Sharing on his Instagram, cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. updated the Detroit fans about his health conditions. 

“Yeah, I mean, you hate it for the kid, you hate it. It’s not his fault, just one of those tough deals,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell. “All you can do is try to get it better and rehab, come back stronger and move on. That’s all you can do,” the skipper added. 

23-year-old Ennis Rakesstraw suffered a season-ending shoulder injury for which he underwent successful surgery. Ennis landed on the season-ending injured reserve list.

As reported by CBS, during a routine training camp on August 3, 2025. It appeared that during a one-on-one tackling drill, he overextended his right arm.

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. indicated that his focus is now fully on rehabilitation after undergoing shoulder surgery. While no exact return timeline has been publicly confirmed, the expectation is that Rakestraw will spend the remainder of the season recovering and preparing for a full return next year.

Ennis a 2024 drafted into the Detroit Lions in the second round (61st overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Missouri. During his career, he has played 8 games, recording 4 tackles and 2 assists. 

He was also named 2019 Defensive Player of the Year by the Dallas Morning News. In the Missouri draft, he became the highest-selected player drafted by the Detroit Lions.

What Rakestraw’s Injury Means for the Lions Secondary

The Detroit Lions lose depth in the secondary with Ennis Rakestraw Jr. on injured reserve.

The rookie corner was expected to compete for rotational snaps and special teams duties before the shoulder injury ended his season.

Detroit will now rely more on defensive backs like Terrion Arnold and Brian Branch to handle additional coverage responsibilities. The Lions may also evaluate other depth options during the season to maintain stability in the secondary.

Arnold played only 8 games for the Detroit Lions last season. He recorded 23 solo tackles, an interception, and 8 pass deflections. Branch on the other side played 12 games, recording 48 solo tackles and 2.5 sacks.

How will the Lions adjust without Ennis Rakestraw Jr.? Share your thoughts below.

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Trending slideshow: Ranking All NFL Stars Signed By Detroit Lions in NFL Free Agency

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30-year-old free agent Al-Quadin Muhammad signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for this offseason. Getting released from the Detroit Lions, Muhammad agreed to a one-year contract on March 12 for $6 million. 

He was clearly shocked by how the entire thing with the Lions went.

“I don’t really know (with) Detroit (or) how they thought about it or exactly what went into it, and I don’t really care,” Al-Quadin said. “I’m in Tampa, and I’m happy to be in Tampa. And if I’m not mistaken, they’re on a schedule this year, so I’m excited about that.”

Muhammad started his career with the New Orleans Saints in 2017 as a 12th pick in the sixth round. He played one season with the New Orleans Saints, appearing in 4 games. 

In 2018, he joined the Indianapolis Colts for four seasons, playing 64 games, and recorded 106 total tackles, 11 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. In 2024, he joined the Detroit Lions for two seasons, playing in 26 games, with 34 total tackles and 14 sacks.  

The 6ft 4in tall, weighing 250 pounds, linebacker has shown career-altering performance with the Lions. Reaching his career’s peak performance, a physical edge defender known for setting the edge against the run and contributing in rotational pass-rush situations. 

Muhammad told the reporters that he does not want to take any pay or team-friendly deal to stay with the Lions.

Muhammad was excited to join the Buccaneers because of the reunions with former linebacker Alex Anzalone.

“He’s a great, instinctive, smart football player,” Muhammad said. “Me and him are really close, really good friends. So I’m super excited to be able to be on a new team and still play with him. So it’s amazing,” he added. 

What the Release of the Ex-Lions Star Means for the Buccaneers and the Lions

The release of Al-Quadin Muhammad from the Detroit Lions removes a rotational edge defender from the defensive lineup. During his time in the NFL, his career stats reflect his value as a depth pass rusher and run defender.

The Detroit Lions relied on him mainly in rotational packages, perfectly implementing skipper Dan Campbell’s theories.

With his exit, the Lions will likely lean more heavily on players such as Aidan Hutchinson to anchor the pass rush while younger defensive linemen and rotational defenders take on additional snaps along the edge.

Al-Quadin Muhammad brings valuable experience to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive line as he joins stars like Vita Vea and Lavonte David, adding depth to their defensive lineup.

Muhammad’s ability to rotate across the defensive front allows Tampa Bay to keep its pass rush fresh throughout games. His run-stopping ability will also benefit the Buccaneers’ aggressive defensive scheme, where outside defenders are expected to maintain gap discipline while interior linemen collapse the pocket.

