Checking in on offseason decisions made by some of the Lions 2025 opponents
With the 2025 NFL schedule now official and the Detroit Lions ’ slate set, it’s a good time to revisit key offseason moves made by their upcoming opponents. While the NFC North rivals have been under the microscope all offseason, what about the rest? This primer breaks down some of the smartest—and most questionable—decisions made by the Lions’ non-divisional foes.
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles (Away) – Week 11
Best decision: Offensive extensions
The Eagles lost offensive continuity yet again, with coordinator Kellen Moore departing after just one season to become the Saints’ head coach—marking their fourth straight year with a new play-caller. In response, GM Howie Roseman made smart, stability-focused moves to anchor the offense long-term. He handed out well-earned extensions to key stalwarts: running back Saquon Barkley, veteran right tackle Lane Johnson, and emerging center Cam Jurgens.
Most questionable decision: 2025 edge rusher position
There’s little to criticize about the reigning Super Bowl champions’ offseason—especially given the financial realities of maintaining a title roster. But if there’s a mild concern, it lies in the edge rusher group. With Josh Sweat landing a lucrative deal in Arizona, the Eagles will lean on a mix of unproven or inconsistent options opposite Nolan Smith. That includes Super Bowl standout Jalyx Hunt, low-risk signings Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche, inactive Super Bowl participant Bryce Huff, and Day 3 rookie Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr.
Underrated decision: Day 3 offensive line investments
The Eagles continue to future-proof their trenches, gifting offensive line guru Jeff Stoutland three developmental prospects on Day 3. Center Drew Kendall (Boston College) and tackles Myles Hinton (Michigan) and Cameron Williams (Texas) won’t be called upon right away, but each will benefit from time at “Stoutland U. ”
Washington Commanders (Away) – Week 10
Best decision: First-round offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon)
Despite splashy moves for Laremy Tunsil Jr. and Deebo Samuel, Washington’s smartest decision was staying put and drafting Josh Conerly Jr. in Round 1. Still raw after switching from running back in high school and logging just three seasons at Oregon, Conerly offers long-term upside and versatility as a foundational piece for the new-look offensive line.
Most questionable decision: Free agent defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw
Replacing Jonathan Allen with Javon Kinlaw feels like a downgrade. Though still only 27, Kinlaw has battled knee injuries and inconsistency throughout his career. He struggled on a one-year, low-cost deal with the Jets—so handing him a big contract this offseason carries some risk for Washington’s interior defense.
Underrated decision: Seventh-round running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Arizona)
Washington’s backfield lacked a true home-run threat, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt brings that missing explosiveness. The final running back taken in the draft, he offers breakaway potential that neither Brian Robinson Jr. nor Austin Ekeler consistently provide—a sneaky value swing in Round 7.
Dallas Cowboys (Home) – Week 14
Best decision: Let Will McClay cook
This breaks the format a bit, but all three of Will McClay’s top draft picks deserve recognition. Guard Tyler Booker (Alabama) projects as a perfect heir to Zack Martin. Defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College) and cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina) both offer Round 1 upside and give Dallas two high-ceiling building blocks on defense.
Most questionable decision: Micah Parsons contract
The Lions locked up Penei Sewell—Parsons’ 2021 draft classmate—over a year ago. No drama, no inflation. The Cowboys are now watching the edge market climb thanks to deals for Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, and Danielle Hunter. Waiting to pay a premium player rarely pays off.
Underrated decision: Seventh-round nose tackle Jay Toia (UCLA)
If Dallas is serious about shoring up its run defense, Jay Toia could be a key piece. The UCLA nose tackle eats space for breakfast and brings the stout stack-and-shed skillset they hoped to get from Mazi Smith. For a seventh-round flier, this could quietly pay dividends.
New York Giants (Home) – Week 12
Best decision: First-round edge rusher Abdul Carter (Penn State)
Sometimes the easiest call is the right one. Landing Abdul Carter at No. 3 overall was a gift, and the Giants didn’t overthink it. Carter is a terror off the edge and immediately boosts a pass rush that now features a formidable trio with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Most questionable decision: Free agent offensive lineman James Hudson
The Giants made some pricey but defensible bets on young DBs like Jevon Holland and Paulson Adebo. But paying James Hudson $12 million over two years to be a below-average, albeit versatile, swing lineman is harder to justify. That’s starter money (Kevin Zeitler in 2024) for a depth piece who hasn’t shown much upside.
