The Detroit Lions’ mistakes during the legal tampering period are discussed by an NFL analyst.
The Detroit Lions have long been an NFL franchise in search of consistency, success, and a return to playoff contention. Under the leadership of general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have shown flashes of promise, culminating in a strong 2023 season that exceeded many expectations. However, even with their upward trajectory, the Lions made several key mistakes during the legal tampering period of the 2025 offseason that have sparked significant debate among NFL analysts and fans alike. These errors could have major ramifications for their future success. In this analysis, we will break down the Lions’ mistakes during this crucial time period, evaluating the moves they made, the players they targeted (or failed to target), and the lessons they may need to learn as they continue to build their roster for the future.
1. The Legal Tampering Period: What Is It?
To understand the gravity of the Lions’ decisions during the legal tampering period, it’s important to first grasp the concept of the period itself. The legal tampering period occurs in the days before the start of the official NFL free agency period. It allows teams to negotiate contract terms with players, but no actual signings can be made until free agency officially begins. During this time, the groundwork is laid for future roster changes, and deals are often agreed upon in principle.
For teams like the Lions, this period is a critical moment to fill gaps in the roster, address areas of need, and potentially land key free agents who can contribute immediately. However, mistakes made here can leave a team in a difficult position moving forward, as they may miss out on opportunities or overpay for players who do not pan out.
2. Mistake #1: Overcommitting Financially to Free Agents
One of the most significant mistakes made by the Detroit Lions during the 2025 legal tampering period was their overcommitment of resources to players who didn’t provide clear, transformative upgrades to the roster. While free agency is about bolstering the team, the Lions’ front office appeared to ignore long-term salary cap implications when signing certain players. Overpaying for marginal upgrades in areas where the team was already relatively solid could hinder their ability to make future moves and re-sign key players.
For example, the Lions made a high-profile bid for an aging veteran wide receiver coming off an injury-riddled season. While this player had a strong track record in the league, there was little indication that he would return to his previous form. The large contract they offered was a gamble that raised eyebrows, especially considering the need for investment in more pressing areas, such as the defensive line and secondary. This move seemed more like a short-term fix than a long-term solution, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s financial strategy moving forward.
3. Mistake #2: Neglecting the Secondary and Pass Rush
Arguably the most glaring mistake the Lions made during the legal tampering period was their failure to prioritize the defense. The team had a clear weakness in both their secondary and pass rush throughout the 2024 season, and those concerns remained glaring as the offseason approached. Despite the importance of strengthening the defense, the Lions were largely quiet in addressing these needs during the legal tampering period.
The team’s pass rush had been inconsistent in 2024, with only moderate production from their edge rushers and interior linemen. Despite this need, they failed to make a splash move for a top-tier pass rusher or even an effective rotational player. Teams that succeed in today’s NFL are those who can pressure the quarterback consistently, and the Lions seemed to underestimate the importance of upgrading this part of their defense. The lack of urgency in this area raised alarms among fans, especially considering the NFC North’s emphasis on having a strong defensive unit.
Similarly, the Lions’ secondary was another glaring weakness in 2024, struggling to defend against both elite quarterbacks and receivers. They failed to pursue one of the top cornerbacks on the market or explore trades for proven defensive backs. This mistake is particularly noticeable considering the growing trend in the NFL of high-powered passing offenses. The Lions could have bolstered their secondary to improve their chances against the league’s top quarterbacks, but their inaction left a major hole that still requires attention.
4. Mistake #3: The Lack of a Clear Plan at Quarterback
While Jared Goff had a productive 2024 season, there is a growing sense that his long-term future with the team is uncertain. This uncertainty should have prompted the Lions to make a more aggressive move in the legal tampering period to address their quarterback position, either by securing a veteran backup or seeking to develop a younger prospect to groom behind Goff.
Instead, the Lions seemed content to let the quarterback situation remain unresolved, with no moves made to bring in potential competition or a long-term solution. Teams that are truly committed to success at the quarterback position typically make aggressive moves to secure stability at the position. The lack of a clear, strategic plan here may come back to haunt the Lions if Goff struggles in 2025 or if they are forced to go back to the drawing board in the next offseason.
5. Mistake #4: Failing to Address Offensive Line Depth
The Detroit Lions’ offensive line has been one of their strengths in recent years, but it is also a position that requires constant attention to depth and development. During the legal tampering period, the Lions failed to address the offensive line’s depth issues, particularly in the interior. While their starting five is formidable, injuries or underperformance could quickly destabilize the unit, and the team had an opportunity to strengthen it further.
A notable omission was the lack of moves made to either sign or trade for quality backup offensive linemen. Offensive line depth is crucial for teams that want to remain competitive throughout a long season. Should injuries strike, the Lions could find themselves relying on underqualified players or undrafted rookies, which could have devastating effects on their offensive production.
6. Mistake #5: Misreading the Market for Edge Rushers
As the legal tampering period unfolded, a number of edge rushers were available on the market, but the Lions seemed to misread the landscape. A few players they had reportedly shown interest in quickly signed elsewhere for relatively affordable deals. The Lions failed to match or even offer competitive contracts, despite the fact that these edge rushers were exactly the type of player the Lions needed to elevate their defense.
In particular, they passed on an affordable, younger pass rusher who was coming off a solid season with a lower-profile team. This player had the potential to grow into a significant contributor on the Lions’ defense, but they failed to pull the trigger, and he quickly signed with a rival NFC contender. This missed opportunity could prove costly as other teams in the division improve their pass rush, leaving the Lions playing catch-up.
7. Mistake #6: The Overemphasis on Skill Positions
While the Lions did make some moves to strengthen their skill positions, particularly the receiving corps, they placed too much emphasis on those areas at the expense of the team’s foundational needs. In the NFL, a high-powered offense is important, but a team’s success often depends on building strong trenches and having a defense capable of keeping up with high-scoring offenses.
The Lions made several moves to bolster their receiving depth, but they neglected areas like the defensive line, secondary, and linebacker corps, where they had clear holes. While having weapons on offense is essential, the Lions should have balanced their investments between offense and defense in order to build a more well-rounded roster.
8. The Road Ahead for the Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions’ mistakes during the 2025 legal tampering period serve as a reminder that the offseason is a critical time for teams to refine their strategies and solidify their futures. By overcommitting to free-agent signings that lacked long-term value, neglecting areas of need like the pass rush and secondary, and failing to make the necessary moves at quarterback, the Lions missed an opportunity to make meaningful strides toward becoming a true contender in the NFC.
Looking ahead, the Lions will need to address these mistakes during the upcoming draft and the remainder of the offseason. If they fail to address their defensive needs, particularly in the secondary and pass rush, they could struggle to compete against more balanced teams in their division and conference. While the franchise is still in a rebuilding phase, they cannot afford to squander opportunities to take the next step.
Ultimately, the Lions will need to balance their investments, be more strategic in free agency, and focus on strengthening the areas that will truly push them into championship contention. If they learn from these mistakes, the 2025 season could mark a turning point for the team. However, if they continue to misstep, the Lions may find themselves stuck in a cycle of mediocrity for yet another year.