Dave Birkett

My 5-step plan for Detroit Lions to win NFL free agency in 2026 Detroit Lions have more needs than they did in 2025, including at center, edge rusher and maybe cornerback. Dave Birkett attacks 2026 NFL free agency.

Tried to be reasonable with this one, but my 5-step plan for the Detroit Lions when NFL free agency opens next week www.freep.com/story/sports...

Or bye week comes at a different time

Do NOT go making any nonrefundable reservations off this but it sounds like the most likely date for the Lions’ game in Germany is Nov 15, if you’re planning on making the trip.

The Lions have tendered K Jake Bates his ERFA contract. No surprise there.

All these centers retiring in their 20s. Tyler Linderbaum market is 📈

Can Lions pull off Maxx Crosby mega-deal? NFL trade activity rising Detroit Lions are a longshot to acquire Raiders star Maxx Crosby in a trade according to BetOnline.ag odds, but Brad Holmes' history says don't blink.

Lions GM Brad Holmes acknowledged last week it could be an active offseason for trades in the NFL. Then he pulled off the David Montgomery deal. What comes next? And I know you're curious about Maxx Crosby in Detroit... www.freep.com/story/sports...

Graham Glasgow released by Detroit Lions, offensive makeover continues A third-round pick out of Michigan in 2016, Graham Glasgow played seven of his 10 NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions. Here's where the OL stands now.

Graham Glasgow released by Detroit Lions, offensive line makeover continues

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Why David Montgomery trade is a win for Detroit Lions David Montgomery trade to Texans analysis from our NFL expert Dave Birkett, Monday, March 2, 2026. Inside the deal and the Lions' outlook entering free agency.

Video: My thoughts on the David Montgomery trade and why it had to happen
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David Montgomery on Instagram: "love always 🤍" 5,329 likes, 454 comments - reallyunderstandme on March 2, 2026: "love always 🤍".

David Montgomery on IG: “I was shaped by this city and by you.”

Lions free agency targets: 7 RBs to watch after David Montgomery trade Michael Carter and Emari Demercado finished 1-2 in rushing for Arizona Cardinals under new Detroit Lions OC Drew Petzing, and are 2026 RB free agents.

Lions free agency targets: 7 RBs the Lions could target to replace David Montgomery after today's trade www.freep.com/story/sports...

Juice Scruggs made one start for the Texans at LG last year, played mostly C in 2024. In the last year of his deal. Definitely worth a flier given the state of the Lions' OL. Don't expect Glasgow back. If the Lions find a center elsewhere, he's a depth IOL backup at least.

Detroit Lions trade David Montgomery to Houston Texans for draft pick Here are the David Montgomery trade details in a deal between the Detroit Lions and to Houston Texans agreed to Monday, March 2.

Done deal: The Detroit Lions have traded David Montgomery to the Houston Texans www.freep.com/story/sports...

The Lions are trading David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, per a source.

Why Clemson OT Blake Miller could fit Lions in Round 1 of NFL draft Offensive tackle Blake Miller started 54 games in 4 seasons at Clemson, was a team captain and first-team all-ACC selection.

Why Clemson OT Blake Miller could fit Lions in Round 1 of NFL draft

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NFL mock draft, Fernando Mendoza lock at 1; Detroit Lions get OL help The Lions biggest needs heading into free agency are offensive line and edge rush, but they also have needs at safety, cornerback and tight end.

My first mock draft of the year is here. Fernando Mendoza is a lock at 1; Detroit Lions get OL help at 17 www.freep.com/story/sports...

Detroit Lions CB Terrion Arnold denies connection to kidnapping case Terrion Arnold was named in court files as an associate of five people arrested in the case in Florida.

Detroit Lions CB Terrion Arnold denies connection to kidnapping case

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CB all of a sudden a need, maybe

Drew Petzing: Possibilities 'immense' on talented Detroit Lions offense Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said he was impressed by the knowledge and detail Drew Petzing showed in his interview for offensive coordinator.