If he is integrated with the rotation quickly, Muhammad could become a solid edge option for Tampa Bay. He would also add flexibility to defensive packages during the season, as he was doing in the Lions.

What do you think about the ex-Lions star’s reaction to the Tampa Bay move? Let us know in the comments!

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Trending slideshow: Every Player the Detroit Lions Lost During the 2026 NFL Offseason

Sparsh Tiwari

While talking on the Woodward Sports Network, Ruhl observed that Holmes likes to go “aggressive” during the drafts, and that is what he might be banking on again.

“You can see the way that they pile down later draft picks. I think the plan is pretty clear. Well, we have seen him get aggressive is in the draft, that’s how he rolls.”

Brad Holmes is gaining criticism from the fans for letting go of key defensive players during the initial picks. According to Ruhl, Brad Holmes’ approach is about sticking to a long-term roster-building plan.

Sometimes, free agency works as a gap filler and can be a financial strain. Ruhl’s co-host, Terry Foster, believes Holmes does not want to pay big money for players who go into free agency.

“I think Brad Holmes has a philosophy. All the free agents that you get are usually guys for big money, and those are the guys that all the fans want. You pay them a lot of money they don’t perform. I see a bunch of high-price rate, they either to get injured, or they’re old, or they just don’t play.”

The Detroit Lions are dealing with several roster concerns after key departures and injuries this offseason.

The offense lost veteran stars like David Montgomery, Graham Glasgow, and Taylor Decker, leaving questions about depth in the backfield and on the offensive line. 

On defense, the exit of linebacker Alex Anzalone weakens the middle of the unit. With those gaps forming, the Lions’ rosters are full of gaps. 

How Brad Holmes Can Address Their Roster Gaps After Quiet Free Agency

Brad Holmes can strengthen the Lions roster even without free agency. The first approach is to re-sign veterans like DT D.J. Reader.

Reader is now an unrestricted free agent, but he had also shown interest in staying with the Lions. In an interview with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Reader said that he would love to work with the team.

“I would love to be here. Love the guys, love the coaches. So, we’ll see.”

However, Holmes gets invalid criticism for not going on a spending spree in free agency. He has already added players such as Isiah Pacheco, Cade Mays, and Christian Izien during the early stages of free agency. These were more targeted acquisitions than big-money gambles.

Holmes discussed his philosophy earlier this year at the Lions’ year-ending press conference, where he spoke about evaluating how a player fits the team.

“We have to get past just looking for the most talented player. In my opinion, that’s the prerequisite of evaluation. That’s the – who’s the fastest? Who’s the strongest? Who’s got the most height? That’s a very coherent thing to do. No, it’s how do you find the right intangibles in a football player? And that’s what’s made us who we are.”

Holmes also doesn’t believe his roster is far off from competing in the championship, which implies he will have to get more players in before taking on the ultimate challenge.

What do you think of Brad Holmes’ free agency strategy? Share your thoughts below.

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Trending slideshow: 2026 NFL Combine: Top 10 Takeaways from Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes Press Conference

Sparsh Tiwari

On Sunday, the National Football League Players Association representatives re-elected Reeves-Maybin for a second term. The NFL Players Association is currently meeting in San Diego, where officials announced the news.

“I’m honored that the Board has trusted me to continue serving as president,” said Reeves-Maybin in a statement. “There’s important work ahead, and I’m looking forward to continuing advocating on behalf of our membership to protect our rights and advance our interests,” he added

The ex-Lions star Jalen Reeves-Maybin started his career with the Detroit Lions in 2017 as the 124th overall (fourth round), and has played 117 games since, making 195 total tackles.

Reeves-Maybin has played six seasons with the Lions and one with the Houston Texans in between, before finally signing a deal with the Chicago Bears as a free agent.

The linebacker first stepped into the NFLPA presidency in 2024. During his first tenure as the president, he represented players in league discussions on labor issues, benefits, and player safety while working with the union’s executive committee.

There will also be four new additions to the board to serve on the Executive Committee: Tanoh Kpassagnon, Jonathan Greenard, Harrison Phillips, and Zaire Franklin. 

They will be joining the team of returning Executive Committee members Oren Burks, Cam Heyward, Ted Karras, Case Keenum, Brandon McManus, and Thomas Morstead, who were all re-elected on Sunday.

What Reeves-Maybin’s Second Term as NFLPA President Means for NFL Players

Balancing his responsibilities with his role as an active NFL player and NFLPA president. Jalen Reeves-Maybin, in his second tenure, will continue to be the primary voice of the players in the league’s discussions. 

