A strong take from a radio host is putting Detroit’s offseason approach under the spotlight. His comments are gaining attention as the Detroit Lions head closer to the 2026 NFL Draft.

While discussing the Lions' free agency approach, former offensive tackle Jonathan Ward Jansen and host Jim Costa of 97.1 The Ticket. Costa, who openly questioned Detroit’s free agency strategy, even labeling it a “failure.” 

“Can we say they failed free agency?” asked Jim Costa in the X post with Jon replying immediately. “Yes, and I hate to say that because they're still a good team, but they're not doing anything to get markedly better.”

Adding to his statements, the host Jim Costa mentioned that they have addressed one of the major concerns by signing center Cade Mays on a three-year contract.

But with the additions on the defensive end, he is not happy. Due to the approach of GM Brad Holmes, there are no big names on the defensive roster.  

The Lions seem to have been focused on the offense that would help quarterback Jared Goff with his protection in the field.

But relying on younger talent like Isiah Pacheko and Christian Izein alone won’t do wonders. He believes that free agency is to address starters, and the drafts are for big players. 

“The goal was to get better on defence, and John, I don't think they're any better on defence,” Jim Costa said. 

Further, he emphasized that the free agency could help a franchise get starters.

“Free agency is where you're supposed to address starters, because the draft is where you take the best player available, right? That's what Brad always tells us,” he said. “So in free agency, you got to get starters, plural. Maybe Roger McCreary is the starter at nickel corner if they're going to play more nickel.”

While one quarterback has been receiving moves in his favor, the Lions have also quietly made one move to bolster their defense.

The Detroit Lions Land Former New Orleans Star

The criticism around the Detroit Lions largely comes from what they didn’t do, not necessarily what they did. While the signings have ben debated, this week, one addition to the defense was confirmed.

"Payton Turner is a Lion 🤝," the official page posted on X.

has not had the smoothest ride since being a first-round pick in 2021. Four years with the New Orleans Saints brought more waiting than playing, with consistent game time only arriving in 2024 when he finally featured across 16 games.

A move to the Dallas Cowboys promised a reset, but a broken rib kept him off the field in 2025. Now in Detroit, he arrives with 50 tackles and five career sacks, and perhaps one last shot to turn potential into production with the Detroit Lions.

With the draft fast approaching, it will be interesting to see how the Lions go about spending on signings in free agency. many fans would surely like to see a big money move even if it means parting with some draft capital.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote