How Detroit Lions' 2026 Roster is Worse Than Last Spring

The Detroit Lions began their first OTA period with three three-day sessions to assess roster needs ahead of training camp. The offseason featured significant leadership churn, including not re-signing linebacker Alex Anzalone and releasing longtime linemen Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow, moves influenced by the salary cap. Decker’s exit followed earlier retirement talk and a contract dispute, while Anzalone departed for the Buccaneers. The team also traded running back David Montgomery to the Texans and lost nose tackles Roy Lopez and DJ Reader, creating openings for players such as Tyleik Williams. Free agency leaned toward short-term deals, with injury risk noted in signings like Payton Turner and Chuck Clark, and Larry Borom also departing.