Detroit Lions
NEW ERA FOR LIONS: Detroit to Interview Familiar Face for DC Vacancy Following Aaron Glenn’s Exit…
NEW ERA FOR LIONS: Detroit to Interview Familiar Face for DC Vacancy Following Aaron Glenn’s Exit…
The Detroit Lions are looking to fill a crucial vacancy on their coaching staff after the exit of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Glenn, who had served as the defensive leader for the Lions since 2021, has been a key figure in the team’s defensive transformation, bringing energy and leadership to a defense that had struggled for years. However, with Glenn now departing, the Lions have begun their search for a new defensive coordinator, and it appears that they are considering bringing in a familiar face to fill the role.
Aaron Glenn’s Impact on the Detroit Lions
Before diving into the details of the upcoming interview process, it’s important to reflect on Aaron Glenn’s tenure with the Lions. When Glenn was hired as defensive coordinator in 2021, many had doubts about the team’s ability to improve their defense after several seasons of underperformance. Detroit’s defense had ranked among the worst in the league, and expectations were low. However, Glenn managed to turn things around, steadily improving the defense each year through a combination of developing young talent and instilling a high level of discipline.
Under Glenn’s guidance, the Lions’ defense became more aggressive and competitive. Although the unit wasn’t elite, they were consistently more competitive, which allowed the Lions to make significant strides in their overall record. Notably, the Lions were able to compete with high-powered offenses, and Glenn’s defensive schemes started to generate turnovers and disrupt opposing quarterbacks. His work was particularly evident in the development of young players like Aidan Hutchinson, who emerged as one of the top rookie defensive ends in the league.
While Glenn’s defense wasn’t always perfect, there was a noticeable improvement, and many within the organization were optimistic about the future. The news of Glenn’s departure came as a surprise to many, and the Lions now find themselves tasked with maintaining the momentum that Glenn helped build.
The Search for the New Defensive Coordinator
With Glenn moving on, the Lions have set their sights on finding a new defensive coordinator who can continue to build on the progress made over the past few seasons. The team is looking for someone who can further develop the defense, continue to groom young talent, and maintain a competitive edge in the NFC North.
In the early stages of their search, the Lions have already begun reaching out to several candidates for the position, including a familiar face in the form of former Lions linebacker and current coach, DeAndre Levy. Levy, who spent his entire playing career with Detroit from 2009 to 2015, is seen by many as an ideal candidate to step into a leadership role within the organization. Levy is already familiar with the team’s culture and the city of Detroit, making him a natural fit to lead the defensive unit moving forward.
While Levy has only recently transitioned to coaching, having spent time as a linebackers coach at various levels, his understanding of defensive schemes, combined with his experience in the NFL, has made him an intriguing candidate. The Lions would benefit from his familiarity with the team and his fresh perspective on how to further evolve their defense. Levy’s high football IQ, leadership qualities, and connection to the organization have positioned him as a strong contender to take on the defensive coordinator role.
What DeAndre Levy Brings to the Table
DeAndre Levy’s potential appointment as defensive coordinator would represent a major shift for the Lions, but it’s a shift that could prove to be beneficial in the long term. As a player, Levy was known for his ability to read the game, his versatility as a linebacker, and his ability to make key plays in critical moments. These are all qualities that would serve him well in the role of defensive coordinator, where the ability to make quick decisions and adapt to opponents’ offensive schemes is crucial.
Levy’s leadership experience as a captain for the Lions during his playing days would also be an asset in his coaching role. As a player, Levy was well-respected by his teammates for his commitment to excellence and his work ethic. These traits could translate into a coaching style that emphasizes discipline, preparation, and team cohesion—values that have become synonymous with the Lions’ organizational culture under head coach Dan Campbell.
Moreover, Levy’s potential appointment could be seen as part of a broader trend in the NFL, where former players are being given opportunities to take on larger coaching roles. The advantage of hiring someone with an intimate understanding of both the game and the team cannot be understated. Levy would have the ability to connect with the current roster on a personal level, helping players like Hutchinson, Jack Campbell, and others develop their skills and take the next step in their careers.
The Lions’ Defensive Needs Moving Forward
While Levy’s familiarity with the Lions’ culture is a major selling point, there are still several key areas where the defense needs to improve in order to take the next step. Detroit’s defense has shown promise, but it’s still inconsistent at times. The Lions ranked 24th in total defense during the 2023 season, allowing an average of 364 yards per game. This is a significant area of concern, especially when considering that the NFC North is home to several high-powered offenses, including the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears, both of which have shown the ability to put up big numbers.
