The Detroit Lions are switching things up this offseason. According to league documents, the team won’t be holding a mandatory minicamp in 2025—an unusual move that’s catching some attention.
NFL rules allow each team one mandatory minicamp for veteran players during Phase Three of the offseason. But this year, Detroit is taking a different path, likely due to their appearance in the Hall of Fame Game. Teams playing in that game are permitted to start training camp earlier, which may have influenced the Lions’ decision to skip minicamp altogether.
Instead, the Lions will focus on other key parts of the offseason program, including four preseason games—one more than the usual three. Voluntary workouts will continue to help players condition and get acclimated to the playbook.
The team’s rookie minicamp is set for May 9-11, giving coaches and media a first look at Detroit’s seven draft picks and 11 undrafted free agents. Among those originally expected to participate was Samoan-born Australian rugby player Laki Tasi, invited through the NFL’s International Player Pathway program. However, he recently signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Skipping minicamp is a notable change, but with a busy preseason ahead and earlier camp start, Detroit appears to be pacing themselves for a long run. Let’s see if this new approach pays off.
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