Underrated decision: Free agent defensive lineman Chauncey Golston
Chauncey Golston gives defensive coordinator Shane Bowen another flexible chess piece. He brings more size than the edge trio mentioned and can shift inside as a pass rusher next to Dexter Lawrence on obvious passing downs (in addition to rookie Darius Alexander).
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens (Away) – Week 3
Best decision: First round safety Malaki Starks (Georgia)
The Ravens added a do-everything, high-IQ defender in Malaki Starks—an even more valuable pickup after Ar’Darius Washington’s Achilles injury. Starks is a natural fit next to Kyle Hamilton, bringing Brian Branch-like instincts and range and adding intriguing optionality to the backend of the Ravens defense.
Most questionable decision: Second round edge rusher Mike Green (Marshall)
Baltimore’s offseason was, as usual, smart and measured—making this a tough category. But the Mike Green pick raised eyebrows. Despite his talent, Green came with off-field concerns, which feels misaligned for a franchise still navigating the optics of retaining kicker Justin Tucker amid ongoing allegations (even if he was eventually cut after the draft). Even with faith in the Ravens’ internal vetting, the timing, and handling (he wasn’t made available for media), of the pick felt off.
Underrated decision: Five sixth-round picks
While the Lions were aggressive, the Ravens sat back and stockpiled value to the tune of five sixth-round selections. Cornerbacks Bihlal Kone (WMU) and Robert Longerbeam (Rutgers ) both should be factors in their rookie contracts. Wide receiver LaJohntay Wester was a clutch target for Shedeur Sanders at Colorado and productive at FAU. DT Aeneas Peebles (Virginia Tech ) adds pass-rush juice inside. Even the selection of K Tyler Loop (Arizona)—a rare specialist pick—addressed a real need. Classic Ravens: high-floor darts thrown with purpose.
Pittsburgh Steelers (Home) – Week 16
Best decision: First-round defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (Oregon)
Harmon feels like a classic Steeler pick—disruptive, tough, and built to eventually replace Cameron Heyward. Pittsburgh has a long tradition of seamlessly passing the torch along its defensive front, and Harmon continues that legacy with power and upside.
Most questionable decision: Quarterback conundrum
The Steelers ’ quarterback approach felt reactive. Instead of making a strong push for Geno Smith, they prioritized acquiring DK Metcalf, and were left desperately circling back to Aaron Rodgers as a fallback. For a team built to compete now, the uncertainty at QB clouds their outlook.
Underrated decision: Fourth-round edge rusher Jack Sawyer (Ohio State )
Though the Darius Slay signing brings experience to the secondary, snagging Jack Sawyer in the fourth round may prove even savvier. His athletic limitations dropped him down boards, but his hands, motor, and instincts fit Pittsburgh’s defensive identity. He’s a strong bet to contribute behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
Cincinnati Bengals (Away) – Week 5
Best decision: First-round edge rusher Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M )
Shemar Stewart’s raw traits are off the charts, and while he slid due to some inconsistency at Texas A&M, his upside is massive. Ideally, Cincinnati shouldn’t need him to dominate snap counts right away, allowing Stewart to rotate with Trey Hendrickson, Joseph Ossai, and Myles Murphy. Honorable mention: landing offensive guards Dylan Fairchild (Georgia) and Jalen Rivers (Miami) for new OL coach Scott Peters.
Most questionable decision: Trey Hendrickson snafu
The Bengals’ penny-pinching ways are back in the spotlight after their latest contract bungle. Hendrickson held a press conference on the sideline of the Bengals offseason program to voice his frustrations—never a good sign. Paying a quarterback and two receivers may have boxed them in financially, but letting a top pass rusher twist in the wind sends the wrong message in a locker room that’s still chasing a title.
Underrated decision: Free agent defensive tackle T.J. Slaton
The Bengals have quietly patched a lingering weakness by signing T.J. Slaton. The former Packer is a shop-wrecking, tone-setting run defender who should help finally fill the void left by DJ Reader’s departure. Happy to see him leave the Lions division and potentially solidify the spine of the Bengals defense.
Cleveland Browns (Home) – Week 4
Best decision: Trading down to Pick No. 5
One of the savviest moves of the draft was the Browns trading down from No. 2 overall to begin shedding the weight of the Deshaun Watson era. They collected a strong draft haul and still landed Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham—an ideal interior complement to Myles Garrett. Graham’s relentless motor and run-stuffing ability should give Cleveland a disruptive inside presence.
