A recent update shared by Pride of Detroit on X made it clear that no Lions rookies will attend the 2026 NFL Rookie Premiere.

“No Lions heading to the Rookie Premiere,” the X post read. “Which always features a heavy lean toward skill position players.”

The Rookie Premiere is scheduled for a couple of weeks from now. It is an annual event where top rookies meet brands and marketing teams. This year, however, the overall no. 17 pick Blake Miller (Detroit’s first pick) is curiously missing, among any other player from Detroit.

Since 1994, the event has helped young NFL players build their brand early. It gives them a chance to connect with companies and form deals that can last beyond their playing days.

Fanatics Creative Director Adam Lock explained the value of the event.

“Rookie Premiere is a unique event that doesn’t really exist in any other capacity,” he said. “To have these athletes all here, from a production standpoint, you can really push the boundaries.”

This news comes in even after the Detroit Lions received overall positive grades for their draft picks. NFL’s Chad Reuter and the Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer led the charge with A-minuses, while Mel Kiper Jr., Sports Illustrated, and Nate Davis hovered in the B range.

This year’s Rookie Premiere will run from May 14 to May 17 in Los Angeles, California.

The Detroit Lions Decide Not To Hold A Rookie Minicamp

The Detroit Lions’ decision not to hold a rookie minicamp among all NFL teams was certainly an interesting one. On Wednesday, the news stood out when the NFL announced a list of all organized team activities.

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General manager Brad Holmes spoke after Day 3 of the draft on the same, but didn’t provide a lot of clarity.

“Me and Dan (Campbell) were going to take a long, hard look at everything…that’s what we did,” Holmes said. “…We’re not doing things just to do it just because you feel like you have to do it. You can’t be scared when you want to try something new that you think is going to be better for the football team, and so that’s what we did.

Rookie minicamps are short and mostly classroom-based. On-field drills are limited and non-contact.

The Lions will still hold OTA sessions where rookies can take part. The schedule includes May 27-29, June 2-4, and June 9-11. These sessions will give players enough time to adjust and prepare.

The Lions are trying a different path this year. What do you think of this strategy?

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

The Lions picked up the fifth-year option for running back Jahmyr Gibbs but declined it for linebacker Jack Campbell on April 29. Lions and FOX 2 analyst Dan Miller mentioned the move was not about performance but more about how the league sets contract values.

Campbell’s fifth-year option would have cost $21.9 million. Since linebackers are primarily grouped with edge rushers, that number would have made him the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in the league.

On the other hand, Gibbs signed a cap-space friendly $14.3 million contract for one year. That gap made the decision easier for the front office, even though Campbell remains a key part in the team’s future.

In 2025, Campbell finished second in the NFL with 176 total tackles. He also recorded five sacks, nine tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two recoveries, and four passes defended.

His 90.2 grade from Pro Football Focus ranked him second among the 88 linebackers in the league. These numbers indicate why Detroit still values him highly despite declining his option.

The concern now is not about talent but timing. The Lions need to avoid letting this situation drag out, which brings focus to a similar case from this free agency.

Lions Looks to Avoid Contract Issues Similar to Baltimore

Contract decisions like this are not new in the NFL. Teams have faced similar situations before, and one recent example shows what can go wrong if things are not handled on time.

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The Baltimore Ravens dealt with a close situation involving Tyler Linderbaum. His fifth-year option came in at $23.4 million, which the team felt was too high for his position.

“It is our intention for him to remain a Raven long-term,” Ravens’ general manager Eric DeCosta said during the situation.  

Despite that, no deal was reached before free agency. Linderbaum later signed a three-year, $81 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. The move left a major gap in Baltimore’s offensive line, something they are still trying to fix.

According to SideLionReport’s Bo Underwood, the Detroit Lions should avoid a similar outcome with Campbell. The current rule system groups positions in a way that does not always match real market value, which creates problems.

Campbell’s role on defense makes him hard to replace. His presence helped shape the unit, and his rise played a part in the team moving on from veteran Alex Anzalone.

However, the Lions have a clear choice ahead. They must find a deal that works for both sides and keeps one of their key defenders in their roster. Avoiding delays could be the difference between keeping a core player and facing a problem later.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Cunningham’s performance got attention across Detroit, including from the Detroit Lions. The team reacted with a two-word message for Cunningham.

