roster. In response, the Lions have signed players like Mays, Pacheco, and CB Roger McCreary, but experts are unsure if these role players can help the team reach the next level.

  • The Lions' free-agent losses occurred throughout March 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, known for his loyalty to players and desire to retain veteran contributors.

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions, who has taken a more analytical approach to roster-building and free agency.

Al-Quadin Muhammad

A veteran EDGE rusher who played for the Lions and is now a free agent.

Alex Anzalone

A veteran linebacker who played for the Lions and is now a free agent.

Taylor Decker

A veteran offensive tackle who played for the Lions and is now a free agent.

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What they’re saying

“If there is any merit to this, I would think some of the disagreement would have to do with players they want to retain. Campbell has shown immense loyalty to his players throughout his tenure, and so some of this dissent could have to do with the decisions to let Taylor Decker and Alex Anzalone walk.”

— Christian Booher, Lions Analyst

“I could also envision Campbell disagreeing with Holmes over whether the organization should have kept players like Taylor Decker, David Montgomery and Amik Robertson.”

— Vito Chirco, Lions Analyst

What’s next

The Lions will look to address their roster needs through the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April. They hold the 17th overall pick and will likely target positions like EDGE, offensive tackle, and linebacker to replace the players they've lost in free agency.

The takeaway

The Lions' free-agency decisions have created some internal tension and left the team with holes to fill in the draft. While they've made some minor additions, the loss of veteran contributors like Muhammad, Anzalone, and Decker could make it difficult for the Lions to take the next step and contend for a playoff spot in 2026.