To succeed as a defensive coordinator, Levy will need to improve several aspects of the defense, including stopping the run, getting pressure on the quarterback, and improving coverage in the secondary. The Lions’ defense has often struggled against elite quarterbacks and high-scoring offenses, and Levy will need to address these weaknesses in order for the Lions to compete at the highest level.
However, one of the advantages Levy has is his ability to work with younger players. The Lions have invested heavily in young talent, particularly on defense, and Levy’s development of players like Hutchinson and Campbell could prove to be crucial in the team’s future success. Levy’s ability to foster growth in these young players while continuing to challenge the veterans will be essential to maintaining a competitive defense.
The Future of the Detroit Lions Defense
The interview process for the Lions’ defensive coordinator role is ongoing, and Levy is far from a guaranteed hire. However, his strong ties to the organization and his promising coaching career make him a compelling candidate. The Lions are in a critical period of their development, and getting the right leader for the defense could be the difference between remaining a competitive team or becoming a true contender in the NFC.
Regardless of who is ultimately hired as the new defensive coordinator, the Lions’ focus will be on building a defense that can complement their growing offensive talent. With a young quarterback in Jared Goff, dynamic playmakers on offense, and a coaching staff that’s committed to growth, the Lions are on the verge of a potentially successful future. The right defensive coordinator will help elevate the team, and whether it’s DeAndre Levy or another candidate, the next step in the Lions’ defensive evolution will be an exciting one to watch.
Lions Named ‘Perfect’ Fit for Top Free Agent Cornerback
New York Jets cornerback DJ Reed reacting in the middle of an NFL game.
The Detroit Lions are expected to undergo some changes on defense with the departure of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, though one area of focus will likely remain constant — the need to upgrade the secondary.
The Lions have made steady improvements on a unit that was once the worst in the league, investing high draft picks and bringing on some high-profile veterans. But with the Lions potentially losing last year’s No. 1 cornerback to free agency, one insider suggests they will take a swing on the best free agent corner on the market this year.
Lions Predicted to Add Veteran CB
Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus named “perfect” free agency fits for all 32 NFL teams, pegging New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed as the best option for the Lions. Locker noted that the Lions are expected to keep the same basic defense in place as linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard was promoted to defensive coordinator, and Reed would fit the scheme well.
“As the Lions transition away from defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to in-house successor Kelvin Sheppard, the backbone of their defensive structure isn’t yet known — but it’s fair to assume that most of the fundamentals will remain in place,” Locker wrote. “Either way, adding arguably the top cornerback on the market in Reed wouldn’t hurt.”
Locker noted that the Lions ran a lot of Cover 1 in their secondary in 2024, an area where Reed excelled.
“Meanwhile, since 2022, Reed’s 70.7 PFF coverage grade in Cover 1 is the 12th best among qualified cornerbacks,” Locker wrote. “Even in a bit of a down season, Reed still enjoyed his staggering sixth straight year with a 70.0-plus PFF coverage grade.”
Reed has a total of 414 total tackles over his seven NFL seasons with six interceptions, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. As Locker noted, he is considered one of the top cornerbacks in free agency this offseason.
Lions Need Help in the Secondary
The Lions will likely have a big hole to fill in their secondary this offseason with last year’s top cornerback Carlton Davis III headed to free agency on March 12. Davis took to social media to send a cryptic message hinting that he wants a big deal this year.
“I won’t make the same mistake twice,” Davis shared in a post on X. “If you want your defense upgraded yall know who to pay. Turn on the tape.”
Reporter Ben Rolfe of Pro Football Talk suggested Davis could land with the rival Minnesota Vikings, fitting their scheme as well as their price range.
“The Minnesota Vikings need to fill many holes in their secondary,” Rolfe wrote. “The problem for Minnesota is they also have holes at guard, running back, and on their defensive line.
“The positive for the Vikings is that they have cap space to try to fill many of these holes. An intriguing cornerback prospect for them is Carlton Davis, who has a projected contract value of under $14 million per year. That is a much better projection than bringing back [Byron] Murphy at an AAV of over $22 million per year and could allow them to double up on veteran options at the position.”
Lions Predicted to Address Biggest Weakness With 9-Time Pro Bowl Addition
Khalil Mack is rumored to be on the trade block once again. Is a reunion with the Chicago Bears possible?
The Detroit Lions suffered a major blow to their pass rush when Aidan Hutchinson went down with a season-ending injury in October, struggling afterward to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The problems culminated with an early playoff exit where the Lions gave up 43 points to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round, allowing rookie Jayden Daniels to throw for 299 yards with two touchdowns and no sacks.
