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Lions Name Hutchinson Starter, Release Decker, Re-sign Mays

4/29/2026

Summary

Hutchinson Named Starter

The Detroit Lions posted a depth chart on April 27-28, 2026, naming Aidan Hutchinson the starting defensive end.
The chart lists Tyleik Williams at nose tackle, Levi Onwuzurike and Tyler Lacy backup ends, and Jared Goff quarterback starter with Teddy Bridgewater backup, while Jahmyr Gibbs and Isiah Pacheco lead rushing.
After Center Cade Mays signed a three-year deal, the Lions released left tackle Taylor Decker, moving Penei Sewell to tackle.

Summary

Bears Position Battles

Training began at Meijer Performance Center and will move to OTA in May, minicamp in June, and camp in July.
Miller and Larry Borom will compete for right tackle while Moore and Wonnum battle for defensive-end reps.
After Alex Anzalone’s exit, veterans Rodriguez, Clark, and rookie Rolder will vie for the WILL linebacker role.
Kendrick Law and Rolder are projected as special-teams contributors, with Law targeting gunner and return duties.

Summary

Lions Draft Maiava

Analyst Dane Brugler projects the Lions will take quarterback Jayden Maiava at No. 23 in the 2027 round and places Arch Manning (Arizona) No. 1, Dante Moore (Cleveland) No. 3 and Drew Mestemaker (Pittsburgh) No. 8.
Maiava recorded 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2025, leading USC to a 9-3 record before an Alamo Bowl loss.
Jared Goff’s 2026 contract restructure created $32 million in cap space but left a $62.6 million cap hit for 2027.

Summary

Lions Roster Update

Detroit's roster now totals 76 players, leaving 14 spots open for free-agent signings.
The depth chart ranks every player, marks projected starters in bold, and flags newly drafted rookies with an asterisk while omitting undrafted-free-agent rookies because their contracts are unconfirmed.
Analysts monitor a separate tracker for potential undrafted-free-agent signings, providing fans a clear view of the Lions’ draft-driven improvements via the post-draft snapshot.

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Hutchinson Named Starter

The Detroit Lions posted a depth chart on April 27-28, 2026, naming Aidan Hutchinson the starting defensive end.
The chart lists Tyleik Williams at nose tackle, Levi Onwuzurike and Tyler Lacy backup ends, and Jared Goff quarterback starter with Teddy Bridgewater backup, while Jahmyr Gibbs and Isiah Pacheco lead rushing.
After Center Cade Mays signed a three-year deal, the Lions released left tackle Taylor Decker, moving Penei Sewell to tackle.

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