“Smooth Operator,” the X post read, referencing Cade Cunningham’s nickname.

The Pistons guard is lovingly called the Smooth Operator due to his smooth and calm playing style. And the song by the music band Sade is played at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit when Cunningham scores.

Detroit was in a tough spot just days ago, down 3-1 in the series. But Cunningham stepped up when it mattered most, scoring 77 points across the last two games to keep their hopes alive.

He scored 32 points, had ten rebounds, three assists, four steals, and one block in 42 minutes of action in Game 6. While the Magic struggled badly in the second half and managed only 19 points.

The series now heads to Game 7 in Detroit, giving the Pistons a strong chance to complete the comeback.

That said, the Detroit Lions are also working through changes this offseason.

Lions Double Down on Identity After Tough Season

The Lions are heading into the new season with a clear goal. After falling short last year, the team has spent time looking at what went wrong and what needs to change going forward.

General manager Brad Holmes spoke after the draft and pointed to one main idea.

“It was just that, it was just finding gritty football players,” said Holmes. “Getting back to – I’m not saying we forgot about our identity, but just making sure that was at the top of mind.”

Holmes explained that this mindset was part of their draft process, where every pick was judged on how well the player fits the team’s style and approach.

“That’s why every single player that we took, there were sometimes where we were writing notes and I write down, ‘This guy is a football player.’ I go back and I’m reading my notes through all the guys that we’ve picked, and I’m just highlighting that I said that about every single one of these guys,” Holmes added.

That focus is already showing in the roster. There will be open battles at several spots, with rookies and veterans fighting for playing time during camp.

Blake Miller will compete with Larry Borom at right tackle. Keith Abney could push for a role at nickel, while Roger McCreary and Ennis Rakestraw are also in the mix.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at Detroit Lions Community.

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According to ESPN, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on May 1 that no charges will be filed against Metcalf.

“After an extensive review of all the relevant evidence, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has determined that charges will not issue in this case,” the statement read per ESPN.

The incident occurred during a December game at Ford Field. A fan, Ryan Kennedy, approached the front railing with a Metcalf jersey, looking to get an autograph during the game.

“As he approached the front railing of the stands, he said something to Mr. Metcalf. As Mr. Metcalf approached the stands, there was a brief interaction where Mr. Metcalf grabbed his shirt and pushed him back,” the statement further read.

The officials also explained the reason behind not issuing any charges.

“[Kennedy] did not appear to be injured, nor did he seek medical attention at the game,” the statement also said.

After going through video footage and speaking with witnesses, prosecutors chose not to move forward with the case.

Metcalf’s attorney, Mitch Schuster, also issued a statement and supported the outcome.

“Applaud the decision and are thankful for the hard work and thorough investigation that led to this just result,” Schuster said in a statement.

The NFL had already taken action earlier. Metcalf was suspended for two games without pay, and more than $500,000 were forfeited. Also, his $45 million in guarantees were voided.

While the criminal proceedings have come to an end, a civil action is still ongoing.

Civil Lawsuit Against DK Metcalf Remains Active

The Detroit fan, Ryan Kennedy, had also filed a civil lawsuit following the incident, as per the New York Post.

Kennedy had sued Metcalf along with the media company tied to Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe. The case centers on claims of “defamatory and life-altering statements” made after the incident.

Kennedy’s lawyer, Jonathan Marko, said the recent decision has “no effect” on the lawsuit.

“I think a responsible person upon seeing the video would consider that an a****** and/or a battery under the criminal law,” Marko told Detroit Free Press.

Marko also stated that the decision was “not surprising” because of the “tremendous resources” it would take to prosecute.

The case ties to comments made on the Nightcap podcast, where Johnson claimed Metcalf told him that racial language was used by the fan. Kennedy has denied that claim.

Read more at Detroit Lions Community.

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The Lions picked two players from Michigan this year, something they had not done in a while (since 2016). Edge, Derrick Moore, and linebacker Jimmy Rolder both bring a physical style that matches what Dan Campbell wants on defense, but Efstathios Savvidis of Detroit Jock City is being realistic about the hype on the latter.