One insider believes the Lions could boost the unit in the offseason, targeting an 11-year veteran with a proven track record of generating pressure off the edge.
Lions Look to Make Splash in Free Agency
Reporter Tim Twentyman of the team’s official website broke down a list of potential offseason additions, noting that linebacker Khalil Mack could be a strong fit in Detroit. Twentyman noted that Mack would be able to give the Lions a complement to Hutchinson that they’ve been seeking for the past two years.
“The 11-year veteran can still get after the quarterback and stop the run,” Twentyman wrote. “Mack would be part of a pass-rush trio in Detroit alongside Hutchinson and Za’Darius Smith where he won’t be asked to play every down at 34 years old. He proved last year he could still make a difference (6.0 sacks and 15 QB hits) and could make a run at Super Bowl with Detroit on a short-term deal.”
Mack is a nine-time Pro Bowler and three-time All Pro, registering at least 6.0 sacks in all but his rookie season.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell has been open about the team’s need to improve their pass rush, stressing during the season that the lack of consistent pressure was holding back the team. After a 31-29 win over the Minnesota Vikings in October, Campbell said the struggles in the pass rush were putting extra pressure on the secondary.
“There were some things where our coverage really had to — we asked them to do a lot, and they had to hold on a little bit,” Campbell said, via 97.1 The Ticket. “There was a number of things where we fabricated some rush, we got there a few times. To answer your question, we need just a little bit more. There was a couple of (pass plays) that did get long, a couple of these plays that you like to believe we can get somebody there just a little bit sooner.”
Lions Could Target Super Bowl Champion
Twentyman suggested some other potential additions for the Lions, including Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams. Twentyman noted that Williams came through in the clutch during the team’s Super Bowl run, though would likely come in at a cost higher than the Lions might be willing to pay.
“Williams was the best player upfront on defense during Philadelphia’s playoff run to a Super Bowl title,” Twentyman wrote. “He had 5.0 sacks and 10 quarterback hits as a rotational player during the regular season and two more sacks in the playoffs. The only problem is he’s set to have a big market at only 26 years old and could potentially cost more than the Lions are willing to spend in free agency this offseason.”
Lions Urged to Snag Projected $36 Million Cornerback
Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas at Highmark Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York.
The Detroit Lions will have some holes to fill in their secondary this offseason, with their top cornerback headed to free agency.
One analyst believes they can find help in the form of an eight-year veteran coming off a strong season of his own. SI.com’s Vito Chirco suggested the Lions could take a swing at Buffalo Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas, who has held down a starting role since coming to Buffalo in a 2023 trade with the Green Bay Packers.
Lions Looking for Defensive Backs
As Chirco noted, the Lions will have a big hole to fill as No. 1 cornerback Carlton Davis is headed to unrestricted free agency with no clear indication that he will return to Detroit. Chirco noted that Douglas would be a capable replacement, having played a key role on a defense that helped propel the Bills to the AFC Championship game last season.
“If Detroit opts to go the free-agency route to address the position, Rasul Douglas is a player worth looking into,” Chirco wrote.
“Listed as the 14th-best free agent this offseason by Pro Football Focus, the veteran cornerback spent the last season-and-a-half playing for the Buffalo Bills. In 24 games with the Bills in 2023 and 2024, he logged 87 total tackles, 13 passes defensed, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and a lone sack.”
Chirco noted that Douglas struggled in coverage at times last season, earning a coverage grade of 58.9 from Pro Football Focus, but has been a consistent defensive back in the past with a penchant for interceptions.
Chirco added that Spotrac projects Douglas will have a market value of close to $12 million over three years, bringing his total contract to just below $36 million. He suggested Douglas would be worth pursuing at the right price, but “wouldn’t break the bank” for the veteran cornerback.
Carlton Davis Makes His Stance Clear
The Lions would likely pay a higher price to bring Davis back on a new contract. The veteran cornerback took to social media this week to share a cryptic message hinting that he won’t make the “mistake” of signing a discount deal.
“I won’t make the same mistake twice . If you want your defense upgraded yall know who to pay .Turn on the Tape !” Davis shared in a post on X.
Davis started 13 games for the Lions last season, making 56 total tackles with two interceptions, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
The Lions acquired Davis in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, inheriting the final season of his three-year, $44 million contract. He restructured the deal after coming to Detroit.
Davis dealt with some injuries during his season in Detroit, suffering a broken jaw and a broken thumb.
The Lions will have some other needs to address on their defense, including the lack of production in the pass rush. Though star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson has made a big impact, the team lacked depth behind him and no other player was able to top the 7.5 sacks Hutchinson had at the time he suffered a season-ending injury in October.
