By Moses Joshua 
With Detroit’s postseason hopes hanging in the balance, Sunday’s finale at Ford Field could double as a quiet goodbye for several familiar faces
The Detroit Lions are walking a tightrope as the regular season winds down. A division title remains within reach, yet so does the very real possibility of missing the playoffs altogether. That razor-thin margin makes this week feel heavier than most—because beyond the standings, there’s something else at stake.
Sunday marks Detroit’s final regular-season home game at Ford Field. Unless the Lions pull off a division win and earn the right to host a playoff matchup, this could be the last time this version of the roster takes the field in front of its home crowd. And as the NFL reminds teams every year, continuity is never guaranteed.
Change is coming. The only question is who won’t be part of what comes next.
Here are five Lions who may be playing their final game at Ford Field.
A Linebacker Staple Nearing the Crossroads: Alex Anzalone
Alex Anzalone has been a central figure in Detroit’s cultural reset—one of the emotional anchors of Dan Campbell’s locker room. But sentiment doesn’t always win in today’s NFL.
Detroit’s linebacker room is already stocked with young, ascending talent. Jack Campbell looks like a future cornerstone, while Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez are ready for expanded roles. With that depth in place, the Lions’ decision not to extend Anzalone this past summer spoke volumes.
Contract talks that never materialize often foreshadow what’s next. Anzalone is likely to draw stronger offers on the open market than Detroit is willing to match, making this feel less like a surprise and more like an inevitable parting.
Chances of returning in 2026: 20%
Injuries and Unfinished Business: Marcus Davenport
Marcus Davenport’s stint in Detroit never truly found its footing. Injuries slowed his momentum, and when he did return, the impact simply wasn’t there.
The Lions could keep the door cracked open if Davenport is willing to return at a significantly reduced cost. But without a strong late-season surge, it’s difficult to envision him remaining part of the long-term plan. The pass-rush rotation is evolving, and availability matters as much as upside.
Sometimes, opportunity slips away quietly. This could be one of those cases.
Chances of returning in 2026: 20%
The Ultimate Wild Card: Taylor Decker
Taylor Decker’s situation is far more complex—and far more emotional.
The veteran tackle has been candid about contemplating retirement. He hasn’t shied away from acknowledging it. Yet competitors of his caliber rarely want their careers to end on a sour note.
If Detroit falls short of the postseason, would Decker be content walking away? Or would that disappointment pull him back for one more run? The answer may depend entirely on how these final weeks unfold.
Sunday night at Ford Field could carry a weight that goes beyond football.
Chances of returning in 2026: 51%
A Costly Chapter in the Trenches: Graham Glasgow
Graham Glasgow has been a fixture up front, but the numbers paint a difficult picture.
Detroit has a clear vision for the future of its offensive line, and Glasgow doesn’t neatly fit into it. His projected 2026 cap hit—over $8 million—creates an uncomfortable reality for a team that must balance production with financial flexibility.
If Glasgow remains in Detroit, it would almost certainly require a restructure that heavily favors the team. Otherwise, this could mark the closing of a long, physical chapter in the trenches.
Chances of returning in 2026: 15%
A Fan Favorite Fighting the Clock: Kalif Raymond
Few players embody energy quite like Kalif Raymond.
He’s been a spark plug, a momentum-changer, and a player fans gravitate toward. But the NFL rarely waits for nostalgia to catch up. Raymond will be 32 when the 2026 season begins, and Detroit is clearly leaning into youth and explosiveness at receiver.
With younger options beginning to carve out bigger roles, the math becomes hard to ignore. Raymond’s impact has been real—but time remains undefeated.
Chances of returning in 2026: 20%
The Bigger Picture
This is what makes late-season football resonate beyond the scoreboard.
Every snap carries added weight. Every jog to the sideline might be the last in front of a familiar crowd. The Lions still have everything to fight for, but regardless of how this season ends, the roster will not look the same when the next one begins.
For some, Sunday is about survival in the playoff race.
For others, it may be a final goodbye to Ford Field.