He has previously talked about avoiding an 18th regular-season game, calling it something that players are not interested in.

“There’s 31 owners, they all have different agendas and opinions on things… We have not opened up any 18-game discussions. It’s not something that the players are excited about or really trying to press for.”

During recent union meetings and media sessions, he emphasized that players are not pushing to reopen the current collective bargaining agreement early and remain cautious about proposals such as expanding the regular season schedule.

He has stressed that player health and long-term career impact remain priorities in any league discussions.

His leadership also extends to internal union operations. Reeves-Maybin has helped guide player representatives through major decisions, including overseeing a player-led process to select interim union leadership after executive-level changes and ensuring communication between the executive committee and players across all 32 teams.

What do you think of Jalen Reeves-Maybin’s reappointment as NFLPA President? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Trending slideshow: Ranking Top 10 Detroit Lions Stars with Most Receptions This Season

Sparsh Tiwari

There is no secret that Dan Campbell needs an offensive line overhaul. This draft pick could be the start of the renovation.

The Detroit Lions hold the 17th pick in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft. 

As per the latest mock draft conducted by CBS Sports, the Lions are in pole position to draft Blake Miller. The 317-pound, 6’7 offensive tackle out of Clemson is in his senior year of college. This would make Jared Goff’s life a little easier at the line of scrimmage. 

Miller is the 5th-ranked prospect for his position in the class of 2026. And as per CBS, Miller fits the bill of what Dan Campbell would be looking for in an offensive tackle. 

Blake Miller (6’6 315) Clemson

+ 4-year starter
+ Reported 35” arm length
+ Grip strength
+ Connecting with his target in space
+ Durability with over 3,600 snaps
+ 83.5 pass blocking grade in 2025
+ 73.3 run block grade
+ Some versatility with over 100 snaps at left tackle in… pic.twitter.com/jiUU18YK3H

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 7, 2026

The Lions’ offensive line issues are well-known and well-documented. It is one of the main reasons they could not replicate the successes they had back in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. 

The Lions have lost Taylor Decker after he requested to be released. Next, the Lions also released Graham Glasgow, along with Frank Ragnow, hanging up his boots. These are three veterans who will not be returning, and that offensive line is looking pretty thin. 

Penei Sewell is the light at the end of the tunnel currently for the Lions, and he will lead their offensive line going into the future. Sewell could also be moved to left tackle, the position he played at Oregon. 

Blake Miller will be a welcome addition to Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions. 

Who are some of the top offensive tackles for the Detroit Lions?

In an ideal world, the Detroit Lions could use all of these guys on their roster. Unfortunately, it is not an ideal world, and the Lions have only one first-round pick. 

If there is a chance that these three prospects slip down to the 17th pick, the Lions should reconsider whom they draft. 

Francis Mauigoa, offensive tackle out of Miami, is the number one-ranked player for his position, and at 329 pounds and 6’6, Mauigoa is described as a tone-setter and a coach’s dream. 

Next on the list is Spencer Fano, an offensive tackle out of Utah, who is the second-ranked player in his position. At 311 pounds and 6’7, he could be another option for the Lions. 

Kadyn Proctor is another name out of Alabama, listed at 352 pounds and 6’7, and is described as a rare combination of mass and movement. Proctor is the third-ranked offensive tackle in the 2026 draft class. 

Campbell and Holmes will look at all their options, and one would hope that the offensive line can protect Jared Goff a little more than they did last season. 

Do you trust Campbell and Holmes’ strategy in the upcoming draft? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Trending slideshow: Every Player the Detroit Lions Lost During the 2026 NFL Offseason

Sparsh Tiwari

On March 14, 2026, Hutchinson shared his feelings on Instagram and reposted a post made by the Chicago Bears, which welcomed Kalif Raymond to the Windy City. 

Hutchinson wrote, “At least we’ll still see you twice a year @Kalifraymond7.” The defensive end is going to miss his friend and teammate. 

Hutchinson will still be able to see his friend soon, rival twice every year as the Bears and the Lions are part of the same NFC North Division and are divisional rivals.  

Following his five-year stay with the Detroit Lions, the veteran wide receiver penned a one-year, $5.1 million contract with the Bears. 

Raymond will enter his tenth NFL season, having signed as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos. Throughout his career, Raymond has played 112 total games and scored 9 touchdowns for 2,554 yards with an average of 13.4.

Moreover, he’s the only Lions player to produce a receiving and a punt return touchdown in history. Raymond accomplished that feat in the 2024 season in a huge 52-14 win against the Titans.

