The Detroit Lions’ front office has transitioned seamlessly from the 2025 season to building the 2026 roster, executing a series of procedural but vital moves in early January. These actions solidify the depth chart and make major financial commitments to two cornerstones of the franchise.
Locking Down the Practice Squad On January 5-6, 2026, the Lions signed nine members of their 2025 practice squad to Reserve/Future contracts for the 2026 season. These players are now under contract and will participate in the team’s offseason program. The group includes:
- OL Devin Cochran (entering his 3rd year)
- WR Malik Cunningham (entering his 4th year)
- DE Ahmed Hassanein (entering his 2nd year)
- TE Zach Horton (entering his 2nd year)
- WR Jackson Meeks (entering his 2nd year)
- OL Mason Miller (re-signed, entering his 3rd year)
- RB Jabari Small (entering his 2nd year)
- DL Chris Smith (entering his 2nd year)
- OL Seth McLaughlin (signed separately on Jan 6, entering his 2nd year)
Additionally, the team re-signed three Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFAs) on January 5: offensive lineman Michael Niese (entering his 3rd year), running back Jacob Saylors (entering his 3rd year), and cornerback Nick Whiteside (entering his 3rd year). ERFAs are players with less than three accrued seasons, and the Lions retained them with one-year contracts at the league minimum.
The Big-Ticket Decisions: Fifth-Year Options In a move that was expected but confirms the team’s long-term vision, the Lions have officially exercised the fifth-year contract options for the 2026 season for defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and wide receiver Jameson Williams. Both were first-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
- Aidan Hutchinson: The defensive captain and heart of the Lions’ pass rush will play the 2026 season on a salary of approximately $19.8 million, fully guaranteed. Hutchinson, entering his 5th year, has lived up to his draft status as the No. 2 overall pick, becoming a perennial Pro Bowl candidate and the leader of the defense.
- Jameson Williams: The electric speedster will play the 2026 season on a salary of approximately $15.5 million, also fully guaranteed. After a rookie year marred by injury and a suspension-shortened second season, Williams (entering his 5th year) began to show his game-breaking potential in 2025, giving the Lions the vertical threat they drafted him to be.
Looking Ahead to Free Agency While securing these 12 depth players and two stars, the Lions now turn their attention to a significant group of pending free agents. The team has 28 players set to hit the open market when the new league year begins, including pivotal figures such as linebacker Alex Anzalone, kicker Jake Bates (who kicked the game-winner in the season finale), cornerback Amik Robertson, and wide receiver/returner Kalif Raymond. The decisions made on these veterans will define the Lions’ competitiveness and depth as they aim to build upon their 9-8 record in 2026.