Detroit Lions Kick Off 2026 Offseason With Three Key Re-Signings
The Detroit Lions wasted no time turning the page to 2026, opening their offseason by locking in three familiar depth pieces just days after closing the regular season with a Week 18 win over the Chicago Bears. The early moves signal a steady, no-panic approach as Detroit begins shaping its roster ahead of free agency and the NFL Draft.
The Lions announced Monday they have re-signed offensive lineman Michael Niese, running back Jacob Saylors, and cornerback Nick Whiteside. While none of the deals grab headlines, all three players provide continuity and internal depth as the front office evaluates the roster for 2026.
Niese brings experience and flexibility to the offensive line. The 6-foot-5 lineman appeared in eight games during the 2025 season and has seen action across multiple spots up front over his NFL career. His return gives Detroit a trusted option off the bench, something the coaching staff has consistently prioritized under head coach Dan Campbell.
Saylors earned his way back through reliability rather than volume. The 24-year-old was active for every game in 2025, contributing primarily on special teams while serving as backfield depth. Keeping Saylors reinforces the Lions’ focus on maintaining consistency in the game’s less glamorous but critical areas.
Whiteside rounds out the trio as a depth piece in the secondary. He saw action in nine games last season, mixing in as a rotational corner and special teams contributor. Though his role was limited, Detroit values his familiarity with the system and ability to step in when needed.
All three signings fall into the low-risk, depth-building category, but they matter as Detroit begins assembling the foundation of its 2026 roster. Expect more moves in a similar vein as the Lions balance internal retention with upcoming decisions in free agency and the draft.
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