The Detroit Lions can't help but turn their attention to the 2026 offseason ahead of Week 18's meaningless finale. A frustrating season cannot come to an end soon enough, giving the roster time to get healthy and for general manager Brad Holmes to make some changes.
Although plenty of players and coaches have proven why they should be booted from the Motor City this offseason, others have shown that they deserve to be part of what's next. This includes a trio of Lions players who became surprise contributors this season and won't go anywhere in 2026.
1. Tom Kennedy, WR
The undrafted seventh-year receiver has previously flashed potential, but a future fit wasn't as obvious until the 2025 season. But with Kalif Raymond set to hit free agency, the Lions are going to need a new return option and improved depth at receiver.
Kennedy made his case clear for the position, showing incredible energy and physicality in limited reps. He's averaging 16.7 yards on three punts and 29.1 yards on 14 kick returns, all while also contributing as a pass-catcher with 36 yards and a pair of first downs on four grabs.
There is also the fact that Kennedy is already 29 and hasn't built out much of a resume. The Lions aren't going to have a difficult time re-signing the overlooked contributor within their price range. A cheap "prove-yourself" contract will help GM Holmes figure out if Kennedy can be a long-term piece or if he's a one-hit wonder.
While Kennedy isn't changing life for the offense, he is the exact type of tone setter who can help push the Lions back into familiar territory after this year's offensive inconsistencies.
2. Al-Quadin Muhammad, DE
Al-Quadin Muhammad came into the season as a depth piece that wasn't expected to have much of a role. Previously, the pass rusher spent time with the New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and Dallas Cowboys. During this time, the defender only managed 12.0 sacks in six seasons in the league. Signing with the Detroit Lions a season ago, it seemed that this was going to continue to be the story with Muhammad, only offering 3.0 sacks in nine games.
Heading into the 2025 season, it seemed likely the two sides would part ways after the year, with the defender simply serving as reliable depth. Instead, Muhammad has been a breakout star, totaling 11 sacks to go along with nine tackles for a loss. He also has more pressures this season (52) than he did in the two previous years combined (43) despite playing 120 fewer snaps in 2025, per Pro Football Focus.
The duo of Muhammad and Aidan Hutchinson together has totaled 24.5 sacks with one game remaining in the season. Detroit isn't going to walk away from the surprise pairing and has every reason for excitement for the season that lies ahead.
3. Rock Ya-Sin, CB
Rock Ya-Sin is another example of a Detroit depth piece that, in truth, was expected to have very little on his plate in the 2025 season. Instead, the Lions have been forced to turn to the veteran as a starting option, and Ya-Sin has been up to the task. Although he's had some rough spots, he's only allowed 23 catches on 48 targets (51.1%) for 255 yards and a touchdown.
Ya-Sin isn't flawless in coverage and sometimes struggles as a starter, but he's more than proven that he should be brought back in the offseason.
Re-signing Ya-Sin makes sense for both sides and gives Detroit a proven depth piece they can turn to. Considering how injury-plagued the last two seasons have been for the Lions, it would be surprising if this isn't the depth the franchise is forced to utilize again in the future, especially if Campbell wants familiarity in his lineup.
Ya-Sin won't turn 30 years old until May, so there's a chance that he still has some bright years ahead of him. Even if he hasn't had a breakout as drastic as Muhammad's, he's heading in the right direction, opening the door for Ya-Sin to be a key Lions contributor next season.