While the Detroit Lions are preparing for the 2026 season, the latest NFL rumors project that the team could lose one player. According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, the Lions have committed more than $1 billion to star players, including running back Jahmyr Gibbs, which leaves veterans Brian Branch and Sam LaPorta fighting for new contracts this upcoming season. Graziano does not expect a new contract to materialize before Week 1, but Lions general manager Brad Holmes expresses his desire to keep all star players from the 2023 draft class, including LB Jack Campbell, for a "long time."
"We still want to keep those guys around; those plans haven't changed," Holmes said Wednesday, via Richard Silva of The Detroit News. "There's a couple factors that we've still got to sort through. But in terms of us wanting those guys around? Absolutely. Hopefully, we can get that done."
"Hopefully" is a strong word for the Lions. Detroit is walking into the season without triggering new deals for Branch or LaPorta, who are both coming off season-ending injuries. Both are also set to become unrestricted free agents next offseason.
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) makes a catch against Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (4) during the first half at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Unfortunately, it will probably come down to who can stay healthier and make an immediate impact this upcoming campaign. After all, Branch and LaPorta have proven to be top-5 athletes when healthy. However, the former second-round pick and 2024 Pro Bowl safety may have an edge here. The Lions were forced to release cornerback Terrion Arnold this offseason due to the latest investigation, and if they give up another elite secondary threat, it could become detrimental to the team's defense.
#lions #detroit #season #latest
"We still want to keep those guys around; those plans haven't changed," Holmes said Wednesday, via Richard Silva of The Detroit News. "There's a couple factors that we've still got to sort through. But in terms of us wanting those guys around? Absolutely. Hopefully, we can get that done."
"Hopefully" is a strong word for the Lions. Detroit is walking into the season without triggering new deals for Branch or LaPorta, who are both coming off season-ending injuries. Both are also set to become unrestricted free agents next offseason.
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) makes a catch against Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (4) during the first half at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Unfortunately, it will probably come down to who can stay healthier and make an immediate impact this upcoming campaign. After all, Branch and LaPorta have proven to be top-5 athletes when healthy. However, the former second-round pick and 2024 Pro Bowl safety may have an edge here. The Lions were forced to release cornerback Terrion Arnold this offseason due to the latest investigation, and if they give up another elite secondary threat, it could become detrimental to the team's defense.
#lions #detroit #season #latest
11 days ago
