The Detroit Lions have to feel very confident about finishing in a better place in the division during the 2026 NFL season. After nefariously slipping to the NFC North's cellar in 2025, the Minnesota Vikings are destroying what they built under previous general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah this offseason, moving forward with little direction after reneging on other components of their identity.
The latest example of Minnesota's regression was the decision to release defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. While the move saved them $6.5 million, the Vikings still have tens of millions of dollars to go to clear out the remnants of the 14-win 2024 team.
Minnesota's defense is in free-fall, with Javon Hargrave almost certainly set to follow Allen out of the Twin Cities. Hargrave only made things worse by claiming that Brian Flores' defense isn't for those who actually want to get to the quarterback, adding to the reasons why his future is likely to be played out elsewhere.
Maybe there's something to it, since Harrison Phillips thrived on the New York Jets, to the point Gang Green felt letting go of Quinnen Williams was a good call. Not only did Phillips become a must-keep run-stopper in the Meadowlands, but he outplayed Hargrave and Allen, who are now both on their way out after one-and-done dud campaigns.
Between the Vikings' front falling apart and Kevin O'Connell's investment into J.J. McCarthy sputtering out of control, Minnesota is the biggest early-offseason loser in the NFL.
Lions Should Benefit from Vikings' Misfortunes
We know the Lions are about to benefit on the field from the Vikings' futility in 2026. A minimum of two divisional games will be played against teams with lesser talent; this much the Lions know as of March 5. If Flores' schemes, and not the proven veterans, turn out to be the problem, Detroit is in the driver's seat to get two games back that they somehow lost in 2025.
Beyond that, there's a chance that both of these interior defenders hit the market. With DJ Reader and Roy Lopez both hitting free agency, the Lions should take a look at either former Pro Bowler, whether that is Allen or Hargrave.
Perhaps Minnesota gets desperate and considers Kyle Allen as a safe hand under center, which could force Detroit to find a new backup for Jared Goff. In that situation, the Lions could own a complete victory over the Vikings this offseason, as the spot behind Goff has been a hot-button topic in recent years.
Brad Holmes has work to do, plain and simple. Detroit is months removed from a disastrous meltdown. But it's hard not to celebrate the Vikings' organizational futility right now as a sign that there will be one less significant hurdle in 2026.