Risk and reward: Why Giants gave former Steelers star one last chance

The Detroit Lions have captured the NFL’s attention after unexpectedly appointing Mike Kafka to their offensive coaching staff at the start of the offseason. Not as an Offensive Coordinator, nor in a familiar role, Kafka was given a high-level offensive position with strategic influence. What stirred public debate wasn’t the vague title, but the speed and decisiveness of his earliest proposals. According to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero, Kafka was a candidate interviewed by multiple teams for offensive coordinator and even head coaching roles, including the Philadelphia Eagles. At 38 years old, Kafka is highly regarded for his system-driven mindset and ability to restructure offenses. Detroit did not hand him the OC role, but clearly views him as a key piece of Dan Campbell’s long-term vision. Just days after officially taking the job, Kafka stunned Lions leadership by submitting a plan to restructure the offense. His proposal included the potential release of two veteran pillars: running back David Montgomery and center Graham Glasgow. It was an extremely sensitive recommendation, as both players are respected veterans who helped define the Lions’ physical football identity. From a football standpoint, Kafka believes Detroit’s offense showed clear signs of stagnation during the 2025 season. Montgomery’s production dipped following injuries, while Glasgow, now 33, no longer aligns with the team’s push for speed and youth along the offensive line. In Kafka’s view, the Lions need stamina, explosiveness, and four-quarter intensity. In a message delivered to the locker room, Kafka made his philosophy unmistakably clear: “There is no room for compromise. Reputation or contracts don’t keep you here. Every player has to prove their value every day, in every practice and every snap. If you fit the new direction, you stay. If not, the team moves forward without hesitation.” The response from general manager Brad Holmes was what truly shocked the league. Holmes did not immediately approve the cuts, but publicly supported Kafka’s vision. He confirmed that Montgomery and Glasgow would be given a fair opportunity within the new system, while stressing that no one is exempt. Final decisions will be based on performance, not past status. If Kafka’s plan moves forward, the Lions could free up cap space and open doors for younger talents like Ratledge and Mahogany to rise. The risk, of course, is losing veteran leadership within an experienced offensive unit. But the message is unmistakable: Detroit is entering a ruthless evaluation phase — and Mike Kafka did not arrive to preserve the status quo.