Feb. 12, 2026, 6:15 p.m. ET

With the Seattle Seahawks‘ dominant 29-13 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, the full 2026 NFL offseason is officially here.

After a 9-8 finish in 2025, the Detroit Lions hope some savvy offseason moves can thrust the franchise right back into NFC North and Super Bowl contention in 2026.

In its first batch of NFL power rankings, ESPN ranks the Lions among the league’s top teams. Detroit checks in at No. 7 overall and as the highest-rated NFC North squad.

ESPN also described the Lions’ offseason in three words: “Retool offensive line.”

After failing to reach the postseason, the Lions need to focus on improving their offensive line — particularly in the interior. Dan Skipper announced his retirement in January, and it goes without saying that the unit wasn’t up to par this season. The Lions were 31st in pass block win rate at 55.5% and could benefit from taking a guard in the early rounds of the 2026 draft. Even All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell admitted after the season that the unit wasn’t completely in sync and will look to get its “swagger back” under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. – Eric Woodyard, ESPN

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Longtime left tackle Taylor Decker may retire or could be a cut candidate to free up some cash for the Lions to extend some of its young stars or to lure in free agents. Christian Mahogany struggled at left guard and Detroit is looking for its long-term answer at center following Frank Ragnow’s retirement last June.

The Lions have been linked to offensive tackle help in early 2026 NFL mock drafts. ESPN’s Field Yates mocked Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling to Detroit and the Lions were seen chatting with Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor at the Senior Bowl.

It’s a long way between now and the start of the 2026 NFL season. There’s other needs for Detroit beyond just shoring up the offensive line, but count ESPN in the camp of early believers that the Lions aren’t as far away from contention as some might think.

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