By Blessing 
Is Time Running Out for Brodric Martin in Detroit?
When the Lions spent a third-round pick on Brodric Martin in the 2023 NFL Draft, there was hope he’d become a key piece along the defensive front. Taken 96th overall, Martin arrived in Detroit with raw talent and intriguing upside. But nearly two years later, it’s hard to say things have gone according to plan.
So far, Martin’s career has been quiet—too quiet. He’s only played in five games across two seasons, with just three appearances (and two starts) in his rookie year, and only two games last season. Some of that can be chalked up to injuries, but it hasn’t all been bad luck. The number of times he’s been listed as a healthy scratch is enough to raise some eyebrows, and fans are understandably starting to wonder if he has a real future with the team.
With the 2025 NFL Draft just weeks away and Detroit expected to bolster its defensive line, the writing may already be on the wall. And comments from general manager Brad Holmes at the NFL Owners Meetings last week only added fuel to the speculation.
When asked directly about Martin’s role and future with the Lions, Holmes didn’t exactly offer a glowing endorsement.
“Obviously, you guys all know I was very clear and transparent that, you know, he was more in the developmental project bucket when we took him,” Holmes said. “But you know, now it’s time for him not to just — because he brought flashes in the preseason. When he came (back) from his injury, he brought flashes, but you know, he had some low points as well. We need to see more of the consistency of the flashes and he just needs to be a consistent player. And he knows that. We’ve had transparent conversations, and so, he knows that he needs to be a consistent player. He’s got all the ability, he’s got all the physical tools to be a consistent player.”
Sure, you could read that as a motivational nudge—something to get Martin going ahead of a crucial offseason. But let’s be honest: that didn’t sound like a GM full of patience. Holmes emphasized consistency, not potential. He spoke like a man who’s already had the necessary conversations and might be preparing to move on.
It’s tough to say definitively, but it feels like Martin’s time in Detroit could be nearing an end before it ever really took off. Maybe he’ll prove everyone wrong this summer. But if not, those two starts in his rookie year might end up being the only real chapter of his Lions story.