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Lions | OC adding new things to scheme Sat Jun 7, 11:12 AM
Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff said offensive coordinator John Morton is keeping some things that the offensive has done in the past but is also adding some new things to the offensive scheme.
Footballguys view: Taking over for new Bears HC Ben Johnson, Morton said the team's offense will remain "predicated" on Goff. Morton has only called plays one season in the NFL (2017, Jets) and was fired after that. Goff has been incredibly productive under Johnson, so Morton had better keep his foot on the gas in 2025. New wrinkles are great, but this offense is a sports car with a ton of expectations. |
Jared Goff player page
Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) told reporters on Thursday, June 5, that he underwent cleanup knee surgery in the offseason.
Footballguys view: While St. Brown has not participated during the offseason program, he fully expects to be ready for training camp in July. He's in line for another huge season as the no.1 receiver for the Lions, so St. Brown is a clear-cut WR1 and set-it-and-forget-it starter for Fantasy GMs out there. |
Amon-Ra St. Brown player page
Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams, RB Jahmyr Gibbs and TE Sam LaPorta are a few of the players who have stood out the most to head coach Dan Campbell this spring.
Footballguys view: These are players we should expect to stand out at OTAs. Williams is coming off a career year in 2024, and he could post even better numbers this year. Gibbs is a stud running back who stars as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. LaPorta is a playmaker tight end who could finish in the top-5 at his position. We love the update from coach Campbell, but everyone pretty much knows these guys will be stand out players in 2025. |
Jahmyr Gibbs player page
Sam LaPorta player page
Free-agent C Trystan Colon (Cardinals) agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions Wednesday, June 4, according to a source. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Link to storyDetroit Lions C Frank Ragnow announces his retirement on social media on Monday, June 2.
Footballguys view: Ragnow, who turned 29 in May, spent his entire career with the Lions. A first-round pick in 2018, he started all 96 games he played. While Ragnow has battled through several injuries, he was also a three-time, second-team All-Pro selection, a four-time Pro Bowler, and an integral part of a unit that ranked No. 2 on Footballguy Matt Bitonti's 2025 Offensive Line Rankings. Multiple reporters on the Lions beat note second-round pick Tate Ratledge had been taking snaps at center during the team's offseason program. |
Detroit Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Friday, May 30.
Footballguys view: Head coach Dan Campbell indicated in his pre-practice press conference that the Lions were operating with an abundance of caution on the injury front, which is understandable after the dreadful rash of injuries derailed the playoff push in 2024. So, we shouldn't read much into Teslaa's absence until we learn more. |
Detroit Lions LB Jack Campbell (hip) underwent a minor hip operation at the end of last season and was limited in practice on Friday, May 30. However, he told reporters that his hip is no longer an issue.
Link to storyJack Campbell player page
Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams has 'gotten so much stronger' this offseason, according to head coach Dan Campbell. Per Campbell, the 'sky's the limit for him' and they 'expect him to have a huge season.'
Footballguys view: Williams finally played up to his potential last year, posting career-highs in receptions (58), receiving yards (1,001), and receiving touchdowns (7). New OC John Morton is predicting a breakout season, but Fantasy GMs still see Williams as an inconsistent WR3/flex option with upside. |
Detroit Lions LB Abraham Beauplan was waived on Tuesday, May 27.
Link to storyFree-agent LB Zach Cunningham (Broncos) signed an undisclosed contract with the Detroit Lions on Tuesday, May 27.
Link to storyZach Cunningham player page
Cincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson does not appear to be a serious trade target for the Detroit Lions at this time, according to the Detroit Free-Press' Dave Birkett.
Link to storyTrey Hendrickson player page
Detroit Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa probably will start off as the No. 5 receiver for the Lions this upcoming season and is not expected to be a candidate for the No. 3 receiver job, in the opinion of the Detroit Free-Press' Dave Birkett.
