Super Bowl expectations leave no room for excuses. Injuries, inconsistency and unmet standards defined key stretches of the Lions’ season — and five players, in particular, left fans wanting far more.
Not everyone thrives in the NFL. Some players exceed expectations, others fall short — whether because of injuries, inconsistency or simply failing to meet the standard they previously set. For a team like the Detroit Lions, where expectations have shifted from rebuilding to contending, underperformance stands out even more.
Here’s a look at the five most disappointing Lions from last season, factoring in both production and availability.
1. Kerby Joseph
This one stings. Joseph has become a fan favorite for his ball skills and swagger, but availability is part of value, and he simply wasn’t on the field enough.
Joseph missed 11 games because of a lingering knee injury that worsened after Week 6. Before going down, he looked like his usual playmaking self, recording three interceptions in the first six games and flashing the range that made him one of the league’s better young safeties. But once the injury took hold, his season unraveled.
Compounding the issue was the timing of his injured reserve designation. The Lions held out hope for a late-season return, which meant Joseph occupied a roster spot for weeks without contributing. For a team battling injuries across the secondary, that mattered.
When healthy, Joseph is a difference-maker. The problem last season was that he simply wasn’t healthy. Detroit needs him closer to the 17-game player he was earlier in his career rather than a part-time contributor.
2. Graham Glasgow
Taking over for an All-Pro is never easy. Filling in for former Lions center Frank Ragnow made it even more difficult.
Glasgow, a veteran leader and former guard, was asked to shift to center, not his natural position, and the transition showed. According to Pro Football Focus, Glasgow routinely graded as one of Detroit’s lowest-rated offensive linemen, posting multiple single-game grades in the 40s. For context, anything below 60 is considered below average.
The Lions’ offensive line struggled with consistency up the middle, particularly in pass protection. Glasgow’s age (32) appeared to show at times against quicker interior rushers. While he remained durable and available, the level of play was not what Detroit had grown accustomed to in the middle of its line.
To his credit, positional flexibility likely hurt him. Back at guard, he may look more comfortable. But in a season where the Lions needed steadiness, the drop-off from Ragnow was noticeable.
3. Terrion Arnold
Expectations are different for first-round picks. Arnold, drafted to stabilize the cornerback position, endured a frustrating season marked by penalties and injury.
The young corner continued to struggle with discipline in coverage, drawing multiple pass interference and holding penalties at costly times. While he showed flashes, including tight man coverage against top receivers, the inconsistency overshadowed the progress.
Arnold ultimately opted for season-ending shoulder surgery and missed nine games. Availability again became a factor. A team already dealing with injuries in the secondary could not afford another absence.
There is still plenty of upside. Corners often take time to develop. But heading into next season, Arnold will face increased scrutiny from fans and media alike. A clean, healthy season could quickly change the narrative.
4. Taylor Decker
This inclusion may raise eyebrows. Decker was not bad. In fact, he remained one of the steadier presences on the line, missing just one game at age 32.
But with veteran leaders, expectations are higher.
Decker showed flashes of strong play in both the run and pass game, yet there were stretches where elite edge rushers gave him trouble. His sack totals allowed ticked up compared to previous seasons, and his overall consistency dipped.
As he contemplates his long-term future, including the possibility of retirement, the Lions must evaluate whether the position needs reinforcements. Decker’s durability remains impressive, but Father Time rarely loses forever.
5. Alim McNeill
McNeill deserves some grace after returning from a torn ACL. Even so, production matters — especially for a player set to become one of the highest-paid interior defensive linemen in football.
Returning in Week 7, McNeill finished with 14 tackles in nine games, recording just one sack and one forced fumble — both coming in his standout performance against the Dallas Cowboys. In three games, he failed to record a single tackle.
For a player whose strength lies in interior disruption, the impact simply wasn’t consistent. Detroit’s run defense lacked its usual push at times, and McNeill did not look fully explosive.
The hope is that a full offseason of recovery restores the quickness and power that once made him a cornerstone piece up front.
The Bigger Picture
Injuries ravaged Detroit’s defense in particular, and that context matters. The good news for the Lions is that most of these disappointments are tied to health rather than long-term decline.
If Joseph, Arnold and McNeill return to full strength, this list could look entirely different next year. For a team with championship aspirations, that rebound isn’t optional. It’s necessary.