Have Detroit Lions Closed Super Bowl Gap on 49ers After Free Agency?

Detroit Lions Currently No. 2 Ranked Team in the NFC

After fortifying the offensive line in front of quarterback Jared Goff, by signing stalwart guard Kevin Zeitler, and a space-eating defensive tackle in D.J. Reader, the Detroit Lions shored up two of the roster’s weaknesses from last season.

Based on key additions and last season’s deep postseason run, there’s plenty of reason for optimism in the Motor City that the 2024 campaign might be even more special for the Lions.

“Jared Goff proved he can still take a playoff-caliber lineup on a deep run,” Cody Benjamin writes for CBS Sports. “And now his defensive support should be slightly improved with Reader and Davis injecting battle-tested experience. With Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson refusing to dial down their aggression, and the O-line remaining one of the game’s best, they still project as a well-balanced contender.”

Several teams across the NFC have made major strides this offseason, including the Philadelphia Eagles shopping at the top of the market and adding marquee players at key positions of need, and the Green Bay Packers bolstering the star power around ascending quarterback Jordan Love.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears are charging hard, especially with the presumptive addition of quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

But, if last season’s playoff experience pays the kind of dividends head coach Dan Campbell hopes, the Lions and 49ers might once again be on a championship collision course.