“While Rolder is a sure, downhill tackler, he must improve in coverage at the next level,” Savvidis wrote on April 30. “…Given his limited experience, the Lions are jam-packed at linebacker, Rolder won’t have a key role on the defense right away.”

The article shed light on Rolder’s showing, where he allowed 29 receptions on 36 targets for about 250 yards. That, combined with allowing a score, wasn’t too bad either.

Moore may get chances early because of changes on the edge. But $5.53M rookie Rolder steps into a packed linebacker group.

Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez are already leading, while Derrick Barnes continues to take snaps in different roles.

The 22-year-old built his game step by step in college. Rolder started on special teams before moving into a bigger defensive role. Last season, he posted 73 combined tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and one interception.

For now, Rolder’s role may begin on special teams (thanks to his experience from college) while he adjusts. While fans take that in, there is also more to understand about how Detroit handled the draft.

Lions Draft Strategy Reveals Missed Trade-Up Plans

While Detroit’s seven picks are set, new details show the team explored other moves before making its final choices.

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After drafting Blake Miller, general manager Brad Holmes shared that the team looked into trading up, according to a recent Detroit Free Press report.

“We did, yeah,” Holmes said. “We talked to teams up—way up—and tried to see if we could be okay with the cost. But once things started to fall, we felt good staying put.”

Reports also linked the Lions to trade talks with the Baltimore Ravens, as per a Pride of Detroit report. A deal may have been close, but it fell apart late.

Eventually, the Detroit Lions stayed at No. 17 and still got Blake Miller. Looking ahead, the team now waits to see how their draft decisions play out on the field.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

This patient approach gives Simpson time, something that Goff did not really have early in his career. Back then, Goff entered a tough setup. The team was not doing well, and he was pushed into action quickly.

He ended his rookie year 0-7 as a starter, and things looked rough at the start. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell explained why Simpson’s situation feels different.

“In the big picture, the Rams were able to add a player who could help keep them from the same decade of irrelevance,” Barnwell said.  “If that keeps McVay on board as coach… Simpson could be even more valuable.”

That view shows how the team is thinking long-term this time. Simpson is joining a side that is already winning, not rebuilding. The Rams are coming off an NFC Championship run, which changes everything around a young quarterback.

The coaching setup also helps. Sean McVay is settled, and the system is clear. That kind of stability was missing when Goff first arrived, and it made his early years harder.

Simpson will still have to prove himself. He is expected to take over later, once Stafford steps away. But right now, the focus is on learning, not results.

That slower path could help him avoid early struggles. And while the Rams plan for the future, another NFC team is looking at ways to support its current quarterback.

Lions Linked With Veteran Guard to Support Jared Goff

The Detroit Lions are also working on their offense, but in a different way. Instead of looking ahead at the quarterback, they are trying to strengthen the support system around Jared Goff.

There is growing talk about adding experience to the line. The Lions have built through the draft, but they may now look for a proven player to help right away.

One name that has come up is Joel Bitonio. The veteran guard is currently a free agent and is also thinking about retirement after 12 seasons and 178 games, which makes the situation unclear. Lions reporter Bob Heyrman shared his take on the move.

“This one is a bit complicated, but it would be an absolute home run for the Detroit Lions,” Heyrman said. “The long-time Browns guard is an unrestricted free agent. Bitonio is a two-time first-team All-Pro and a seven-time Pro Bowler.”

That experience is what Detroit needs. The team wants someone who can handle pressure inside and keep the pocket clean for Goff.

Bitonio has been very reliable during his career. He has started all 178 games since being drafted in 2014 by the Cleveland Browns. That level of consistency is rare.

Still, nothing is decided yet. His final call on retirement will shape what happens next. If he joins, it could give the Lions a strong boost going into the season.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

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Now, one of those picks is getting attention, as Law opened up about his early talks with the team before draft night.

“Well, they came to Lexington, Kentucky, for my Pro Day,” Law said about his pre-draft connection with the Lions. “I had multiple Zooms and phone calls with them.”

General Manager Brad Holmes and the Lions traded picks 181 and 213 to move up for Law at No. 168. Many saw this as unexpected, but Law later made it clear that this move didn’t come out of nowhere.

