Brad Holmes’ approach to building the Detroit Lions roster isn’t always easy to follow. To casual fans, it might look like the team is missing big names, letting veterans walk, or passing on splashy free agents. But there’s a method behind the madness — what insiders are calling Holmes’ “Value City” plan.
What “Value City” Means
At its core, Holmes’ strategy is simple, even if it doesn’t always appear that way on the surface:
Maximize draft value: Target players who can outperform their draft position.
Smart free agency moves: Sign players who fit specific needs at the right price, rather than chasing big-name stars.
Roster flexibility: Keep salary cap space open for future moves or emergencies.
Long-term thinking: Focus on building a sustainable core rather than short-term fixes.
This isn’t about making headlines; it’s about building a team that can compete over multiple seasons without mortgaging the future.
Examples of Holmes’ “Value City” Moves
Cade Mays signing: A young, under-the-radar center who provides immediate stability at a critical position.
Larry Borom acquisition: A versatile offensive lineman with starter potential without breaking the bank.
Cap restructures like Jared Goff’s: Free up $32 million in cap space to create optionality for multiple positions.
While fans may question some of these moves, they reflect a carefully calculated plan to maximize value across the roster.
Why Fans Don’t Always See It
The problem is short-term optics. Casual observers often focus on:
Losing a popular player
Passing on a “big name” free agent
Early struggles during free agency
To many, it seems like the Lions are not aggressive enough, even though Holmes is laying the groundwork for long-term success.
🏈 The Bottom Line
Brad Holmes isn’t building a team for the moment — he’s building a team for the next several seasons. Fans may not fully understand every move right now, but the “Value City” approach is designed to create sustainable competitiveness, roster flexibility, and future draft leverage.
In the end, Detroit Lions fans might need a little patience, because Holmes’ strategy could pay off big when the pieces finally come together. 🦁
Fans Don’t Understand It Yet, But Holmes’ Plan Could Change Detroit Forever