Footballguys view: The rookie is an athletic freak, and we love adding him in dynasty formats. This year, TeSlaa will be buried on the depth chart. However, the upside is there for him to be a starter for this team in the future. |
Detroit Lions OT Penei Sewell told reporters recently that he has been trying to add more size and strength to his 6-foot-5, 335-pound frame this offseason without losing any mobility.'I just wanted to get bigger and stronger, while maintaining my speed and conditioning. I just stayed here in Michigan working with the strength staff, it's just moving big weight fast, always trying to up the weight,' Sewell said.
Link to storyDetroit Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson (leg) is fully cleared to practice, and contract extension talks are expected to 'kickstart' now that he is healthy, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Footballguys view: Hutchinson said he has been "fully cleared" to return from the fractured tibia and fibula he suffered in 2024. Now, it's time for the two sides to talk contract. He's one of the best in the business at the EDGE position, but this injury may keep his next contract from being a market-resetting deal. |
Detroit Lions first-round draft choice DT Tyleik Williams signed a four-year contract with the Lions Wednesday, May 21, worth $16.458 million. The deal includes a fifth-year option.
Link to storyDetroit Lions third-round draft choice WR Isaac TeSlaa (Arkansas) signed his four-year rookie contract worth a reported $6.6 million - including a signing bonus of $1.48 million - on Tuesday, May 20.
Footballguys view: TeSlaa brings a unique size/speed combination to Detroit. His physical skills will make him a big-play threat from the get-go. Because of that, the Footballguys Rookie Draft Guide 3.0 contends TeSlaa has an immediate "better in best ball" profile. For long-term investors, TeSlaa is WR16 on the Footballguys 2025 Rookie Rankings. |
Detroit Lions QB Hendon Hooker 'has a lot of room to grow' but is 'throwing the ball better, his footwork is better, and he understands our concepts (better),' according to quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell.
Footballguys view: Hooker, 27, is entering the third year of his NFL career. He was sidelined for most of his first, as he rehabbed a torn ACL suffered in college. The Tennessee product was granted his first taste of NFL action last year, playing in all three preseason games and making three regular-season appearances in mop-up duty. Given that he missed his entire rookie offseason and got his first opportunity to go through training camp last year, he still stands to benefit greatly from the chances to compete that the offseason provides. But Hooker remains a developmental project as an NFL player. His fantasy relevance is limited to deep dynasty leagues at this point. |
Hendon Hooker player page
Detroit Lions CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is expected to focus on playing outside cornerback this offseason, according to defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend.
Footballguys view: Rakestraw was a second-round pick of the Lions in the 2024 NFL Draft, and coming out of Missouri he was known as a player who was always around the ball. His rookie season was cut short by a hamstring injury, and he only played 46 snaps on defense in eight games. We'll see if he can stay healthy and impress during the offseason and into the preseason. He's likely to be the backup to DJ Reed at the RCB position. |
Detroit Lions DB Avonte Maddox is expected to be used as a backup at slot cornerback and safety, according to safeties coach Jim O'Neil.
Footballguys view: No surprise here. Maddox was drafted by the Eagles (fourth round, 2018), and he's been a solid reserve player for them for years. During his time in the NFL, Maddox has started 41-of-81 games and outside of an injury-shortened 2023 he's been a consistent performer. |
Detroit Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson (leg) looked 'really good' in his return to the practice field this week, according to defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers. Hutchinson was lost for the season in mid-October after suffering a broken tibia and fibula.
Footballguys view: Hutchinson's fifth-year option was picked up earlier this year, and reporters around the team believe an extension is happening sooner rather than later. He's a star on the field when healthy, but Hutchinson's season was cut short last year in Week 6 with a fractured fibula. It sounds like he's doing good in his recovery, and we'll learn more about his status for the start of the regular season in training camp. |
Detroit Lions OL Leif Fautanu was waived on Tuesday, May 13. Undrafted free-agent DL Keith Cooper (Houston) signed an undisclosed contract to replace him on the roster.
Link to storyDetroit Lions WR Jameson Williams is primed to have 'a breakout year' in 2025, according to offensive coordinator John Morton.
