Mailbag: What will the Lions’ overhauled defensive front look like?

TL;DR

The Detroit Lions are undergoing significant changes to their defensive front after a disappointing 2025 season, with several key players leaving and new additions focusing on enhancing the pass rush. Speculation suggests a potential shift in their defensive scheme towards more nickel and 3-4 looks.

Key points

Detroit Lions' defense struggled in the 2025 season.
Key players left, including DJ Reader and Marcus Davenport.
New additions focus on enhancing the pass rush.
Speculation about shifting to nickel and 3-4 defensive looks.

Detroit Lions

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 4: Tyleik Williams #91 of the Detroit Lions reacts during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field on December 04, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Detroit Lions’ defense has been a hot topic of discussion this offseason. After a 2025 season that saw Detroit’s defense collapse down the stretch, we knew some changes were coming. That didn’t come in the form of any coaching changes on that side of the ball, and they didn’t make any huge signings either. In fact, the defense saw some big contributors—Alex Anzalone, Amik Robertson, DJ Reader, and Roy Lopez—leave in free agency, and Detroit only added modestly priced free agents to replace them. That has led to some speculation about some schematic or personnel changes the team may be undergoing. With a relative lack of investment in the linebacker position, but a deep well of defensive backs, many believe Detroit will be shifting to more nickel looks. But what about the defensive front? If there’s a position that has gone through the most overhaul in a single season, it may be the defensive line. Gone are Reader, Lopez, Marcus Davenport, , , and . They’re replaced by the likes of DJ Wonnum, , , , Skyler Gill-Howard, and Tyree West. What can we deduce based on those additions and subtractions? There certainly seems to be more of an emphasis on pass rush at the edges, and with the lack of a true nose tackle addition, there could be some changes coming in how Detroit deploys their defensive tackles, too. On this week’s Midweek Mailbag podcast, Erik Schlitt and I discuss what changes could be coming to the defensive scheme. Could the Lions be shifting to more 3-4 looks (or, perhaps more accurately, 5-2 formations)? Are the Lions going to play less players at the 0-1 tech and instead deploy duo 3-techs? Which players along the defensive front are going to be the base-formation starters? And what will that look like in other formations? We break it all down on this week’s episode. Other topics on the show include:

Q&A

What changes have the Detroit Lions made to their defensive line for 2026?

The Lions have replaced several key players, including DJ Reader and Marcus Davenport, with new additions like DJ Wonnum and Payton Turner, emphasizing a stronger pass rush.

Are the Detroit Lions shifting to a 3-4 defensive scheme?

There is speculation that the Lions may shift to more 3-4 looks or 5-2 formations due to their recent player acquisitions and the lack of a true nose tackle.

Who are the new players on the Detroit Lions' defensive front?

New players include DJ Wonnum, Payton Turner, Jay Tufele, Derrick Moore, Skyler Gill-Howard, and Tyree West, who are expected to impact the team's defensive strategy.

What impact did injuries have on the Lions' defense in 2025?

Injuries were cited as a contributing factor to the Lions' defensive collapse in 2025, alongside coaching decisions like Dan Campbell's move to play-caller.

Mailbag: What will the Lions’ overhauled defensive front look like?

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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