Take III: After breaking news changed things a couple of times, here's my attempt to project how the Lions could/should navigate free agency this week:
Updated 2026 draft order:
1. New York Jets
2. New York Jets
3. New York Jets
4. Tennessee Titans
5. New York Jets
6. New York Jets
7. New York Jets
8. Atlanta Falcons
9. New York Jets
10. New York Jets
11. New York Jets
12. New York Jets
13. New
Just laying out the quickest of scenarios:
If the Lions beat the Panthers next week AND
the Seahawks lose on the road to the Chiefs AND
the Commanders lose on the road to the 49ers
The Lions would climb into the final playoff spot in the NFC just in time for Christmas.
Dan Campbell said he was honest with the locker room this might have been their only shot. He doesn't believe that, he doesn't think that, but it's the reality of the NFL. Said it will be twice as difficult next year.
Former Ravens Pro-Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler intends to sign a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions, per source. Zeitler is flying to Detroit tonight to take a physical with the plan to sign Tuesday with the Lions.