Lions' $1 billion problem could sink rising ship

The Detroit Lions might be feeling like they've missed their window under Dan Campbell.

Entering Year 5 with Campbell as head coach, the Lions appear to be in an interesting position. 

After two stellar seasons that saw the Lions post a 12-5 season, and followed that up with a 15-2 season, they were in the Super Bowl window. But Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson left for head coaching jobs, and the Lions slumped to 9-8 in 2025.

So, is there hope that the Lions can bounce back in 2026?

Well, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler offers a reason it might take a bit of time.

"Detroit has committed nearly $1 billion to star players on extensions, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs is the next to be paid," Fowler wrote. "Will that affect roster depth? GM Brad Holmes faces a balancing act, as the Lions need to improve their run defense and add talent to the secondary."

More: Analyst reveals key to Ravens' 2026 hope

Are Lions in Super Bowl window?

With Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions are always going to be able to put up points on offense; that isn't the issue, as they were the fourth-highest scoring offense in football in 2025.

But defensively, they gave up a little over 24 points per game on average. That number needs to come down.

Free agency could be where the Lions look for plug-and-play defenders with the ability to spend money still there despite the numbers Fowler threw out.

It will be interesting to see how far "in" the Lions go this offseason.

Was 2025 a blip on the radar towards an eventual Super Bowl? Or did the Lions miss their narrow window to get that Lombardi trophy?

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