Lions Receive Troubling News Ahead of Free Agency
In an unexpected turn of events, a former Detroit Lions starter is signing with a rival and will be back in the NFC North.
Seeing a former Detroit Lions player with another team, especially a rival team, can feel like watching an ex with a new love. If that’s the case for the Lions, the latest move made by Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears may sting a bit.
A former Detroit Lions standout just got signed to the Bears by Johnson, so he’s being reunited with his former coach and a bevy of other former Detroit staffers.
Former Detroit Lions Offensive Lineman Back in NFC North
In a surprise turn of events, former Detroit Lions offensive lineman Jonah Jackson is heading back to the NFC North for the 2025 season. On Tuesday, March 4, ESPN expert and analyst Adam Schefter reported that the Los Angeles Rams are trading the longstanding lineman to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. The trade, he notes, can’t be processed until March 12, when the NFL’s 2025 season officially begins.
Jackson was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by Detroit. He inked a three-year, $51 million deal last offseason following a four year run with the Detroit Lions. However, Jackson only played in four games with the Rams during the 2024 season because of a shoulder injury that placed him on injured reserve. He was taken off injured reserve in Week 10 but didn’t appear in the Rams’ final games that season.
So, Lions fans will have to see Jackson on the field with their rival twice next season. The jury is out on whether this will be a good move for the Chicago Bears, but Johnson is familiar with Jackson’s playing style, so there’s a reason he reached out to the Rams and wanted to get him on the Bears’ squad.
Bears Pick Could Go Either Way
Mike Luciano of SideLion Report states in a March 4 piece that Jackson is “a bit of a lottery ticket at this point in his career.”
“While still effective when healthy, he hasn’t played more than 13 games in a season since 2021,” Luciano added. “Johnson and the Bears got him for pennies on the dollar due to those health risks.”
Luciano also notes that Jackson has only “given up just two sacks over the last three seasons, even with all the injuries,” so seeing that one of quarterback Caleb Williams‘ main issues is “being a penchant for holding onto the ball, Jackson could immediately help him correct this flaw.” Seeing the possibility of a good dynamic between Williams, who the Bears have a lot of stock in, and Jackson could easily be why Johnson wanted to take him on.
“Time will tell if Johnson is able to put together a convincing facsimile of the most efficient and creative offense in the league he helped create in Detroit,” Lucanio added. “If he fails, and the Jackson move ends up being a bust, the Lions can take solace in the fact that their division rival bungled it once again.”
The Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions, of course, have a lengthy rivalry. They’ve played each other 190 times, with the Bears winning 105 games and the Detroit Lions winning 80 games, according to the Football Database.
Detroit Lions
2-Time Super Bowl-Winning Defender Worth $19 Million Predicted to Sign with Detroit Lions in Blockbuster Trade Deal
2-Time Super Bowl-Winning Defender Worth $19 Million Predicted to Sign with Detroit Lions in Blockbuster Trade Dea
With the offseason approaching, Detroit Lions face the potential departure of several key free agents, none more significant than cornerback Carlton Davis. Davis, who started 13 games in 2024, played a crucial role as the team’s top corner before suffering a broken jaw in Week 15.
Given his experience and performance, Davis is expected to attract considerable interest from multiple teams. If Detroit is unable to retain him, Sports Illustrated’s Christian Booher suggests that general manager Brad Holmes should turn his attention to New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones.
“If Davis isn’t re-signed, Detroit will be left with an extremely young cornerback corps,” Booher explained. “Bringing in a seasoned veteran like Jones could be a logical move. He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion and could serve as a mentor for emerging players such as Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw.”
Booher acknowledged that Jones struggled in 2024 but emphasized that he would come at a reasonable cost while providing much-needed competition for Detroit’s younger corners. “Acquiring him would be a low-risk, budget-friendly decision that could ultimately benefit players like Arnold and Rakestraw,” Booher added.
Jones started 14 games for New England last season but experienced difficulties in coverage, allowing a 75.5% completion rate on 53 targets and a 146.6 passer rating when thrown at.
At 31 years old, Jones is no longer a lockdown corner, but his postseason experience and veteran savvy could add valuable depth to Kelvin Sheppard’s defense. Additionally, projections from Spotrac and Pro Football Focus estimate his next contract to be around $3 million, making him an affordable option.
Although losing Davis would be a significant setback, Jones wouldn’t be expected to fill his shoes entirely. However, his championship pedigree and leadership qualities would bolster the Lions’ secondary and provide a reliable insurance option should the need arise.
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