{"id":4051,"date":"2026-05-26T12:03:47","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T12:03:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/26\/detroit-lions-53-man-roster-projection-heading-into-2026-otas\/"},"modified":"2026-05-26T12:03:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T12:03:47","slug":"detroit-lions-53-man-roster-projection-heading-into-2026-otas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/26\/detroit-lions-53-man-roster-projection-heading-into-2026-otas\/","title":{"rendered":"Detroit Lions 53-Man Roster Projection Heading Into 2026 OTAs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When the Detroit Lions take the field for organized team activities starting later this week, it will be the first opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate the roster as a whole.<\/p>\n

Read more The Miami Heat 2026 Free Agency Strategy Primer<\/a><\/p>\n

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Though injuries and availability are subject to change at this point of the season as players heal from offseason procedures, in large part the Lions are expecting to have most of their roster available for these sessions.<\/p>\n

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While very few position battles will be decided at this point in the offseason, this point in the calendar is all about strong first impressions.<\/p>\n

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Here’s my latest 53-man roster projection ahead of the start of Lions organized team activities.<\/p>\n

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Quarterback (2)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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In:<\/strong> Jared Goff, Teddy Bridgewater<\/p>\n

Out: <\/strong>Luke Altmyer<\/p>\n

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Little to report here, as the heirarchy appears set at this position. Goff is looking to take another step forward, while Bridgewater returns as a locker room favorite to be his backup. The biggest point of intrigue might be whether or not Altmyer does enough as a UDFA to make the team decide whether or not to keep three quarterbacks.<\/p>\n

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Running back (3)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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In: <\/strong>Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco, Sione Vaki<\/p>\n

Out: <\/strong>Jacob Saylors, Jabari Small, Kye Robichaux<\/p>\n

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With the Lions’ investment at some of the other skill positions and return potential, I’m leaving Jacob Saylors off the roster at this point. Detroit has its 1-2 punch in Gibbs and Pacheco, and Vaki offers depth and return ability and can be paired with one of the Lions’ wideouts.<\/p>\n

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Vaki has been in and out of the lineup with injuries over his first two seasons, and when he’s been available it’s mostly been as a special teamer. This offseason might be a big opportunity for him to prove he’s deserving of a bigger role in the backfield.<\/p>\n

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Wide receiver (6)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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In:<\/strong> Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Greg Dortch, Kendrick Law, Dominic Lovett<\/p>\n

Out: <\/strong>Tom Kennedy, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Malik Cunningham, Jackson Meeks<\/p>\n

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Detroit has an intriguing group of wide receivers, and this will make things interesting when it comes to deciding the final roster spots. Realistically, every player on roster at this position has a relatively strong case to make the roster.<\/p>\n

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The late addition of Wilson is an intriguing one, as he has 126 career receptions over seven seasons. Detroit also has several wideouts who will be competing to replace Kalif Raymond in the return game, with Law and Lovett both being recent draft picks that fit that mold.<\/p>\n

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Don’t sleep on Kennedy’s chances, either. As a veteran who has bounced between the active roster and practice squad for seven seasons, Kennedy is clearly a player the team trusts to fill a void at a moment’s notice.<\/p>\n

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Tight end (3)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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In: <\/strong>Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Tyler Conklin<\/p>\n

Out: <\/strong>Thomas Gordon, Zach Horton, Miles Kitselman<\/p>\n

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The Lions appear set at this point headlined by LaPorta and Wright as their 1-2 punch. LaPorta did see his season end early with an injury, so time will tell where he’s at in his recovery when OTAs begin.<\/p>\n

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If LaPorta is unavailable, the Lions could give an extended look to each of Gordon, Horton and Kitselman. Conklin appears to be the third option at this point, but he had a down year last year and one of the younger options could challenge for a spot.<\/p>\n

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Offensive line (9)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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In: <\/strong>Penei Sewell, Christian Mahogany, Cade Mays, Tate Ratledge, Larry Borom, Blake Miller, Miles Frazier, Juice Scruggs, Ben Bartch<\/p>\n

Out: <\/strong>Gio Manu, Colby Sorsdal, Michael Niese, Devin Cochran, Mason Miller, Seth McLaughlin, Melvin Priestly<\/p>\n

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The Lions’ overhaul on their offensive line has been well-documented. Mays will be the center, while there will be competitions at guard and right tackle assuming Sewell indeed moves to the left side. <\/p>\n

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With all the talent on the roster, it could be tough to carry 10 linemen at the expense of another position. If the Lions feel confident in carrying one less receiver or defensive back, it could allow them to carry a player like Manu.<\/p>\n

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This is a big offseason for Manu, who missed most of last year with an injury and has made one start in two seasons. He was known to be a project when the Lions drafted him, and so far the results have yet to match the expectations.<\/p>\n

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