An inability to build around the likes of Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford shortened these greats' tenures in Detroit. Stafford asking for a trade in 2021 brought another rebuild, one that now stands as a signature overhaul in the 21st-century NFL.
Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell ignited a moribund franchise. As former Lions peers in the NFL basement go through more structural turnover, we are now in Year 6 of the Holmes-Campbell regime. Although Sanders lifted reasonably talented rosters in the 1990s -- albeit without consistent quarterback play -- it is safe to call the current Lions setup the most well-run operation in the Motor City since the AFL-NFL merger 56 years ago.
The team is now in a third offseason where extensions are due for homegrown talent. The 2024 offseason brought timely paydays for Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell and Jared Goff. The Lions later circled back to extending Taylor Decker and Alim McNeill as well. Last year brought re-ups for Kerby Joseph and Jameson Williams. This offseason does not supply decisions at cornerstone positions, giving it less flash but arguably more intrigue.
The Lions' batch of extension candidates entering the offseason play positions featuring three depressed markets, with the fourth candidate -- safety Brian Branch -- coming off an ACL tear. Detroit already paid Jack Campbell, who is now the NFL's second-highest-paid off-ball linebacker, and must decide on Jahmyr Gibbs' value and whether to let Sam LaPorta play out a contract year or reach an agreement now. The positions these young talents play present an interesting opportunity, though having so many candidates for top-market deals at low- or medium-priority areas will require a critical macro evaluation from the Holmes-led front office.
“it is safe to call the current Lions setup the most well-run operation in the Motor City since the AFL-NFL merger 56 years ago”.
Both the Tigers and Pistons have had some recent good seasons so that’s debatable. If consistency counts for anything, the Redwings who made the NHL playoffs 25 consecutive years, should get the nod as the best run operation in Detroit.