By Blessing 
Detroit Lions fans entered the 2025 NFL offseason filled with excitement and optimism. With a strong roster that’s been knocking on the door of a Super Bowl the past two seasons—and a healthy chunk of cap space to work with—expectations were naturally high. General manager Brad Holmes only fueled that optimism by making an early splash in free agency, bringing in cornerback D.J. Reed.
But since that initial move, things have been quiet—and that silence has left some fans feeling uneasy.
Not everyone is worried, though. One of Holmes’ most recent first-round picks, cornerback Terrion Arnold, took to Twitter on March 14 with a simple but powerful message: “Words of advice: Let Brad Cook!”
It’s a message worth considering. Holmes has more than earned a little patience from the fanbase. Since taking the reins in Detroit, he’s done more than just fill out a roster—he’s helped reshape the culture of a long-struggling franchise.
It started with the hiring of head coach Dan Campbell—a decision that raised some eyebrows at first but has since proven to be a home run. Then came the draft classes. In just four years, Holmes has added cornerstone talents like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, Jameson Williams, Brian Branch, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Arnold himself.
In short, Holmes has consistently found value, built a contender, and made Detroit a team that commands respect.
Still, there’s no denying that this offseason carries a little extra weight. The Lions are in a legitimate Super Bowl window—something fans haven’t been able to say too often. That means there’s pressure to not only maintain the roster’s strength but also to take it to the next level.
That might require bold moves, even if it means sacrificing some future flexibility. But it’s a delicate balance, and Holmes has shown he knows how to walk that line.
There’s still plenty of time left in the offseason, and a lot of talent still available. So while the silence may be unsettling for some, Holmes’ track record suggests that he’s just getting started.
“Let Brad Cook,” indeed.