Footballguys view: As SI.com suggested, the 2024 season can qualify as a breakout year for Williams in the eyes of many, as he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the first time and set numerous career-high totals. Still, Morton has been blown away with how well Williams has adapted to his style and the plan put in front of him. "When I first got here, he came in to see me," Morton said. "We had a chat, and this is how I'm painting the picture, what you need to do, and how I see it. He has been unbelievable. Unbelievable in the meetings, attention to detail. I'm excited to see him this year." The next step in Williams' development will be consistency. He had his share of big games last season, such as a 121-yard showing in last year's season-opener and his 143-yard performance in Chicago. Now, his development is centered around finding the sweet spot with consistency over the course of the 17-game NFL season. Williams' current Footballguys Projection, WR29, matches his Average Draft Position in early best-balls. |
Detroit Lions TE Caden Prieskorn was waived Monday, May 12.
Link to storyFree-agent WR Malik Taylor (Jets) and DT Raequan Williams (Panthers) signed with the Detroit Lions Monday, May 12. The team also signed undrafted free-agent TE Luke Deal (Auburn). Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
Link to storyMalik Taylor player page
Raequan Williams player page
Detroit Lions fifth-round draft choice OG Miles Frazier, sixth-round draft choice DE Ahmed Hassanein, seventh-round draft choice WR Dominic Lovett and seventh-round draft choice S Dan Jackson signed four-year contracts with the Lions Friday, May 9. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Link to storyDetroit Lions DT Tyleik Williams (undisclosed) was limited during practice Friday, May 9, after a fall that caused an injury. He said the limited participation was a precaution.
Link to storyDetroit Lions sixth-round pick DE Ahmed Hassanein was praised by general manager Brad Holmes for was how hard he plays and how his motor never stops. Hassanein had 17 quarterback hits (third-most in the FBS) and 62 total pressures (fifth-most) while collecting 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss last season at Boise State.
Link to storyDetroit Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa figures to make his initial impact on special teams, in the opinion of beat writer Tim Twentyman.
Footballguys view: TeSlaa is a physical freak with a great size/speed combination, but he never was a returner in college at Hillsdale or Arkansas. The Lions wanted to take a chance on his insane athleticism, and that's why they moved two third-round picks to select him at no.70 overall. Most young players begin on teams, but it may not be long before TeSlaa is making noise on offense for the Lions. We love his upside in dynasty formats. |
Detroit Lions second-round pick OG Tate Ratledge and fifth-round pick OG Miles Frazier will cross-train at both guard spots and center with the hopes of pushing veterans for a starting job.
Link to storyDetroit Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa, who the team drafted in the third round, is a 'potential sleeper' and 'budding freak athlete,' in the opinion of The Detroit Free Press' Carlos Monarrez, but is also someone that could 'need time to develop.' TeSlaa is capable of lining up in the slot or out wide.
Footballguys view: The good news is the Lions, with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, and TE Sam LaPorta all serving as high-end producers in the passing game, have plenty of room for TeSlaa to grow. But the rookie's size, speed, and ability to play the ball can make him a threat for big plays at any point. As noted in the Footballguys Rookie Draft Guide 3.0, TeSlaa has a "better in best ball" profile. But Dynasty investors should also be plenty interested. |
The Detroit Lions rejected an offer from the Philadelphia Eagles on the first night of the 2025 NFL Draft to trade down, which would have seen the Eagles move up from the 32nd overall selection to the 28th overall selection. The Lions wound up drafting DT Tyleik Williams with their first-round pick.
Footballguys view: The Eagles wanted to move up for Alabama LB Jihad Robinson - and they did get him when the Chiefs traded with them to move up one spot to no.31 overall. Eagles GM Howie Roseman loves trades, so you know he was working the phones as much as possible in every round. |
Detroit Lions CB Amik Robertson (arm) has a good chance to be a full participant during offseason workouts, in the opinion of LionsWire's Jimmy Liao.
Link to storyAmik Robertson player page
The Detroit Lions signed undrafted free-agent TE/FB Zach Horton (Indiana) on Sunday, April 27.
Link to storyDetroit Lions WR Jameson Williams had his fifth-year option picked up on Friday, April 25, but it's unclear if the team will sign a long-term extension with Williams. GM Brad Holmes said the team is 'taking it as it goes' in regards to a extension for Williams, and Holmes added that 'you just don't know what's going to happen' due to the cost associated with wide receiver contracts.
Footballguys view: There's no need to rush a deal right now with Williams under contract through the 2026 season. He played up to his potential in 2024 (finally), and the former first-round pick compiled career highs in catches (58), yards (1,001), and touchdowns (7). Lions GM Brad Holmes said the team did not entertain offers for Williams during the draft. If he continues to stay healthy and produce, Williams will earn that extension in a year or so. |
Detroit Lions third-round pick WR Isaac TeSlaa was general manager Brad Holmes' favorite receiver in the draft. 'I do love all of them,' Holmes said. 'I'll give you this, though: The pick that was probably the most questioned, I would say, was (TeSlaa). I can say that he was my favorite wide receiver in this draft. I'm not saying he was the best wide receiver in the draft. But favorite wide receiver in the draft? Yes.'
Footballguys view: TeSlaa was a surprise pick in the middle of Day 2 (the Lions traded up from 102 to land him at 70). As noted in the Footballguys Rookie Draft Guide Version 3.0, "Considering his elite athleticism and quarterback background, he is precisely the type of player the Lions have built around in their highly successful overhaul." The top of the Lions' passing attack is built around Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jameson Williams. In an elite offense and with the size and athleticism to become a red-zone threat, TeSlaa has a "better in best ball" profile. He'll be undervalued in many leagues. |
Detroit Lions WR Antoine Green was waived on Tuesday, April 29.
Link to storyAntoine Green player page
Undrafted free-agent RB Anthony Tyus III (Ohio) and WR Jakobie Keeney-James (Massachusetts) agreed to terms on undisclosed contracts with the Detroit Lions on Sunday, April 27.
Link to storyUndrafted free-agent RB Kye Robichaux (Boston College) signed with the Detroit Lions Sunday, April 27, according to a source. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to storyUndrafted free-agent TE Caden Prieskorn (Mississippi) agreed to terms with the Detroit Lions Saturday, April 26, according to a source.
Link to storyUndrafted free-agent WR Jackson Meeks (Syracuse) agreed to terms with the Detroit Lions Saturday, April 26, according to a source. The deal will include a $20,000 signing bonus and $200,000 in guaranteed money but the other terms were not disclosed.
Link to storyArkansas WR Isaac TeSlaa was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 70th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Link to storyGeorgia OG Tate Ratledge was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 57th overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Link to storyDetroit Lions WR Jameson Williams' fifth-year player option in 2026 was exercised Friday, April 25.
Footballguys view: The Lions had high hopes for Williams when they made him a top-12 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Finally healthy in 2024, Williams had career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Now, the team has Williams under contract through the 2026 season. |
Detroit Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson's fifth-year player option in 2026 was exercised Friday, April 25.
Link to storyOhio State DT Tyleik Williams was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 28th overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Link to storyDetroit Lions S Kerby Joseph agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension with the Lions Wednesday, April 23, worth $86 million, according to sources.
Link to storyDetroit Lions QB Jake Fromm was released Wednesday, April 23.
Link to storyJake Fromm player page
Detroit Lions OT Michael Niese signed his one-year exclusive rights free-agent tender on Tuesday, April 22. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Link to storyDetroit Lions CB Amik Robertson (arm) is recovering from a fractured humerus bone but should be ready for the start of the 2025 season, in the opinion of LionsWire's Jimmy Liao.
Link to storyAmik Robertson player page
Detroit Lions DE Patrick O'Connor (calf) finished the season with a calf injury but is expected to be fine for next season.
Link to story