Wonderful news: Two of the NFL biggest players announced their interest in the Lions following the trade deadline.
The Detroit Lions were unquestionably in the top-10 when we last looked at NFL power rankings, but most analysts had them outside of that elite group of teams. But since the Lions’ impressive postseason run, that conversation has taken a significant turn.
As we approach the 2024 offseason, the Lions find themselves in the conversation as one of the greatest teams in football following their NFC Championship appearance and near-victory.
Let’s examine some of the early offseason power rankings that have been released by various sources in more detail.
With money to spend ($47 million in cap space) and, surprisingly, an offensive coordinator (Ben Johnson, who turned down the Washington Commanders to stay in Detroit), everyone’s favorite underdog had the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. Remaining under contract is every major offensive contributor for a team that finished fifth in the league in scoring (27.35 points per game).
It wasn’t poor-mouthing when head coach Dan Campbell stated following the Niners game that it would be “twice as hard” to return to that level the following season; rather, it was his first inspirational speech of the 2024 campaign.
The Lions have a great setup. They have recently drafted as well as any team, particularly with a strong class of 2023. With $50.2 million in projected salary-cap space, they rank seventh. They have used up all of their draft picks from the Matthew Stafford trade, but they still have four selections in the top 100, including a first-round pick by themselves. Although it’s risky to predict a team’s next move because it frequently isn’t, the Lions should be pleased with where they are.
Although Dan Campbell is correct that the Lions might never return to the NFC Championship Game, I don’t believe anyone is more prepared to contend outside of the two Super Bowl teams. Due to the youth of almost all of Detroit’s core players, there aren’t many significant free agents.
Reentering as offensive coordinator was Ben Johnson’s decision. That’s before you factor in the fact that the Lions have $50 million in salary cap space, and Jared Goff’s extension could free up even more. They might field an even stronger squad in 2024; they were just one play away from making it to the Super Bowl this year.
The Lions have developed a young enough core over the last 18 months, even accounting for the NFL’s cyclical nature, to imply that they intend to stick around for the long haul, at least as long as Jared Goff continues to play well. I currently have the following queries for them:
1. How will they bounce back from that heartbreaking playoff defeat?
2. Now that they are prohibitive favorites, how will they continue to adopt a “us versus the world” mentality?
The Lions don’t have many holes to cover offensively. The defense, however, is a different matter. The Lions are the team with the 29th overall draft pick, following their appearance in the NFC Championship Game. A second cornerback would be a nice addition to the front four to help with pass coverage, as this unit gave up the sixth-most passing yards (247.4) per game this past season.
They should also think about bolstering the defensive line and secondary. In their process of drafting and signing players, the Lions, according to general manager Brad Holmes, will remain “very strategic” and “very selective,” but they will also use free agency when necessary.
With Brad Holmes having the money overall to keep filling more holes through free agency and the draft, and Dan Campbell not losing his coordinators, the Lions will have even more hype as a potential playoff power following their breakout run to the NFC championship game.
Easily the best team in the franchise’s history dating back to the 1966 Super Bowl. Definitely a squad that the 2024 edition might surpass.
For the Lions, it was a fantastic year as they advanced to the NFC Championship Game. But strengthening the defense is one thing they must do.
Even though the Lions’ incredible season came to an end with a heartbreaking loss in the NFC championship game, Detroit’s 2023 campaign is unquestionably a success.
One of the most significant personnel decisions of the offseason was offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s decision to remain with the Lions; additionally, Detroit has the cap space to add talent in the coming months at wide receiver, edge rusher, and cornerback.
