Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes isn’t interested in hearing any more questions about the team’s decision not to prioritize an edge rusher in the draft. During an appearance on Costa and Jansen on 97.1 The Ticket, Holmes responded defiantly when asked why the team didn’t address the need more aggressively.
Holmes pointed to Aidan Hutchinson as an elite edge rusher, asking rhetorically why fans aren’t satisfied with having one of the league’s best. He questioned the logic behind constantly seeking a second dominant edge, noting how rare top-tier pass rushers are in the NFL.
But fans and analysts alike aren’t necessarily asking for another Hutchinson—they’re asking for a more reliable option than injury-prone Marcus Davenport or a sixth-round rookie like Ahmed Hassanein. Even before Hutchinson’s injury last season, Detroit’s lack of a consistent presence on the opposite edge was a concern.
Holmes’ defensive tone didn’t sit well with everyone. As Jeff Iafrate of Crunch Time Sports pointed out, the issue isn’t unrealistic expectations, it’s about stabilizing the defense with dependable contributors. Whether the Lions revisit talks with free agent Za’Darius Smith or explore other options remains to be seen—but the pressure to improve production beyond Hutchinson clearly isn’t going away.
Brad Holmes Claps Back at Critics Questioning Lions’ Edge Rusher Strategy