But why Raymond’s departure affect Hutchinson and the Lions so much?

Well, when the star DE joined the Detroit side, Raymond helped him settle into the squad as a veteran. Not only that, but even head coach Dan Campbell was impressed with how reliable and consistent he was.

But now that he has left the Lions, what’s next for him?

Which coach will Raymond be reuniting with?

Kalif Raymond is joining the Chicago Bears, and this reunites him with his former offensive coordinator and now head coach, Ben Johnson. 

This is what the veteran wide receiver said about Ben Johnson.

“I’ll never forget the first day, he had everybody saying ‘Good. Better Best.’ You’re not used to doing chants like that. And then we started winning. And then he started doing it here, and everybody’s winning.” 

Raymond further added, So I’m like, ‘Well, we better be good, better, best, then.’ It’s a testament to who he is. He’s not taking his shit off because he wants to look good.”

“He’s taking his shirt off because he probably slept three hours that week to put all the work into go and win the game. It’s a testament to who he is, and I’m proud of him.” 

Plenty of praise from Raymond to his head coach, the pair spent three seasons together before Johnson accepted the HC role at Chicago. 

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Trending slideshow: Every Player the Detroit Lions Lost During the 2026 NFL Offseason

Sparsh Tiwari

On March 14, 2026, Greg Auman of FOX Sports made the claim. “Former Bucs DB Christian Izien’s one-year deal with the Lions is for the veteran minimum $1.145million with no bonus and nothing guaranteed, per Over the Cap’s record. @Jason_OTC,” Auman posted on X.

12 minutes after this post was made, Christian Izien from his official X account @Chriscrafty_ commented saying, “Hey Greg, always loved and respected your work. But this is incorrect information.” 

Greg Auman has been covering the NFL, particularly the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, since 2013. Auman’s post had 9,049 views during the brief period it was still up. 

Following this mishap, on the same day, Greg Auman posted another update on X, this time sharing a screenshot of their conversation for transparency.

This post has 41k views at the time of writing this article. The most important thing for both the journalist and the player, the misinformation stops spreading like wildfire. 

So, how much is Izien getting paid to play for the Lions?

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN made a post on X regarding the defensive backs’ salary with the Lions for his one-year contract that he signed. 

The post read, “DB Christian Izien’s one-year contract with the Lions is worth $2M, including $1M guaranteed, per source. Izien became a free agent when the Bucs decided not to tender him. 

Greg Auman responded to Jeremy Flower on X, setting the record straight. “There’s the correct financials on Izien,” read the response.

 Meanwhile, Izien is ready to prove his worth and is grateful for the opportunity. “I was looking for, one, a home, somewhere I felt comfortable coming in every day and playing football,” said the safety.

“A coaching staff that believed in me. A city that loves football. I believe I found all of that in Detroit,” he added. We’ll have to wait and see if the move to Detroit pays off.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Trending slideshow: NFL Hall of Shame: Top 10 Worst Free Agency Signings By Detroit Lions In Past 25 Years

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The former Buccaneer spoke to Will Burchfield of FOX 2 and made quite a statement about why he joined his new team. 

The safety said, “I was looking for, one, a home, somewhere I felt comfortable coming in every day and playing football. A coaching staff that believed in me. A city that loves football.” 

Christian Izien further added, “I believe I found all of that in Detroit.” The safety will join Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard for the 2026 NFL season. 

The New Yorker played his college football close to home at Rutgers. Izien was not a draft pick, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him as a free agent. 

In his three seasons as a pro, Christian Izien has played 45 games, made a total of 165 tackles, of which 111 were solo. The safety has also forced a fumble three times. Izien also has three career interceptions. The 200-pound, 5’10 safety will enter his fourth NFL season. 

The 25-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions and has yet to have a role determined. Coming in as a defensive back, Izien could either slot at safety or cornerback. 

What else did Christian Izien say?

Izien lost his starting spot for the Buccaneers last season and played primarily on special teams rather than he did on defense. 

“I do see myself as a starter in this league,” Izien said on Friday in his introductory press conference.

Given that the Lions have a lot of their starters coming back, especially the corners, Izien will need to adapt to a new position. 

“Versatility was always brought up; I know how much that is valued in the league,” he added about the requirement that every team he spoke to was looking for.  

“Having the ability to play multiple positions out there is always an addition to a team and is always going to be something teams are looking for,” he added.

The Detroit Lions have got themselves a young and versatile defender who is raring to go. Do you think he can shine with Detroit?

