Detroit Sports Update: Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and Pistons Since May 27, 2025

The Motor City’s professional sports scene continues to thrive, with the Detroit Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and Pistons all making headlines in recent weeks. Since May 27, 2025, each team has seen notable developments, from roster adjustments and draft picks to on-field performances and organizational changes. Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest updates for Detroit’s big four sports franchises.

Detroit Lions: Building on a Historic Season

The Detroit Lions, coming off a 15-win season in 2024 and securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the first time in franchise history, have been active in preparing for the 2025 NFL season. However, the team faced a significant setback with the retirement of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, who announced his departure from the NFL on May 26, 2025, citing injuries after seven seasons. Ragnow’s retirement, which frees up cap space, has prompted the Lions to explore replacement options, with discussions around whether Georgia’s Tate Ratledge, a recent draft pick, could transition to center. The team also signed a veteran lineman with experience at center and guard to bolster the offensive line.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, General Manager Brad Holmes leaned heavily on Georgia talent, selecting edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein (6th round, 196th overall) and defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (1st round, 28th overall). Holmes also exercised fifth-year options for defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and wide receiver Jameson Williams, securing them through 2026, and signed safety Kerby Joseph to a contract extension. Additionally, the Lions agreed to a one-year, $4.65 million deal with defensive tackle Roy Lopez and a one-year contract worth up to $4.75 million with edge rusher Marcus Davenport.

The Lions have been conducting Organized Team Activities (OTAs), with practices held on May 30, June 3, June 4, and June 5, 2025, in Allen Park, Michigan. These sessions focused on integrating new coordinators following the departure of both offensive and defensive coordinators to head coaching roles. Head Coach Dan Campbell emphasized the team’s “revenge tour” mindset, aiming to address unfinished business from their 2024 NFC Championship run. However, Campbell noted that linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez is not expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 season due to injury.

Off the field, Campbell was honored with a lifetime award from Texas A&M, facilitated by a partnership with the Lions to surprise him earlier in the week. The team also withdrew a proposal to change the NFL playoff seeding format, citing insufficient support from other teams.

Detroit Tigers: Riding Momentum into 2025

The Detroit Tigers, fresh off a surprising 2024 playoff run that ended a nine-year postseason drought, are gearing up for an exciting 2025 MLB season. Since May 27, the team has been active both on and off the field. On May 27 and 28, the Tigers showcased their offensive prowess, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in consecutive games. Spencer Torkelson contributed significantly in a 5-1 win on May 27, with a pair of hits, two walks, and an RBI, while Riley Greene sealed a 5-4 victory on May 28 with a home run and a game-winning RBI double in the ninth.

The Tigers’ starting lineup for their May 25 game against the Cleveland Guardians was highlighted, signaling their focus on maintaining offensive consistency. Manager A.J. Hinch, who led the team to the postseason in 2024, continues to guide a roster featuring AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, outfielders Riley Greene, Kerry Carpenter, and Parker Meadows, and newly re-signed pitcher Jack Flaherty. However, the team suffered a setback with prospect Rainer’s “cruel mishap” at Lakeland, which has altered his trajectory with the organization.

Off the field, the Tigers placed nine players on the 2025 All-Star ballot, reflecting their growing talent pool. The team’s spring training schedule includes a February 22 opener against the Phillies, with the regular season home opener set for April 4 against the Chicago White Sox—the earliest start in franchise history.

Detroit Red Wings: Pushing for Playoff Return

The Detroit Red Wings, aiming to end an eight-year playoff drought, have been busy shaping their roster for the 2025-26 NHL season. On June 3, the team signed forward Jesse Kiiskinen to a three-year, entry-level contract starting in 2025-26. Kiiskinen, acquired from the Nashville Predators in exchange for Andrew Gibson, was a third-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

General Manager Steve Yzerman confirmed strong mutual interest in re-signing veteran forward Patrick Kane for the 2025-26 season, with Kane expressing enthusiasm for staying in Detroit. Kane, who at 36 showed no signs of slowing down, had a standout performance against the Buffalo Sabres recently. Meanwhile, captain Dylan Larkin made headlines by publicly criticizing the team’s inactivity at the 2025 NHL trade deadline, signaling his urgency for roster upgrades.

The Red Wings fell from the 12th to the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft lottery but are expected to have quality options, with mock drafts suggesting a focus on skilled wingers or physical defensemen. Recent games showcased the team’s potential, with Larkin scoring and assisting in a 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils, Moritz Seider netting a power-play goal in a 6-4 victory against the Dallas Stars, and Alex DeBrincat and J.T. Compher contributing in a 2-1 win over the Florida Panthers. However, a 4-1 loss to the Panthers highlighted areas for improvement.

Yzerman and Head Coach Todd McLellan emphasized a desire for “more” from the team, despite a winning record in 2024-25, as they continue to build toward playoff contention.

Detroit Pistons: Sustaining a Turnaround

The Detroit Pistons, under new leadership from President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon and Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff, have continued their remarkable turnaround from a 14-68 record in 2023-24. As of early March 2025, the Pistons were on pace to make the playoffs for the first time since 2019, driven by All-Star guard Cade Cunningham, who made his first All-Star team this season. A recent post on X noted the Pistons at 18-18 with a four-game win streak as of January 7, 2025, reflecting their improved competitiveness.

Since May 27, the Pistons have focused on roster development, with Langdon addressing the need to add talent around Cunningham. The team holds the No. 37 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, indicating a strategy to find value in later rounds. Despite overseeing one of the league’s biggest turnarounds, Langdon came up short in the NBA Executive of the Year race.

The Pistons’ final home game of the regular season is scheduled for April 11 at Little Caesars Arena, with several home games remaining to showcase their revitalized roster. The team’s G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise, continues to play at Wayne State University, with general admission tickets starting at $10.

Detroit’s Sports Renaissance

Detroit’s professional sports teams are experiencing a collective resurgence, with the Lions as Super Bowl contenders, the Tigers building on their playoff return, the Red Wings nearing a postseason berth, and the Pistons rediscovering their competitive edge. Social media sentiment reflects this optimism, with posts on X celebrating the city’s sports revival. One user proclaimed, “DETROIT ON THE COME UP,” highlighting the Lions’ top seed, the Tigers’ playoff appearance, and the Pistons’ and Red Wings’ winning streaks.

However, challenges remain, including the Lions’ need to replace Ragnow, the Tigers’ prospect injuries, the Red Wings’ roster gaps, and the Pistons’ need for additional star power. As the 2025 seasons progress, Detroit fans have plenty to cheer for, with each team showing promise and potential to bring championships back to the Motor City.

Sources: Information compiled from various web sources and posts on X, including
MLive.com
,
DetroitNews.com
, CBS Detroit, Yardbarker, and
DetroitLions.com
.