Drew Petzing: Possibilities 'immense' on talented Detroit Lions offense www.freep.com/story/sports...

Lions CB Terrion Arnold named in Florida robbery case, not charged Florida prosecutors allege that Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold is connected to a robbery case in Tampa.

From Christian Romo: Lions CB Terrion Arnold named in Florida robbery case, not charged www.freep.com/story/sports...

Hard-hitting Toledo safety didn't chase NIL money, could fit Lions Undersized Indiana CB D'Angelo Ponds sees 'no drawback' to size, while hard-hitting Emmanuel McNeil-Warren could be a fit with the Lions.

NFL combine notes: Hard-hitting Toledo safety didn't chase NIL money, could fill underrated Detroit Lions need www.freep.com/story/sports...

Why Lions don't have quite as much offseason shopping to do on DL Levi Onwuzurike and Josh Paschal missed all of last season with injuries but had their contracts toll for 2026, meaning they could come back.

Brad Holmes in the futures of Levi Onwuzurike and Josh Paschal, an what it means for the Lions’ DL
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NFL combine highlights: Miami's Rueben Bain dismisses arm length issue NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said the 2026 NFL Draft pass-rush crop is one of the deepest in recent memory, including Miami star Rueben Bain.

NFL combine highlights: Miami's Rueben Bain dismisses arm length issue; Zion Young reflects on time at Michigan State www.freep.com/story/sports...

Was Detroit Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard runner-up for Dolphins coach job? Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard said he met with Hall of Fame QBs Dan Marino and Troy Aikman as part of the Miami Dolphins' interview process.

Was Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard runner-up for Dolphins job? “When Hafley calls somebody on my staff and says, ‘Those people were about to hire Kelvin.’ I mean I don’t know why people would make this stuff up, but I think it’s as real as it can get” www.freep.com/story/sports...

Lions eye restructures to get under salary cap, top FA C still pricey The Detroit Lions currently project to be about $9 million over the NFL's 2026 salary cap, making a player such as Tyler Linderbaum tough to afford.

Lions eye restructures to get under salary cap, top FA C probably still too pricey www.freep.com/story/sports...

Taylor Decker return gives Lions do-over after Frank Ragnow fail Lions coach Dan Campbell said the Detroit Lions will still look to add an OT this offseason because of Taylor Decker's health issues.

Taylor Decker return gives Detroit Lions do-over at planning for top OL's exit after last year's Frank Ragnow fail www.freep.com/story/sports...

Taylor Decker announces return to Lions for 2026 season: 'SEND ME!' "'Here am I; SEND ME!' #Year11" Taylor Decker wrote on Instagram announcing his return to the Detroit Lions for the 2026 NFL season.

Lions OC Drew Petzing on Taylor Decker's return: "As a coach you’re going to want every good player you possibly can in the building so he’s certainly one of those guys and excited to see that come across the ticker." www.freep.com/story/sports...

Taylor Decker announces return to Lions for 2026 season: 'SEND ME!' "'Here am I; SEND ME!' #Year11" Taylor Decker wrote on Instagram announcing his return to the Detroit Lions for the 2026 NFL season.

Taylor Decker announces return to Lions for 2026 season: 'SEND ME!'

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Brad Holmes responds to David Montgomery trade rumors with Lions Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery was unhappy with his reduced role last season, and could look to play elsewhere in 2026 in a trade.

I thought Brad Holmes' comments on Lions RB David Montgomery's future were pretty telling: "We’d love to have him ... But obviously, a player has to want to be at a certain place as well. So those conversations are still fluid and we’ll just kind of see how it goes." www.freep.com/story/sports...

Why Detroit Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard wowed Dolphins GM in interview Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard interviewed for the Miami Dolphins head coaching job this offseason

Dolphins GM: Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard wowed in interview, wasn’t just a Rooney Rule candidate www.freep.com/story/sports...

Asked if he expects Maxx Crosby to be a Raider next season, GM John Spytek said, I do