Where Do the Lions’ Recent Signings Fit into the Team Depth Chart?
The Detroit Lions have been one of the most active teams in the NFL during the offseason, making a series of strategic signings designed to address key areas of need and bolster their roster for the upcoming season. These moves are reflective of the team’s goal to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for a playoff spot and perhaps even more in the coming years. General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell have carefully selected players to fill holes in both the offensive and defensive units, making their decisions with an eye toward improving the Lions’ depth chart and overall roster quality.
As the offseason moves forward, it’s crucial to understand how each of the Lions’ recent signings fits into the team’s depth chart. Whether it’s new veterans looking to make an impact, or emerging younger talents, each new acquisition has a specific role to play within Detroit’s overall plans. In this article, we will break down the most notable signings and how they fit into the Lions’ current depth chart, as well as provide insight into what these moves mean for the team’s development.
1. David Montgomery (Running Back)
Depth Chart Placement: Starting Running Back
The Detroit Lions made headlines when they signed former Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery to a three-year deal worth $18 million. Montgomery was brought in to complement, and at times challenge, last year’s breakout star Jamaal Williams, who left in free agency. While Williams had a strong 2022 campaign, finishing as one of the NFL’s top touchdown scorers, Montgomery is expected to take over the starting role for a few key reasons.
First, Montgomery is a more versatile back compared to Williams. He’s known for his ability to break tackles, churn out yards after contact, and provide solid contributions in the passing game, which makes him a well-rounded weapon in offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s scheme. While Williams was a powerful runner near the goal line, Montgomery’s ability to contribute in both the rushing and passing game will make him more of a feature back in the Lions’ offense.
Montgomery should slide into the starting role seamlessly, and this signing significantly strengthens the team’s ground attack alongside second-year standout D’Andre Swift. Swift’s ability to hit big plays and his receiving skills out of the backfield will complement Montgomery’s inside running style, creating a dynamic and dangerous duo for the Lions’ offense.
2. Jahmyr Gibbs (Running Back, Draft Pick)
Depth Chart Placement: Running Back No. 2 / Third-Down Back
In one of the more surprising and bold moves of the draft, the Lions selected running back Jahmyr Gibbs out of Alabama with the 12th overall pick. With the selection of Gibbs, the Lions are signaling that they’re looking for more than just a complement to David Montgomery. Gibbs, who is regarded as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the 2023 draft, will likely fill the role of third-down back and receiving specialist out of the backfield, while also getting touches in the running game.
Gibbs is one of the most electrifying players in this draft class, with elite speed and shiftiness that make him a threat in both the ground game and as a pass-catcher. While Montgomery will serve as the primary early-down back, Gibbs’ speed and pass-catching ability could make him a focal point of Detroit’s offense in certain situations, especially on third downs and in spread formations.
It’s clear that Jahmyr Gibbs will be utilized in a variety of ways, with the Lions looking to take advantage of his versatility and unique skill set. His presence will add a dimension of explosiveness to the offense, and Detroit’s commitment to running back by committee seems to be paying dividends, offering flexibility and depth at the position.
3. Cameron Sutton (Cornerback)
Depth Chart Placement: Starting Cornerback (Outside)
The Lions made a big splash in free agency by signing cornerback Cameron Sutton to a three-year, $33 million deal. Sutton, who previously played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is a well-rounded cornerback known for his intelligence, coverage skills, and physicality. He’s coming off a career year in 2022, where he demonstrated excellent coverage skills and the ability to impact the game both as a boundary corner and in the slot.
Sutton immediately slots into one of the outside cornerback spots, likely across from second-year standout Jeff Okudah. Okudah, who has battled injury issues but showed promise in 2022, will now have a reliable veteran opposite him in Sutton. Sutton’s ability to shut down opposing receivers and his knack for creating turnovers will be invaluable in the Lions’ secondary. The addition of Sutton also gives defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn more flexibility in terms of matchups, and his presence should help elevate the play of the entire defensive backfield.
In a division with some talented receivers, such as Justin Jefferson in Minnesota and DJ Moore in Chicago, having a solid cornerback pairing in Sutton and Okudah is vital for Detroit’s defensive success.
4. John Cominsky (Defensive Lineman)
Depth Chart Placement: Starting Defensive End (Base Defense) / Rotational Edge Rusher
The Lions also re-signed John Cominsky, a key contributor on their defensive line. Cominsky, who was acquired from the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, proved to be a versatile and effective player along Detroit’s defensive front. He brings a combination of size and athleticism that makes him a valuable piece both in the base defense and as a situational rusher.
Cominsky is likely to start at one of the defensive end spots in the Lions’ 3-4 base defense, offering solid run defense and the ability to rush the passer on passing downs. In sub-packages, he could slide inside as an interior pass rusher, offering Detroit flexibility and depth. His presence allows the Lions to rotate their defensive linemen more effectively, keeping fresh legs on the field throughout the game. The key for Cominsky will be to continue developing his pass-rushing skills, as Detroit needs to generate more pressure on the quarterback.
5. Mo Alie-Cox (Tight End)
Depth Chart Placement: Starting Tight End (1A)
The Lions added Mo Alie-Cox, a veteran tight end previously with the Indianapolis Colts, to bolster their tight end room. Alie-Cox brings an athletic frame (6-foot-5, 267 pounds) and is an effective red-zone target who excels in blocking. Alie-Cox gives the Lions an upgrade over some of the depth players they’ve had at the position in recent years, and with TJ Hockenson now in Minnesota, Alie-Cox fills a critical role.
While Alie-Cox might not be the dominant receiving threat that Hockenson was, he offers Detroit a reliable option in the passing game and an excellent blocking tight end who can contribute in the run game. His presence will be especially valuable in short-yardage and goal-line situations, where his size and physicality make him a difficult matchup for defenders. He will be paired with rising tight end Sam LaPorta, who brings more of a receiving threat to the table.
6. Emmanuel Moseley (Cornerback)
Depth Chart Placement: Starting Cornerback (Slot)
The Lions further strengthened their secondary by signing Emmanuel Moseley, a cornerback who has shown promise with the San Francisco 49ers. Moseley is a versatile corner who can play both outside and in the slot, though he is likely to start in the slot for the Lions in 2023. His speed, awareness, and ability to cover quick, agile receivers make him a great fit for the position.
As the slot cornerback, Moseley will face off against some of the league’s more challenging route runners, but his physicality and experience in big games will give Detroit an advantage. His role will be crucial in defending the passing game, especially against teams with dynamic slot receivers.
7. Graham Glasgow (Guard)
Depth Chart Placement: Starting Right Guard
To further bolster their offensive line, the Lions re-signed Graham Glasgow, who returns to Detroit after a stint with the Denver Broncos. Glasgow is a reliable veteran guard who will likely take over as the starting right guard, alongside returning standouts like Penei Sewell (right tackle) and Frank Ragnow (center). Glasgow’s experience, toughness, and ability to pass block make him an important addition to an already strong offensive line.
He will give the Lions another solid presence up front, ensuring that quarterback Jared Goff has time to throw and that the running backs can find lanes to operate. The right side of the Lions’ offensive line will now be one of the best in the league, with Glasgow’s presence solidifying the unit.