In Detroit, nothing is guaranteed—not even a starting job. As the Lions push toward contention in 2026, key players like Terrion Arnold, Larry Borom, and DJ Wonnum could find themselves fighting to stay on the field.
Expectations are sky-high for the Detroit Lions entering the 2026 season, but with a roster built to contend now, competition will be fierce across the depth chart. Under head coach Dan Campbell, no job is guaranteed—no matter where you were drafted or what you’ve done in the past. As Detroit continues to add depth and young talent, a few current starters could find themselves fighting to hold onto their roles.
Here are three players who could lose their starting jobs in 2026.
1. Terrion Arnold
There’s no denying the talent of Terrion Arnold, but year three will be critical for the young cornerback. After an up-and-down rookie and second year season, Arnold showed flashes of physicality and playmaking ability, but also struggled at times with consistency in coverage—something opposing offenses were quick to exploit.
Detroit’s front office has made it clear they want to strengthen the secondary, especially with injuries impacting key players in recent seasons. If the Lions bring in more competition—whether through the draft or internal development—Arnold could find himself in a battle for his starting spot.
Cornerback is one of the most volatile positions in the NFL, and young players are often tested early. If Arnold doesn’t take a clear step forward in technique and discipline, the coaching staff won’t hesitate to rotate in another option. In a Super Bowl window, development takes a back seat to production.
2. Larry Borom
If Larry Borom opens the season as the starting right tackle, he’ll be under immediate pressure to perform. Detroit has invested heavily in building one of the league’s best offensive lines, and protecting quarterback Jared Goff remains a top priority.
Borom has experience and versatility, but he hasn’t consistently proven he can lock down a starting role long-term. If he struggles in pass protection or penalties become an issue, the Lions could quickly explore other options—whether that’s a younger player stepping up or a midseason adjustment.
Offensive line play is all about reliability, and on a team with championship aspirations, there’s little room for inconsistency. If Borom can’t provide stability on the edge, Detroit won’t hesitate to make a change to keep the offense running efficiently.
3. DJ Wonnum
On the defensive side, DJ Wonnum could also find himself in a precarious position. Assuming he starts the season as a primary edge rusher, his role may depend heavily on early production.
The Lions have emphasized improving their pass rush, and that often comes through the draft. If Detroit adds a young, explosive edge rusher, Wonnum could quickly face competition for snaps—or even lose his starting job altogether.
Wonnum has shown he can be a solid contributor, but the difference between solid and impactful is significant when it comes to edge defenders. Detroit needs consistent pressure off the edge to complement the rest of its defense. If a rookie or rotational player shows a higher ceiling or more consistent disruption, the coaching staff may prioritize upside over experience.
Final Thoughts
The Detroit Lions are no longer a rebuilding team—they’re a contender. That shift changes everything when it comes to roster decisions. Players like Arnold, Borom, and Wonnum all have the ability to contribute, but in a competitive environment, performance is the only thing that guarantees playing time.
With training camp battles looming and expectations rising, these three players will need strong, consistent performances to secure their roles. Otherwise, Detroit’s depth and hunger to win could lead to significant changes in the starting lineup as the 2026 season unfolds.