By Moses Joshua 
Dan Campbell Already Singing Praises of Two Underrated Lions Additions
Veteran Corners DJ Reed and Avonte Maddox Earning Early Praise as Detroit Bolsters Secondary for 2025
Spring Stars and New Faces Catch Campbell’s Eye
As the Detroit Lions gear up for a season with massive expectations, head coach Dan Campbell isn’t just hyping the usual suspects. When asked about standout performers during spring practices, Campbell didn’t hesitate to mention the explosive talents of Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams. But it’s what he said next that could reveal a lot about where this Lions team is headed.
“Gibbs and Jamo are two guys that really stood out,” Campbell noted. That comment alone might’ve satisfied fans eager to hear that Detroit’s offensive playmakers are turning heads — but Campbell wasn’t done. He shifted the spotlight to two names many may have overlooked: DJ Reed and Avonte Maddox.
These aren’t household names, but if Campbell is right, they might be the missing pieces Detroit needs.
Defensive Depth with Championship Pedigree
While flashy signings usually grab headlines, the Lions quietly made smart additions in the secondary — long a sore spot for the team. Maddox and Reed aren’t just roster fillers; they bring valuable experience and proven performance in high-pressure environments.
Avonte Maddox, fresh off a Super Bowl-winning campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, spent seven seasons grinding it out in one of the NFL’s most demanding defensive systems. Though not a full-time starter by the end, his veteran instincts and locker room presence bring something the Lions have sorely needed: playoff wisdom.
On the other side, DJ Reed made his name lining up opposite superstar Sauce Gardner with the New York Jets. Reed was battle-tested every week and parlayed that success into a lucrative three-year, $48 million contract with Detroit this offseason. The Lions aren’t paying him to sit — they expect him to help anchor a unit that struggled in the back end despite a ferocious pass rush.
A Balanced Team on the Rise
The recognition of Maddox and Reed says as much about Campbell’s mindset as it does about their performance. The Lions know they have the offensive firepower to compete with anyone — Gibbs and Williams are proof of that. But Detroit’s Achilles’ heel has long been its secondary, particularly when the defensive front didn’t generate immediate pressure.
That’s exactly what these signings aim to fix. By bolstering the cornerback group with savvy, experienced defenders, the Lions are building a defense that can finally complement its high-octane offense.
Looking Ahead: Talent Isn’t the Issue — Health Might Be
For all the optimism surrounding Detroit’s roster, there’s still one looming question: Can this team stay healthy and deliver when it matters most? With a loaded NFC and playoff expectations now firmly attached to Campbell’s squad, every detail matters.
DJ Reed and Avonte Maddox may not be on every highlight reel, but if their spring performance is any indication, they might be key to keeping Detroit’s championship hopes alive when the postseason rolls around.
In a city starving for football glory, sometimes it’s the underrated moves
— and the quiet praise — that mean the most.