By Blessing 
Brad Holmes Returns to Detroit with Unfinished Business
As the NFL world turned its attention to the Annual League Meetings in Florida, discussing rule changes and engaging with the media, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes had more pressing matters awaiting his return home.
Addressing the Lions’ Unfinished Business
At the start of last season, the Detroit Lions had one of the most talented and well-structured rosters in the league. The team operated like a finely tuned machine—until a wave of injuries forced them to bring in reinforcements. Key additions like EDGE rusher Za’Darius Smith and defensive lineman Myles Adams played crucial roles in keeping the team competitive.
Now, heading into the 2025 season, the Lions’ primary focus has shifted to securing contract extensions for core players. Balancing financial resources while ensuring key contributors remain on the roster is a delicate task. With substantial contract obligations already on the books, Holmes must navigate free agency and the draft while keeping the team’s salary cap in check.
Prioritizing Player Contracts
March was a busy month for Holmes, as he secured 18 contract extensions. Among the notable re-signings were linebackers Derrick Barnes, Anthony Pittman, Zeke Turner, Trevor Nowaske, and Mitchell Agude. To further solidify the defense, he also retained defensive linemen Marcus Davenport, Levi Onwuzurike, Myles Adams, and Pat O’Connor, along with defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad, defensive back Morice Norris, and cornerback Khalil Dorsey.
To maintain one of the league’s top offensive units, Holmes ensured the return of offensive guard Netane Muti, offensive tackle Dan Skipper, running back Craig Reynolds, wide receiver Tim Patrick, tight end Shane Zylstra, and offensive lineman Kayode Awosika.
Key Free Agency Acquisitions
After losing key players like cornerback Carlton Davis and guard Kevin Zeitler to free agency, Holmes acted swiftly. He signed New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed to a four-year, $48 million contract—a move that, while disappointing for fans who hoped Davis would stay, was widely praised by analysts who see Reed as a strong and youthful replacement. The switch also saved the organization $12 million.
Holmes continued to fill critical gaps by bringing in defensive tackle Roy Lopez, linebacker Grant Stuard, quarterback Kyle Allen, tight end Kenny Yeboah, and cornerbacks Rock Ya-Sin and Avonte Maddox. Notably, all of these signings were for one-year contracts, demonstrating Holmes’ cautious approach to free agency.
Key Extensions Still on the Table
Holmes has done an impressive job keeping the team’s core intact while being strategic with spending. However, some crucial contract negotiations remain unfinished.
Aidan Hutchinson: The Defensive Star
Before his injury, Aidan Hutchinson was on pace for a historic season, recording 7.5 sacks and 17 quarterback pressures in just five games. With Myles Garrett’s new contract resetting the market for EDGE rushers, the Lions will likely need to offer Hutchinson around $40 million per year to secure his future. Given his elite status in the NFL, Hutchinson deserves a deal that reflects his impact.
Jameson Williams: A Rising Offensive Threat
After overcoming early career challenges, wide receiver Jameson Williams finally had his breakout season, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards. As a former first-round pick, he is eligible for a fifth-year extension, and Holmes will likely prioritize keeping one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers in Detroit.
Kerby Joseph: The Playmaking Safety
Safety Kerby Joseph led the league with nine interceptions last season, proving to be a vital part of Detroit’s defense. Since he wasn’t a first-round pick, he isn’t eligible for a fifth-year extension like Hutchinson and Williams. However, ensuring Joseph remains in Detroit beyond his rookie contract should be high on Holmes’ list.
Alex Anzalone: The Defensive Leader
Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone is entering the final year of his three-year deal. As a key leader on the field and in the locker room, retaining him is crucial for the team’s defensive cohesion. His return from injury in Week 18 was a turning point for the Lions, and his performance against the Vikings showcased his value.
Head coach Dan Campbell praised Anzalone’s impact, telling FOX 2 Detroit: “Look, I’ve said it before, he’s our quarterback on defense. He’s our quarterback on defense, and you know, he just brings, there’s a lot of confidence. He brings a lot of energy. He can calm the storms.”
His presence against former Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson was a game-changer, limiting him to just eight yards on two receptions. His defensive leadership remains essential, and quarterback Jared Goff echoed that sentiment in an interview with MLive: “He brings a lot of energy to that defense, he’s a leader, he’s a captain, having him back out there is huge.”
Holmes’ Next Moves
While Holmes enjoys the Florida sunshine at the league meetings, his real work awaits him back in Detroit. Securing contract extensions for Hutchinson, Williams, Joseph, and Anzalone will be crucial for maintaining the team’s trajectory. If he truly wants to complete his offseason masterpiece, he could go a step further—bringing back Za’Darius Smith to add another layer of defensive firepower.
The Lions have built something special under Holmes, and with a few more moves, they could be on the verge of something even greater in 2025 and beyond.