The Detroit Lions remain one of the more intriguing teams coming into the 2026 season. However, not everyone around the NFC North is convinced that the Lions will return to the playoffs.

The Lions have made several changes during the offseason after an injury-riddled and disappointing campaign last season. However, one of the biggest concerns for next season is quarterback Jared Goff, according to one NFC North beat writer.

“It all starts on the offensive line, as the interior is nowhere near as good as it was a couple of years ago, and they will likely be starting rookie first-round pick Blake Miller at right tackle this year,” wrote Tyler Forness, Minnesota Vikings beat writer for AtoZ Sports. “Plus, when Jared Goff gets pressured, he struggles massively with a near 50-point drop in passer rating.”

However, Forness did also mention how the Lions’ new offensive coordinator could play a huge role in the team making the playoffs.

“I am bullish on Drew Petzing as the offensive coordinator,” wrote Forness on AtoZ Sports. “The key will be limiting pressure, as the disparity between being pressured and having a clean pocket is among the worst in the league. There are question marks on the interior, but Petzing’s creativity will be a huge asset after the disaster that was John Morton."

The beat writers of the other NFC North teams, Wendell Ferreira for the Green Bay Packers and Kole Noble for the Chicago Bears, also voiced their opinions. Both agreed on the lack of depth in the secondary as a major reason for the Lions possibly not making the playoffs. 

According to Noble, the Lions just need to stay healthy to get back to the playoffs, while Ferreira argued for the development of key players as a major reason and also agreed with Forness about getting the offensive line to reduce the pressure on Goff.

However, one NFL analyst believes that a Lions star could get traded.

NFL analyst predicts Lions TE to get traded to an NFC South team

ESPN's Ben Solak on July 1 made a list of his 10 predictions for the 2026 season. Amongst his predictions was a move that would see the Lions’ tight end Sam LaPorta being traded to the Carolina Panthers.

With three big potential extensions coming up with Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Branch and LaPorta, Solak believes it is hard to keep all three and named LaPorta as the odd one out.

“Again, the Lions don’t have to move LaPorta. But if I were a rival GM, I’d be calling and making offers,” wrote ESPN's Ben Solak.

Solak argued that LaPorta has become more expandable since his rookie year with the emergence of wide receiver Jameson Williams.

He also mentioned how LaPorta is a clear fourth option on offense behind wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Williams and Gibbs. He does not believe the Lions would be willing to pay their fourth option over $15 million, especially with LaPorta not being an impactful blocker.

According to Solak, the Panthers could be the best move for both, with the Panthers possessing young tight ends who the Lions could be interested in. He also argued that LaPorta would be a great fit for coach Dave Canales due to his play style as well.

Would you want LaPorta to be traded? Let us know your opinion in the comments!

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore