John Maakaron

1 week ago | si.com | John Maakaron

After a long training camp was winding down back in 2022, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes was forced to admit the backup quarterback battle was a disappointment. While not speaking overtly, the team parted ways with both Tim Boyle and David Blough before the official start of the 2022 season, signaling an upgrade was needed. After watching organized team activities on Friday, that same thought repeatedly entered my mind. Would two completely new backup quarterbacks be any worse than this?

1 week ago | miamiherald.com | John Maakaron

After getting a first-look at the Detroit Lions following rookie minicamp, several players were given opportunities to showcase their development at organized team activities. With so many players out of action, younger or inexperienced members of the roster were given increased reps and even at different positions than what may have been originally expected. Here are seven takeaways from the Lions' first open OTAs practice of the 2025 season.

1 week ago | si.com | John Maakaron

The Detroit Lions have wrapped up their first week of organized team activities. The week culminated in a practice open to the media, allowing reporters to garner first impressions of this year's team. Over the course of Friday's session, the Lions conducted drills in both individual and team settings, with the defense holding the upper hand throughout the day due to their ability to get consistent pressure on the passer.

1 week ago | si.com | John Maakaron

Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow was not present at the team's first organized team activities practice session open to the media ahead of the 2025 season. His absence appears to be contract related as he enters the penultimate year of his current deal. It's worth noting that Ragnow has no guaranteed salary left within the final two seasons of his deal. Currently, Ragnow is the fourth-highest paid center in the NFL.

2 weeks ago | si.com | John Maakaron

The Detroit Lions were forced to find a new offensive coordinator after Ben Johnson departed to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears. Johnson left after winning Assistant Coach of the Year and was commonly known as one of the architechts of Detroit's high-powered offense. However, his decision to leave to coach the division rival Bears has undoubtedly received a sour reception from a portion of the fan base.