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Trending slideshow: Ranking All NFL Stars Signed By Detroit Lions in NFL Free Agency

Sparsh Tiwari

Well, it sure did break the hearts of some players and fans.

Former Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad was one of the players they let go in free agency, going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Now, in a recent interview, the host asked him about how much the Lions tried to keep him. He said:

“I don’t really know, Detroit, you know, how they thought about it or exactly what went into it, and I don’t really care. I’m in Tampa, and I’m happy to be in Tampa, you know, and if I’m not mistaken, they’re on a schedule this year. So, you know, I’m excited about that.”

Muhammad joined the Lions in October, 2024, when they signed him to the team’s practice squad. They later promoted him to the active roster on November 9, 2024, on a $1.125 million contract. That season, Muhammad had had 8 solo tackles, 3 assists, and 3.0 sacks in 9 games.

The defensive star then signed a 1-year deal worth about $1.42 million that ran through the 2025 season. That season was good as well, as he recorded 15 solo tackles, 10 assists, and 11.0 sacks in 17 games. That was his career-high production in sacks.

His performance had also impressed Dan Campbell.

“He’s crafty, he’s strong, he’s got some explosiveness, and he plays hard. God, he plays hard…So, he’s been big for us, and he’s going to get more of a role. He’s earned that,” the Lions head coach said in September 2025.

But the Lions chose not to re-sign him for the 2026 season, and the DL ultimately signed a 1 year, $6,000,000 contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Now, the former Lions star is excited to play against the 2024 NFC Champions.

Al-Quadin Muhammad Is Excited To Play Against Dan Campbell and Co.

Al-Quadin Muhammad has no hard feelings for the Lions. But the defensive star also said that he is excited to play against them in the 2026 NFL season.

“And I do love Detroit, and it was amazing. It was amazing. It’s a great organization, and I appreciate them for allowing me to go out there and do some great things. I look forward to also playing against them,” he said in an interview.

The Detroit Lions and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play each other in the 2026 NFL regular season. It’s part of the NFL’s rotating schedule where the NFC North plays the NFC South, but the NFL has yet to announce the exact date and kickoff time.

Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments.

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Trending slideshow: Every Player the Detroit Lions Lost During the 2026 NFL Offseason

Sparsh Tiwari

The running back joins Jahmyr Gibbs as part of the running back room and replaces David Montgomery, who was traded away to the Houston Texans. Pacheco was heard talking to the local reporters. 

“I’m gonna go crazy. I’m gonna spin, jump, whatever I can do to get that first down,” he said.

Pacheco is known for his explosive running style. That production has gone down since the RB suffered a fractured fibula and an MCL tear. 

Pacheco further added, “It comes from being unsatisfied. Going out there on the field, you’re never going to know when it’s your last play. Going out there, making that play for your teammate, will show you that you care about them and vice versa.” 

Being a two-time Super Bowl winner is not enough for the explosive running back, and he is not done just yet. 

“When you’ve got a wide receiver blocking down the field, as a running back, you love that s***, because when you get the opportunity to block for him, you’re going to finish everything in the way to get him positive yardage. It just comes with the mentality of being accountable to each other.”

The New Jersey native played college football in-state at Rutgers before being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in round seven as their 251st pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

Pacheco remained with the Chiefs for his first four seasons in the NFL. 

In the 2025 regular season,  Pacheco played 13 games, carried the ball 118 times, and recorded 462 yards while having one touchdown. 

The 27-year-old will join the likes of Gibbs, who will be the first-string running back, but Pacheco will also be an important piece to Drew Petzing’s offensive plans. 

What did Pacheco say about some Lions players?

Isaiah Pacheco has played against the Lions and has reviewed film on them before, and this is what he had to say. 

“They have some big boys on the line. D**, every time I see the o-line (offensive line), I’m just sitting back like, ‘Whew, they’re all like f****** 7-foot!’ I’m like D***, who the h*** is that, who is that?

Pacheco is excited and level-headed at the same time. He likes what he sees from his linemen and would hope they block well so that he can carry the ball into the distance.

Pacheco further added, “As a younger guy, you get to be around some special guys, and everybody has a different mentalities. And as for me, as a younger guy that’s still growing and willing to learn, just mindful. I’m all ears open, and I’m willing to learn.” 

The two-time Super Bowl winner is always looking to learn and make a difference to the team when needed. 

Lions fans, are you excited about having Pacheco in your team? Let us know in the comments!

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Trending slideshow: Ranking All NFL Stars Signed By Detroit Lions in NFL Free Agency

Sparsh Tiwari