What We Know About the Detroit Lions’ 2024 Roster

While teams are looking for a total remake going into the next season (I'm looking at you, New England), for the Detroit Lions, the key to our success will be retaining our best players and coaching and filling in a few gaps. But, for the most part, we want to keep doing what we've been doing. I mean, we were seconds away from getting to the Super Bowl. We could have been there. Many believe we should have been there. So, if it's not broken, don't fix it. But, we can certainly improve. Here's what we know about the Detroit Lions' 2024 roster so far.

Let's get into the coaches first. We're retaining the big three: head coach Dan Campbell, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Campbell will be entering his fourth season with the Lions this coming fall. This is really a dream team of coaches for the Lions. I think we all breathed a collective sigh of relief when we found out that Johnson was coming back. Several NFL teams wanted him to be their new head coach, so it was a bit shocking, in a good way, when he decided to stay in Detroit. Of course, not all of our coaches will be staying. Brian Duker will reportedly head to the Miami Dolphins to be their defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator. But, we can't have it all.

Now, onto management. Brad Holmes became the Lions Executive Vice President and General Manager in January of 2021. Holmes oversees the Lions' football operations and seems to know the just-right guys to bring on the Lions roster. He's staying with Detroit, and we're luck to have him.

Finally, the players. The NFL Draft is coming up, and chances are, Holmes will use the Lions' draft picks to beef up our defense. Some names floating around as possible additions to the Lions' team include cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. of Missouri, defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton of Illinois, defensive tackle Byron Murphy II of Texas and edge rusher Laiatu Latu of UCLA. The Lions are also expected to renew quarterback Jared Goff's contract a year early, as he has one year left on it.

I know it's probably early to talk about the Super Bowl for next season, but really, is it? I actually don't think it's ever too early to start speculating and wishing for your team to make it all the way next year. This year was so very close for my team, the Detroit Lions. But, no cigar. So, maybe next year will be our year. But, aside from the Lions, there are other teams that are on target to be major contenders next season. Some of them didn't even make the playoffs this year. So, what are some early Super Bowl contenders for next season?

Before we get into those contenders, let's look at why next season is already shaping up to be so exciting. For me, the main reason is because a whopping seven teams have new head coaches. That's really going to change the makeup of those teams. The Atlanta Falcons have brought on Raheem Morris. The Carolina Panthers have Dave Canales. The Las Vegas Raiders have knabbed Antonio Pierce. The Los Angeles Chargers have Jim Harbaugh. The New England Patriots have promoted Jerod Mayo. The Seattle Seahawks have brought on Mike Macdonald. The Tennessee Titans have hired Brian Callahan. Finally, The Washington Commanders have hired Dan Quinn.

Of those new coaches, the most interesting to me is Harbaugh for the Chargers. For Harbaugh, this is his final shot at the Vince Lombardi trophy. He just won a national championship with the Michigan Wolverines, and now, he wants a Super Bowl victory. He has a chance with the Chargers' stellar quarterback Justin Herbert. But, it will take time, in my opinion. I mean, it could take time with any of these teams with new coaches. That said, the Houston Texans had a rookie coach this year in DeMeco Ryans, and they almost went all the way, so all things are possible.

Let's get into seven early Super Bowl contenders for next season with my commentary.

One thing I like about this list is that I'm not necessarily even picking teams that made it to the playoffs this year. I'm picking teams that I think could be strong enough next season. The Seattle Seahawks are one of those teams. Their new coach, Mike Macdonald, is the former defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Enough said. This guy is golden. Seattle's defense is going to improve drastically with him at the helm, and they could go all the way very soon.

The Buffalo Bills missed the playoffs by a hair. They played so well against the Kansas City Chiefs, but it just wasn't enough. Josh Allen is a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback, but he hasn't taken them there. Will next year be the year? Maybe.

The Houston Texans will be the team to beat very soon. They pulled off an incredible season with a rookie coach and quarterback. They're just getting started. The team got first place in AFC South this season but lost in the divisional round to the Baltimore Ravens.

Speaking of the Baltimore Ravens, I'm still shocked that they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. I think pretty much everyone was at least a little surprised. But, Lamar Jackson is back next year, and he's not going to let it slip away again. Next year could be their year.

It was a massive decline for the Philadelphia Eagles towards the end of last season. Everything fell apart at the seams. But, the Eagles have legacy, and they have Jalen Hurts. As long as he's healthy, the Eagles will be back next year ready to fight.

Yikes. Can the Green Bay Packers really be this good already? They almost upset the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs this year. Jordan Love is the real deal. Watch out for this young team next year.

Okay, yes, I'm a Detroit Lions fan, born and raised. But, I think there's reason to believe that the Detroit Lions can and will be back next year. They've had a taste of victory, and they liked it. Plus, golden guy Ben Johnson is coming back to Detroit, and he wants to take the Lions all the way. Jared Goff is playing fantastic football, too. The Lions could really make it to their first Super Bowl next season. What do you think? Let me know here.