Most questionable decision: Quarterback conundrum
Signing Joe Flacco made sense as a stopgap in a reset transition year. But what followed was a confusing and costly overcorrection. The Browns traded Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round pick for Kenny Pickett, spent a third-rounder on Dillon Gabriel, and then sent fifth- and sixth-round picks to move up for Shedeur Sanders. That’s a hefty amount of assets for three unproven quarterbacks when the roster has glaring needs elsewhere. There aren’t enough reps to develop and evaluate them all, let alone keep all four on the regular season roster.
Underrated decision: Free agent offensive guard Teven Jenkins
Among several solid depth signings, Jenkins stands out as a quietly smart move. The former Bear struggled with injuries and positional shuffling but flashed real upside when healthy—especially in the run game. With four starters on the offensive line over 30 and three set to hit free agency next offseason, Jenkins gives Cleveland a physical, high-upside interior option who could start if needed or stabilize the line as a top-tier backup.
Other NFC divisional winner opponents
Los Angeles Rams (Away) – Week 15
Best decision: Free agent wide receiver Davante Adams
Trading out of the first round and acquiring the Falcons’ 2026 first-round pick was a shrewd long-term move, but the most impactful short-term decision was upgrading Cooper Kupp with Davante Adams. Adams, paired with breakout star Puka Nacua, gives Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay their most dangerous passing attack since their Super Bowl run—capable of unlocking the offense to its full potential.
Most questionable decision: Unnecessary Matthew Stafford uncertainty
While Stafford’s return always felt like the likeliest outcome, the weeks of offseason noise suggesting he could land with the Giants or Raiders created a needless distraction. For a team that thrives on structure and continuity, letting that narrative linger publicly didn’t benefit anyone.
Underrated decision: Third round pick Josaiah Stewart
Stewart is a different flavor compared to Jared Verse and Byron Young, but that’s what makes the pick so intriguing. While all three of them bring an aggressive, high-octane style off the edge, his acceleration and undersized frame make him a perfect change-up as a designated pass rusher. Stewart will bring a different kind of pressure that could give offensive tackles fits. Honorable mention: free agent defensive tackle Poona Ford
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Home) – Week 7
Best decision: Second-round cornerback Benjamin Morrison
The Buccaneers capitalized on Benjamin Morrison’s injury discount, landing a high-upside cornerback without using a first-round pick. Morrison’s fluidity, physicality, and instincts give him a strong shot to succeed Jamel Dean and become a key piece of the secondary early in his career.
Most questionable decision: Letting DL coach Kacy Rodgers walk
You snooze, you lose. Tampa Bay failed to lock up one of their most valuable assistants in Kacy Rodgers, who left for a plum role coaching Detroit’s stacked defensive line. Reports out of Lions rookie minicamp already rave about his hands-on instruction and teaching structure. In hindsight, this was a major oversight by the Buccaneers.
Underrated decision: Re-signing free agent linebacker Lavonte David
Year 14 and still criminally underrated, Lavonte David remains a cornerstone of the Buccaneers defense—durable, disciplined, and deceptively versatile. He has missed only 14 games his entire career and continues to be a cerebral leader with strong play against both the run and pass.
AFC divisional winner opponent
Kansas City Chiefs (Away) – Week 6
Best Decision: First-round offensive tackle Josh Simmons (Ohio State)
Kansas City quietly had one of the best drafts in the league. Landing Josh Simmons late in the first round was a coup—had he finished the 2024 season healthy, Simmons likely would’ve been a top-10 pick. His blend of power and athleticism gives the Chiefs a blue-chip talent at a premium position, helping to rebuild an offensive line that was exposed by the Eagles’ pass rush in a brutal Super Bowl loss.
Most questionable decision: Free agent offensive tackle Jayon Moore
Tackle play is crucial, but the Chiefs may have overpaid for Jaylon Moore. With just 12 career starts—only five last season—Moore doesn’t project as a top-tier starter despite being paid as a top-30 offensive tackle. Still, offensive line coach Andy Heck has worked wonders with raw talent before. Moore may hold the fort until Simmons is ready, and could eventually provide versatility elsewhere along the line.
Underrated Decision: 2024 second-round offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia
Kansas City’s whole draft class deserves praise, but Suamataia’s fit is especially intriguing. After struggling early at left tackle, he played his best game in Week 18 when kicked inside to guard—a position he’ll now compete for after the team moved on from Joe Thuney. Suamataia’s size and athletic profile could flourish next to Creed Humphrey, giving the Chiefs another sturdy interior presence to keep Patrick Mahomes upright.