Lions GM Brad Holmes Shuts Down Talk of Adding Another Star Pass Rusher
Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes made it clear at the NFL Scouting Combine—don’t expect the team to make a big splash at pass rusher this offseason.
With the Lions linked to high-profile defensive linemen in free agency and trade rumors, Holmes was asked point-blank whether Detroit would pursue another star edge rusher. His response?
“Probably not.”
Why The Lions Aren’t Chasing Another Big-Name Pass Rusher
Holmes emphasized that finding elite edge rushers isn’t easy, and just because the Lions lost Aidan Hutchinson to a mid-season injury doesn’t mean another team is willing to hand over their top pass rusher.
“Those guys are hard to find. That’s why it’s called a premium position,” Holmes explained. “It’s hard to acquire them, and it’s hard to keep them financially.”
Instead of targeting a big-name addition, Detroit appears focused on locking in their own talent. Hutchinson is heading into the fourth year of his rookie deal, making him eligible for an extension—something Holmes said the team is already planning.
The Lions’ Approach to Free Agency
Rather than chasing a pricey veteran pass rusher, Holmes is sticking with his blueprint of building through the draft and retaining homegrown talent. He pointed out how players like Kerby Joseph—a former third-round pick—are key pieces of Detroit’s future.
With Hutchinson and Alim McNeill coming off injuries, there’s a risk that the Lions could enter the 2025 season with depth concerns. But Holmes doesn’t seem worried. His priority is long-term sustainability, ensuring Detroit can keep its young core intact without sacrificing financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
Unless Holmes is playing his cards close to the chest, the Lions aren’t making a blockbuster move at pass rusher this offseason. Instead, expect them to invest in their current stars, with an Aidan Hutchinson extension likely on the horizon.
Brad Holmes Shuts Down Talk of Lions Adding Another Top Pass Rusher
