Why Detroit Lions Still Believe Team Is 'Not Far Off'

The Detroit Lions remain confident the team is in good position to remain competitive in 2026.

Missing the postseason in 2025 was a significant setback, forcing the front office and coaching staff to take a deeper dive into what went south.

Head coach Dan Campbell, speaking with WJBK Fox 2 Detroit at the annual league meeting, shared the team is still in a good position to compete for a Lombardi Trophy, based on the core group of players that were acquired in the NFL Draft.

“That is it. That’s what we believe. We know that other teams have done it different, we both know that. There’s different ways to get to where you want to go," said Campbell. "We’ve always believed, he and I both, that’s where it starts. We’ve got the hard part down."

Detroit features many offensive weapons and a young defense that is learning Kelvin Sheppard's defensive principles.

"We’ve got the quarterback, we’ve got two receivers, we’ve got a tight end, we’ve got the back, we’ve got a freakin’ tackle, we’ve got freakin’ Hutch, we’ve got Jack, we’ve got Branch," said Campbell. "So we’ve got these pieces in certain areas, and then we’ve just got to fill in around it and help complement those guys. We’re not far off. Nobody said it’s gonna be easy, but the future looks bright if you’re asking me.”

Detroits free agency strategy has remained disciplined, despite many supporters clamoring for the team to add more high-priced, high-end talent to the roster.

General manager Brad Holmes has again looked to and has been successful in adding players on affordable, short-term contracts.

Center Cade Mays filled an obvious need at center, but the remaining free agents are mostly role players.

“Brad and I have been pleased. There again, every year, the hard thing is you lose guys that you really depended on and that you think a lot of and unfortunately you can’t keep everybody. Those guys that we have really leaned on, we’re gonna miss those guys," said Campbell. "But it’s also exciting to bring in the next crop of guys that you feel like fit what you’re about.

"We feel like we’ve done that with our guys, and we’re not done," Campbell commented further. "But, we feel like these guys, these pieces in free agency, will fit the core of this team and what we’re about. And then you go into the draft.”