The Detroit Lions might not have made the biggest splashes in free agency, but that doesn’t mean their offseason moves have gone unnoticed. General manager Brad Holmes has taken a calculated approach to roster building, focusing on retaining key players while making smart, cost-effective additions. That strategy has earned the Lions high praise from analysts, with ESPN ranking their offseason work in the top five and The 33rd Team giving them a strong B+ grade.
Instead of making bold, high-priced acquisitions, Detroit prioritized keeping its core intact. Holmes re-signed key contributors like linebacker Derrick Barnes and defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike while adding veteran cornerback D.J. Reed to replace Carlton Davis III at a more team-friendly price. The Lions also brought in defensive tackle Roy Lopez to bolster their interior defense, ensuring they didn’t have to overspend to maintain depth.
Many teams shuffle their rosters after a deep playoff run, but the Lions took a different route. Holmes appears to be betting on continuity, trusting that keeping the foundation of a 15-2 team largely intact—while supplementing it with key additions—will allow them to take the next step. Analysts believe it’s a smart move, especially considering Detroit dealt with significant injuries last season yet still made a strong postseason push.
One added benefit of the Lions’ careful spending this offseason is the flexibility it provides for the future. Instead of handing out massive contracts to new players, Detroit has positioned itself to extend key homegrown talents like safety Kerby Joseph and star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. By prioritizing smart cap management, Holmes is ensuring the Lions remain competitive for years to come.
With free agency mostly settled, the Lions will now turn their attention to the 2025 NFL Draft, where they can continue to build through the process that has worked so well under Holmes—draft, develop, and reward. If this offseason strategy pays off, Detroit could be primed for another deep playoff run and an even stronger bid for the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance.
Brad Holmes Draws High Praise for Mastering Lions’ 2025 Offseason
