The Detroit Lions‘ offseason started earlier than they would have wanted, but now they can get a head start on 2026.

The Lions finished a disappointing 9-8 in 2025 and were left without a playoff berth for the first time since 2022. The team then fired offensive coordinator John Morton and is searching for his replacement.

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Whoever replaces Morton will have a busy offseason trying to help Detroit get back into Super Bowl contention.

LIONS INSIDER: Offseason to-do list priorities, free agency questions

Free agency, the scouting combine and the 2026 NFL Draft highlight the NFL’s offseason events, with the Lions aiming to be active participants to improve their roster for the 2026 season. There are key positions on Detroit’s offensive and defensive line to upgrade, with the Lions having several options to make those upgrades.

Here are the key offseason dates to know as the Lions re-tool for 2026.

Jan. 27: East-West Shrine Bowl.

Feb. 23 – March 2: Scouting combine.

March 3: Deadline for franchise or transition tags.

March 9 – 11: Early negotiation period.

March 11: Free agency signing period and trading period begins.

April 20: Offseason workout programs begin.

April 23 – 25: 2026 NFL Draft (in Pittsburgh).

Mid-July: Rookie training camp can begin.

Late-July: Veteran training camp can begin.

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1st round: No. 17 overall.

2nd round: No. 50 overall.

4th round: No. 118 overall.

5th round: No. 155 overall.

5th/6th round: TBD (potential compensatory pick).

7th round: No. 222 (acquired from Cleveland Browns).

The Lions own their original first, second, fourth and fifth-round draft picks in 2026. They traded both their 2026 third-round picks to move up for receiver Isaac TeSlaa in the 2025 draft and acquired their sixth and seventh-round picks through various trades in previous seasons.

Lions pending free agents in 2026Unrestricted free agentsRestricted free agents

A restricted free agent has three accrued NFL seasons and is on an expiring contract. His current team gets to make a qualifying offer before the free agent can sign with any other team.

Exclusive rights free agents

This is a player with less than three accrued seasons on an expiring contract. His team has exclusive rights to sign him to a deal, and he can only go elsewhere if his team does not offer him a contract.

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Detroit Lions NFL schedule 2026

Dates, times and TV info will be announced later this year, most likely in mid-May.

*2025 playoff teams denoted by asterisk

Home games

New England Patriots (14-3)*

One of these home games will be played internationally, though the NFL has not indicated which game or when.

Away games

Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)*

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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Offseason NFL dates and free agents for the Detroit Lions