The GM also revealed what made them go for Law in this draft.

“I didn’t think about him again until last fall, when his name came up,” Holmes said on Day 3 of the draft. “Then I realized, ‘Oh, this is the kid I saw at Alabama last year.’ I was excited about what he did on offense, but I didn’t know about his special teams skills. That made him stand out even more.”

The former Kentucky receiver had 53 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns last season.

Law also spoke about his game and what he can bring to Detroit.

“I’m not just a short or medium-range guy—I’m a vertical threat. They can use me down the field, in the intermediate range, or anywhere. That’s the kind of player I am,” Law said.

Still, the Lions already have a packed wide receiver group, including Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. That makes it tough to predict Law’s role early, but his skill set adds depth.

While these draft picks bring attention, Detroit’s work is far from done, as the focus now shifts beyond the draft.

Brad Holmes Shifts Focus to Undrafted Free Agents After the Draft

The Detroit Lions selected seven players in the 2026 NFL Draft, but general manager Brad Holmes is already looking ahead.

The team still has roughly three open spots on its 90-man offseason roster, and filling those gaps is now the priority. Holmes made it clear that there is no break after the draft.

“No, no, absolutely not,” Holmes said on April 27, per a clip shared by the Detroit Sports Podcast. “I’m actually excited about getting going next week, and looking at it, is there any guys that are still out there? There might be some guys that got invited to mini-camps that might not get signed.”

Detroit has a strong record of finding value in undrafted players. Tight end Brock Wright, who went undrafted in 2021, was signed by the Lions eventually.

Since then, he has contributed to the receiving duties, racking up 70 receptions for 632 yards and 11 touchdowns across five years.

So, Holmes shared how the team is tracking players who might become available soon.

“You never know what’s gonna come across the waivers,” Holmes added. “We’ve already kind of identified guys already like free agents.”

The Lions have already started adding names this year. Quarterback Luke Altmyer has been signed, joining a group led by Jared Goff and Teddy Bridgewater.

Interestingly, Detroit will not hold a rookie mini-camp this offseason. Even without it, the front office continues to track talent and look for players who can fit into the system.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at Detroit Lions Community.

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“Arizona State defensive backs coach Bryan Carrington texted me his comparison for Abney in the weeks before the draft -D.J. Reed. Abney will get to learn under Reed as the two join forces in Detroit,” ESPN’s Matt Miller wrote on April 29.

Cornerback D.J. Reed, who signed a $48 million deal last year, had an uneven first season in Detroit. He played only 11 games due to a hamstring issue. Even then, he finished with 46 tackles, two interceptions and seven pass breakups.

If Reed returns fully fit, he is expected to play a big role. That makes the early comparison with rookie Keith Abney even more interesting, especially with both likely to share the field in certain packages.

“A slot cornerback with 4.45 speed, Abney is a menace at the line of scrimmage and a playmaker when the ball is in flight. His tape screams starter, and having an opportunity to learn under Reed will only boost his impact,” Miller added.

In his last college season, Abney had 44 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, 12 pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.

For now, the Lions have real competition in the secondary. Several players will fight for snaps, and that should push Abney to grow faster.

Keith Abney II Ready To Fight For Role In Lions Secondary

Keith Abney is ready to compete and take any role given to him. After the draft, Abney shared how he felt about joining the team.

“The wait don’t even matter, man,” Abney said. “I’m just glad to be a Lion…everything is working out right.”

His college record shows strong production. Across three seasons with Arizona State, he has 21 pass deflections and six interceptions. In 2025, his passer rating allowed was 46.1, placing him among the better defensive backs.

However, Abney’s role will depend on how fast he adjusts. If he makes the most of his chances, this late pick could turn into a strong option for the Lions in the coming seasons.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at Detroit Lions Community.

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Here’s the complete list of all the players Motor City drafted in Pittsburgh.

Blake Miller (OT, Clemson)

The Lions picked Blake Miller at No. 17 in the first round to fix issues on the offensive line. The unit struggled in 2025 with a 56% pass block win rate.

Miller played 54 college games and took 97% of career snaps in college at right tackle. With Taylor Decker released and possible changes for Penei Sewell, he has a strong chance to start early.

