Writer: Darryl Jacobs ESPN & CBS Sports Commentator
Fresh off their most successful season in franchise history, the Detroit Lions enter 2025 carrying the weight of expectations—and the belief that they belong among the NFL’s elite.
The Detroit Lions enter the 2025 NFL season with heightened expectations after a historic 15–2 campaign in 2024. Although their preseason record (1–3) was underwhelming, the exhibition stretch revealed a great deal about the team’s roster depth, positional battles, and emerging talent. As final cuts were made on August 31, the Lions’ front office and coaching staff made several tough choices that reshaped the roster heading into Week 1.
Preseason Takeaways
For Detroit, the preseason wasn’t about wins and losses but about identifying contributors who could fill out the margins of a Super Bowl-caliber roster.
The Lions’ preseason began with a Hall of Fame Game loss to the Chargers and ended with a defeat against the Texans, resulting in a 1–3 record for Detroit. While the scoreboard didn’t favor them, the team used the four games to evaluate depth and give young players opportunities.
- Rookie standouts: Wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, a mid-round draft pick, made the most of his chances, showcasing reliable hands and versatility on special teams. Edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein also flashed in multiple games, earning praise for his run defense and relentless motor. Veteran corner Rock Ya-Sin delivered physical play and put himself firmly in contention for a key role.
- Quarterback competition: Former third-round pick Hendon Hooker struggled to find consistency, while veteran Kyle Allen looked steadier and ultimately secured the backup role behind starter Jared Goff. Hooker’s release was among the more surprising moves, given his draft pedigree.
Notable Roster Cuts
The cutdown to 53 players brought a wave of difficult decisions:
Perhaps the most surprising move came at quarterback, where the Lions parted ways with former third-round pick Hendon Hooker in favor of veteran Kyle Allen as Jared Goff’s backup. The offensive line also saw a shake-up with the release of fan favorite Dan Skipper, a versatile swing tackle. Special-teams stalwart Anthony Pittman, along with receivers Tom Kennedy and Jakobie Keeney-James, were among the familiar names let go.
The Lions also parted ways with several depth linemen and skill players, reinforcing the message that competition has tightened across the roster.
Coaching Transitions
The Lions saw both coordinator spots change this offseason, though both hires came from within. John Morton steps in as offensive coordinator, while former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard takes over the defense. Their familiarity with the locker room should help maintain continuity despite the leadership shuffle.
Season Outlook
For a franchise long starved for relevance, the challenge now is not just winning but sustaining success. The 2025 season will test whether Detroit can turn one historic season into a lasting era.
Oddsmakers and analysts still view the Lions as the team to beat in the NFC North. Detroit is favored to capture its third straight division crown, though most projections suggest a slight step back from last year’s franchise-record 15 wins. With a tougher schedule and new faces on the offensive line, expectations are in the 9–12-win range.
National power rankings place Detroit in the NFL’s upper tier, behind only perennial contenders like the Eagles, Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens. The Lions’ offensive core—Goff, Gibbs, St. Brown, and LaPorta—remains intact, and the defensive line continues to center around Hutchinson.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions are no longer underdogs but a legitimate NFC contender. Despite preseason struggles and some surprising roster cuts, the team heads into 2025 with a strong foundation, a balanced roster, and the confidence of a franchise that has turned a corner. The challenge now is sustaining success and proving that last season’s breakthrough was only the beginning.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Darryl Jacobs is a nationally recognized sports journalist and basketball commentator/analyst, affiliated with esteemed networks such as ESPN, CBS, and NBA Television Sports Networks. As a seasoned sports executive with over 20 years of experience in higher education, corporate, professional sports leadership, and nonprofit management, Jacobs possesses a unique blend of expertise.
A recipient of an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters, Dr. Jacobs has collaborated extensively with professional athletes and has held leadership roles on several national boards focused on education, sports, and community development.
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