The Detroit Lions' front office, led by general manager Brad Holmes, has built a reputation for meticulous roster construction, blending aggressive draft capital investment with strategic forays into free agency. As the 2026 league year approaches, a new layer of strategy may emerge from within the coaching staff. According to a report from the Detroit News, the Lions have identified a dozen potential free-agent targets who share a common thread: a previous connection to offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
This reported strategy underscores the evolving influence of Petzing, who is entering his third season calling plays for Detroit. In the NFL, familiarity breeds not only contempt but also comfort and trust. Coaches often gravitate toward players who understand their system, terminology, and expectations, believing it can accelerate integration and maximize performance. For the Lions, targeting "Petzing guys" could be a calculated move to add proven veterans who can fill specific roles while providing locker room stability and immediate schematic understanding.
Petzing's coaching journey, which includes stops with the Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals before arriving in Detroit, has given him a broad network of players. The reported list, as detailed by the Detroit News, spans critical positions of need and depth, focusing primarily on the offensive side of the ball. Let's break down the potential connections and what each player archetype could offer the reigning NFC North champions.
The Offensive Line: Fortifying the Trenches
The engine of the Lions' success has been their dominant offensive line. Maintaining that standard requires constant attention, especially with the potential for roster turnover. Petzing's history suggests a focus on versatile, tough linemen.
According to the report, players like Connor McGovern (guard/center) and Jedrick Wills Jr. (tackle) could be on the radar. McGovern, who played under Petzing in Cleveland, represents the kind of interior versatility the Lions covet. He could compete for a starting guard spot or provide elite-level depth at both guard and center, a crucial insurance policy for veteran stalwart Frank Ragnow. Wills, a former first-round pick, offers tackle experience. While the Lions are set with their starters, a player of Wills' pedigree could be a high-upside swing tackle, providing crucial depth for a unit that must protect quarterback Hendon Hooker.
Another name floated is Drew Forbes, a guard whose career has been defined by positional flexibility and special teams value. In a Petzing system that values intelligent, assignment-sound players, Forbes could be a low-cost, high-value addition for depth and competition.
Tight Ends: Expanding a Dynamic Arsenal
The tight end position has become a focal point in Petzing's offensive scheme, which leverages multiple tight-end sets to create mismatches in both the run and pass game. With Brock Wright a free agent and the role behind Sam LaPorta in flux, this is a prime area for a targeted addition.
The report highlights Harrison Bryant as a prime candidate. Bryant spent his formative years with Petzing in Cleveland and has proven to be a reliable receiver and capable blocker. His skill set is reminiscent of Wright's, and he could seamlessly slide into the TE2 role, offering Hooker a trusted safety valve. Another intriguing name is Trey McBride, though his market value may be prohibitive. If available, McBride would represent a major splash, creating arguably the most potent tight-end duo in the league alongside LaPorta and fundamentally altering how defenses must gameplan against Detroit.
A more under-the-radar connection could be John Bates, a player known primarily for his blocking prowess. Adding a specialist like Bates would signal a commitment to doubling down on the power run game, allowing LaPorta to be deployed more frequently as a receiver while not sacrificing physicality in 12 or 13 personnel groupings.
The Skill Positions: Adding Depth and Versatility
While the Lions boast one of the league's most explosive receiver trios and a dynamic backfield, depth is perpetually needed. Petzing's connections here point toward versatile players who can contribute in multiple phases.
At running back, a player like D'Ernest Johnson could be a target. Johnson, who thrived in a complementary role in Cleveland, is a reliable pass protector and receiver out of the backfield. He would be a perfect fit as a third-down back, providing a trustworthy option behind Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. His special teams experience only adds to his value.
The wide receiver room might see a addition through a player such as Anthony Schwartz. While his production has been inconsistent, Schwartz's elite speed is a trait no team can have enough of. Under Petzing's guidance, he could be developed as a dedicated deep threat and gadget player, taking the top off defenses and opening space for Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Another potential name is Demetric Felton, a "swiss army knife" who has lined up at running back, receiver, and returner. Felton's versatility aligns with the Lions' love for positionless football players who can create matchup nightmares.
The Strategic Implications
This reported approach is less about making a seismic, headline-grabbing splash and more about executing a series of surgical, high-probability moves. Each player mentioned comes with a built-in advantage: they speak Petzing's language. In the compressed timeline of an NFL offseason, the installation period is critical. A veteran who already knows the core concepts, verbiage, and expectations of the offensive coordinator can hit the ground running. This allows them to contribute faster in games and, just as importantly, helps mentor younger players in the system.
For General Manager Brad Holmes, this strategy represents a efficient use of resources. Instead of spending capital on a player who might take half a season to acclimate, investing in a "Petzing guy" theoretically offers a quicker return on investment. It also strengthens Petzing's hand, giving him personnel that he has personally vouched for and believes can execute his vision.
However, it is crucial to note that these are reported connections and potential targets, not confirmed signings. The free-agent market is a fluid and unpredictable arena. While these players make logical sense, the Lions' final decisions will be dictated by salary cap dynamics, market prices, and their own draft board. A player like Trey McBride, for instance, may simply be priced out of Detroit's range, leading the front office to pivot.
The Bottom Line
As the Lions look to sustain their championship window, every advantage matters. Leveraging the relationships and familiarity of their offensive coordinator in free agency is a smart, nuanced team-building tactic. The dozen players connected to Drew Petzing, as reported by the Detroit News, represent a mix of starter-level talent, crucial depth, and specialized role players--precisely the ingredients needed to fortify a roster for another deep playoff run.
If the Lions do sign several players from this list, it will send a clear message: continuity and cultural fit are paramount. They are not just collecting talent; they are assembling a team of players who can seamlessly integrate into a specific, demanding, and successful system. For Lions fans, this reported strategy offers a fascinating glimpse into the team's offseason playbook, one where Drew Petzing's little black book may become as important as the draft board. The coming weeks will reveal how many of these connections turn into concrete commitments at Ford Field.