Derrick Moore (EDGE, Michigan)

Detroit traded up to No. 44 in round 2 to draft Derrick Moore, showing how much they needed help on the edge. The Lions ranked 26th in pass rush win rate last season. Moore had 10 sacks in 2025 and is expected to support Aidan Hutchinson.

Jimmy Rolder (LB, Michigan)

Jimmy Rolder was picked in Round 4 at No. 118 after leading Michigan with 73 tackles in 2025. All his 11 starts came last season, but he showed good awareness. This also continues Detroit’s trend of adding Michigan players.

Keith Abney II (CB, Arizona State)

The Lions added Keith Abney II in Round 5 at No. 157 to improve their secondary. He was a two-year starter and has 21 passes defended since 2024. He did not allow a single touchdown on 72 targets last season.

Kendrick Law (WR, Kentucky)

The Detroit Lions traded up again to select Kendrick Law in Round 5, at No. 168. He led Kentucky with 540 receiving yards and showed strong ability after the catch.

However, with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Isaac TeSlaa already taking the top spots, Law’s role may take time to grow.

Skyler Gill-Howard (DT, Texas Tech)

At Round 6, No. 205, the team picked Gill-Howard, who adds depth to the defensive line despite not having ideal size.

He missed part of last season due to an ankle injury, which could be a concern. Still, he has shown strong production and uses his quickness well. He could fit into a rotation role.

Tyre West (EDGE, Tennessee)

At Round 7, No. 222, the team made the final pick, and the Lions added edge Tyre West. He recorded 17 pressures in each of his last two seasons and played in the Senior Bowl.

The Detroit Lions needed more pass-rush help, and West gives them another option.

Overall, the Lions focused on clear needs in this draft. The new additions may take time, but they give the team better depth and more balance heading into the season.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at Detroit Lions Community.

Jamie Ding, from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, was on a winning streak. He won thirty-one games in a row between March 13 and April 27. That run placed him among the top five players in the show’s history and earned him $882,605.

In an interview with People Magazine, Ding explained how he approached the game and why he took risks.

“Before I was on the show, it became clear that in my preparation, big bets are the way to go,” he said. “I’m a big fan of the Detroit Lions and their Coach, Dan Campbell, who is very famous for going for it on fourth down…sometimes it pulls me towards a big bet, sometimes not.”

That idea links directly to Dan Campbell and how he coaches the Detroit Lions. Over the past few seasons, Campbell has often chosen to go for it on fourth down instead of punting. Those calls have helped Detroit extend drives and stay aggressive during key moments.

Ding followed a similar approach on the show. He made bold wagers and stayed confident in his choices. He won $56,001 in one game alone. He also placed a $30,000 Final Jeopardy bet early in his run.

Of course, not every move worked for him. Ding lost $21,200 on a Daily Double, the largest loss in the show’s history. Even then, he did not change his style, and that consistency helped him keep winning.

At last, Ding walked away with nearly $1 million. His run proved that taking chances can pay off when done right.

His story shows how mindset and consistency are universal contributors to victory. The efficacy of Campbell’s approach isn’t limited to just football and can inspire someone in a very different game.

Now, that same coach is getting attention for his team’s latest moves.

Detroit Lions Draft Gets Solid Reviews After Busy Week

The 2026 NFL Draft was a big step that followed a tough season for Detroit, and early reviews are now coming in.

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The Lions finished at the bottom of the NFC North last season. Their roster has talent, but some gaps need to be fixed. This draft class is expected to bring fresh energy and competition.

While CBS Sports gave the Lions a “B” grade, Ryan Wilson liked the Blake Miller pick and said it fits the team’s style. He praised Skyler Gill-Howard as well, calling him a player who people will root for.

Wilson did question the Derrick Moore pick at No. 44. Although he felt it was a bit early, he noted Moore’s strength as a pass rusher. The choice shows the Lions are willing to trust their plan.

USA Today also gave the Detroit Lions a “B” grade. They pointed out the need at offensive tackle after Taylor Decker’s exit. Miller’s experience and size make him a strong option for the line.

They also noted that Penei Sewell could move to the left side because of this pick. That change may help balance the line.

For now, the Lions have done their part, and the results will be seen on the field next season.

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