What to Expect from Brad Holmes at the NFL Annual Meetings
The NFL Annual Meetings are about to kick off, giving Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell another opportunity to address key topics surrounding the team. While these meetings primarily focus on voting for proposed rule changes and league bylaws, they also serve as a platform for team executives to provide insight into their offseason strategies.
For Holmes, this will be his first major media availability since the start of free agency. With the draft around the corner and plenty of roster questions still unanswered, Lions fans and analysts will be listening closely.
Here are four key topics Holmes may address at the meetings:
1. Contract Extensions for Key Players
One of the biggest offseason storylines for Detroit revolves around potential contract extensions for some of the team’s young stars. The 2022 draft class produced several key contributors, including safety Kerby Joseph, pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, and wide receiver Jameson Williams. All three are eligible for new deals, and Holmes may provide an update on where negotiations stand.
Given the significant money already committed to future deals, the Lions’ cap flexibility in 2026 and beyond will be crucial. How Detroit balances its long-term spending will be a major focus, especially as the team aims to keep its core intact while continuing to build a Super Bowl contender.
2. Why the Lions Pushed for Rule Changes
The annual meetings also serve as a stage for teams to propose rule and bylaw changes. The Lions were particularly active in this area, putting forward multiple suggestions. One of the most notable proposals would eliminate automatic first downs on defensive holding and illegal contact penalties. Another proposed a change to the postseason seeding format.
Each proposal needs at least 24 of the 32 teams to vote in favor for it to pass. Holmes will likely explain why the Lions backed these changes and how they could benefit the game. His comments could also offer insight into how the team sees the competitive landscape of the NFL evolving.
3. The Lions’ Approach in Free Agency
Detroit was aggressive in free agency, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The Lions signed defensive tackle D.J. Reader, linebacker Kenneth Murray, and three new cornerbacks, bolstering a unit that needed reinforcements. While Reader was the headline addition, the team also made several depth signings that could pay off in the long run.
On offense, the moves were more subtle. The Lions brought in quarterback Kyle Allen and tight end Kenny Yeboah, both of whom will compete for backup roles. Holmes will likely discuss why the team targeted these players and how they fit into the overall vision for 2025.
4. What Kyle Allen’s Signing Means for Hendon Hooker
One of the more intriguing offseason moves was the addition of veteran quarterback Kyle Allen on a one-year deal. While Allen isn’t expected to challenge Jared Goff for the starting job, his presence does raise questions about Hendon Hooker’s role in the quarterback room.
Hooker, a third-round pick in 2023, has yet to establish himself as the clear No. 2 option. Last season, he was passed over for Teddy Bridgewater when Goff needed a backup, and now he faces competition from Allen for that role. Holmes may shed light on the team’s confidence in Hooker and what the signing of Allen means for his development.
Looking Ahead
With the draft just a few weeks away, this week’s meetings will give Holmes a chance to set the tone for the next phase of Detroit’s offseason. While he’s unlikely to reveal much about the team’s specific draft plans, any insight he provides on free agency, contract negotiations, and roster construction will be valuable for Lions fans eager to see what’s next.
Key Questions for Lions GM Brad Holmes at the NFL Annual Meetings
