The Detroit Lions are making moves that have ripple effects far beyond the 2025 season. According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the team has inked nearly all of their 2026 draft class, leaving only first-round pick Blake Miller unsigned. For a team that's been building a culture of stability and depth, this early signing spree sends a strong message about their commitment to developing young talent.

The headliner here is second-round edge rusher Derrick Moore, who landed a fully guaranteed four-year, $11.426 million deal. That's not just a nice payday—it's a sign of a shifting landscape in the NFL. Traditionally, only first-round picks enjoyed full guarantees. But last year, the trend started creeping into the second round when the Texans gave Jayden Higgins (Pick 34) a fully guaranteed contract. The Browns quickly matched the move with Carson Schwesinger (Pick 33), and soon, seven of the top eight second-round picks had secured full guarantees.

Moore, selected 44th overall, is now part of that growing wave. His fully guaranteed deal suggests the trend is digging deeper into Day 2 of the draft, which is a big deal considering third-round picks typically only have guarantees tied to their signing bonus. For the Lions, this move not only secures a promising pass rusher but also signals to future draft prospects that Detroit is a team willing to invest in its players from day one.

Here's how the rest of the Lions' 2026 draft class stacks up in terms of contracts:

• Fourth-round LB Jimmy Rolder: four years, $5.532 million
• Fifth-round CB Keith Abney: four years, $4.878 million
• Fifth-round WR Kendrick Law: four years, $4.83 million
• Sixth-round DT Skyler Gill-Howard: four years, $4.643 million
• Seventh-round DL Tyre West: four years, $4.547 million

While it's not unusual for teams to get deals done before OTAs and minicamp, the fully guaranteed nature of Moore's contract stands out. It's a continuation of a league-wide shift that started in 2025, and it's making second-round picks increasingly valuable—not just for their on-field potential, but for the financial security that now comes with being selected early on Day 2.

For Lions fans, this is more than just paperwork. It's a sign that the front office is thinking long-term, locking in core pieces early and sending a clear message: Detroit is building something special, and they're willing to back it up with guaranteed money.