Lions GM Brad Holmes: Don’t Expect a Big-Name Pass Rusher This Offseason
If you were hoping the Lions would make a splash move for a star pass rusher this offseason, GM Brad Holmes has some bad news: “Probably not.”
Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine, Holmes shut down the idea of Detroit going after a top-tier EDGE rusher, citing both the difficulty of acquiring one and the financial strain of adding another big contract. With Aidan Hutchinson’s extension already in the works, Holmes emphasized that premium pass rushers don’t come cheap—and teams aren’t exactly eager to give them away.
“It’s hard. There’s not a lot of those guys available,” Holmes said. “Just because we lost one doesn’t mean another team is going to hand us theirs.”
Detroit’s defense struggled with injuries last season, including the loss of Hutchinson and Alim McNeill, but Holmes seems confident in building from within rather than making a flashy move in free agency. The focus appears to be on locking in key players long-term rather than chasing another big name.
Unless Holmes is bluffing, it looks like the Lions will rely on homegrown talent and smart drafting to keep their defense strong heading into 2025.
Brad Holmes Addresses Pass Rusher Rumors—Lions Fans Might Not Like His Answer
