The 2024 NFL season ends in disappointment for the Detroit Lions in the playoffs. Nevertheless, the team around Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to dream of the Super Bowl. But for that to happen, a lot has to happen in the offseason.

The Detroit Lions have once again missed the Super Bowl. One consolation: Head Coach Dan Campbell and General Manager Brad Holmes continue to have excellent conditions to finally make the big splash.

Lions construction site 1: mental strength

First the loss in the championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, now the bitter and equally surprising end in the divisional round against the Washington Commanders.

And this as the best team of the 2024 regular season – the Lions were close twice, but failed in a disappointing way on their way to the Super Bowl. This sting is deep, especially the second one will continue to hurt for a while.

No question about it, they will get over the missed chance sooner or later and look ahead, but an image of failure is quickly built up and implemented mentally.

Because a not insignificant part of football is also a matter of the mind. This is where the coaches are called upon to clear the minds of the team – and to keep the psyche resilient. Because the next chance will come in 2025.

Construction site 2: Keeping your own free agents

The art of getting a team in shape for the chance to make it to the Super Bowl isn’t just about making a big trade or making smart free agency moves.

Rather, it is also important for Holmes to keep players from the current roster who are not only important on the field, but also understand and exemplify the culture of the franchise under Campbell.

The contracts of several key players such as guard Kevin Zeitler, cornerback Carlton Davis, linebacker Derrick Barnes and defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike are expiring. As far as cap space is concerned, the Lions have leeway.

These are the first issues that need to be addressed. Because the further needs for free agency and the draft will arise from these decisions.

Detroit’s problem area 3: More depth and width in defense

To do that, though, the team has to make some changes on defense. It was shaken by injuries last season, but it was also the team’s Achilles’ heel.

Even if key players like Aidan Hutchinson stay healthy, reinforcements make sense if you want to take advantage of the open Super Bowl window. In terms of breadth, but also in terms of depth. The defensive statistics also underscore the urgent need for more quality.

Khalil Mack, Josh Sweat and Haason Reddick could be possibilities. With a pass rusher like Myles Garrett on the market, the Lions should at least consider this possibility.

Maxx Crosby would also be an option for a real upgrade. Names that would take the defense to a new level. One that would make a Super Bowl offense much easier.

Area of improvement 4: New coaches

The price of success: Ben Johnson (offensive coordinator) and Aaron Glenn (defensive coordinator) have left the team. Johnson is now head coach of the Chicago Bears, Glenn is with the New York Jets.

Johnson, in particular, was considered the mastermind behind the excellent offense. However, replacing two coaches with such a big impact one-to-one is a challenge.

Specifically, Johnson was replaced by John Morton, who was previously Pass Game Coordinator for the Denver Broncos.

Defensively, Kelvin Sheppard is in charge; he was promoted from Linebackers Coach. The internal solution promises at least few teething problems, while Morton is of course surrounded by question marks, because the shoes to fill and expectations are high. The predecessors have proven how essential both positions are.

Construction site 5: NFL Draft 2025

The Lions enter this year’s draft, which takes place in Green Bay at the end of April, with six picks. In the first round, Holmes and Co. can strike in 28th place, and in the second round in 60th place. The other picks are in rounds four, six and seven.

Before that, the Scouting Combine is on the agenda. It is likely that Holmes will focus primarily on defense early in the draft, depending on what can be obtained in free agency or via trade with the start of the new league year on March 12.

Offensively, the Lions are strong around wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, but talented depth can’t hurt here.

Area of concern 6: Payday for Hutchinson and Williams?

It’s not a big issue that Hutchinson or wide receiver Jameson Williams are entering the fourth year of their rookie contracts. However, they can now sign a new, highly paid contract to be tied to the team in the long term. If necessary, there is also the fifth-year option.

As I said: This is not an urgent issue. At least not yet, because contract situations develop dynamically, just like the prices for top performers, who are getting even better. Experience shows that they often only get more expensive. And more sought after. And the situation then tends to become more complicated.