Today's Report
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Lions Daily Report
March 21, 2026
Executive Summary
The Lions continue their aggressive offseason rebuild, signing defensive end Payton Turner on Friday while addressing depth across their roster. With free agency in full swing, Detroit is reshaping both sides of the ball ahead of the April 23-25 draft in Pittsburgh.
Top Story
Lions Sign Former 1st-Round Edge Rusher Payton Turner
The Detroit Lions have signed EDGE Payton Turner, a former 1st-round pick coming off an injured season.
Turner was the New Orleans Saints' first-round pick in 2021 at 28th overall, and things didn't go as planned—he only played 31 games for the Saints over four years, never starting a single contest.
Injuries were largely to blame, as he finished his rookie season on IR with a shoulder injury, missed nearly the entire 2023 season with a turf toe injury, and missed the entire 2025 season—as a Dallas Cowboy—with a rib injury.
Turner will join recently-signed DJ Wonnum to compete for a spot in the Lions' overhauled defensive end room.
Around the Club
Roster —
The Detroit Lions are signing WR Greg Dortch, who should slide in naturally as a Kalif Raymond replacement.
With strong ties to new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Dortch was a common player projected to the Lions as a Kalif Raymond replacement, and he is expected to fill a similar role in 2026.
Free Agency —
The Lions announced Friday afternoon that they have signed free agent edge defender Payton Turner.
Early free agency additions include
RB Isiah Pacheco, a 27-year-old who started 12 games last season in Kansas City, logging 462 rushing yards and two total touchdowns while possessing a rugged style that should complement Lions Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs.
C Cade Mays signed a three-year deal and filled a major need after the Lions were still recovering from Frank Ragnow's retirement and failed return.
Contract —
Detroit returned to a familiar face in Teddy Bridgewater as their new backup for starter Jared Goff after losing backup QB Kyle Allen, who signed with the Buffalo Bills, as Bridgewater previously was Goff's backup in 2023 then again in 2024.
Draft —
80% of mock draft predictions had the Lions selecting an offensive tackle to replace Taylor Decker.
The Lions were awarded a fifth-round compensatory pick in this year's draft (No. 181 overall), and with the addition of that pick, the Lions currently own nine picks in this year's draft.
Quick Hits
Defensive end remains the biggest remaining roster hole; pass rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad had a breakout 2025 season for Detroit, but he signed a one-year deal in Tampa Bay, and now the Lions are in search of another starting-caliber edge rusher to play alongside Pro Bowl player Aidan Hutchinson.
The Lions are entering a new era at linebacker, saying farewell to longtime captain Alex Anzalone, who joined the Buccaneers.
The first round of the 2026 NFL draft begins April 23 on ESPN.
Next Game
The NFL Schedule will be released in May.
No games are currently scheduled.
Lions Daily Report — March 21, 2026