By Moses Joshua 
Despite speculation about free agent additions, Holmes emphasizes confidence in current defensive end roster.
Hutchinson’s Return Sparks Optimism
With training camp around the corner, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has made one thing clear: he’s not panicking about the team’s defensive end depth. Speaking recently on the Green Light podcast with former NFL lineman Chris Long, Holmes laid out a strong case for why the Lions are standing pat—for now—when it comes to edge rushers.
Leading that case is the return of star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, whose 2024 season was cut short by a broken leg. While fans feared the long-term impact, Holmes expressed nothing but confidence in the third-year standout.
“Aidan looks great, man,” Holmes said. “He’s out there, he looks explosive, he’s changing direction. I mean, he looks really good.”
That reassurance should calm some nerves among fans who were hoping for a splashy signing, especially after free agent Za’Darius Smith publicly stated his desire to return to Detroit.
Confidence in Depth and Development
Holmes didn’t stop at Hutchinson. He went on to spotlight the rest of the defensive end room, highlighting three names who he believes will make a major impact this season: Marcus Davenport, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and sixth-round rookie Ahmed Hassanein.
On Davenport, who battled injuries last season, Holmes said:
“He was playing really good football for us before he unfortunately got hurt. His body is feeling great, his body looks great, and he had a good summer as well.”
Muhammad, acquired for his tenacity and work ethic, also earned praise:
“(He) played good football, plays hard. He’s physical, he’ll set edges, and he plays with a lot of effort.”
Perhaps the most intriguing endorsement came for rookie Hassanein, a relatively unknown prospect who’s turning heads early:
“He’s not some fish out of water… he had the most production—sacks and pressures combined—out of all the edge rushers in that class. It just so happens that he plays with his hair on fire, as well.”
Building from the Inside Out
In Holmes’ view, a great pass rush doesn’t start at the edge—it starts in the middle. That’s why the Lions have placed a premium on fortifying their defensive tackle rotation.
“If you’re not good in the middle—I don’t care what you have on the edges, at corner, and safety—it’s hard, man,” Holmes explained. “So that’s why we were really happy to get Tyleik [Williams]… along with DJ Reader… Alim [McNeill], Levi [Onwuzurike], and Roy Lopez.”
With both talent and depth anchoring the trenches, the Lions are betting that interior dominance will elevate the performance of the EDGE group.
What About Za’Darius Smith?
While free agent Za’Darius Smith has made his desire to return to Detroit known—telling USA Today at the BET Awards, “We both know where I want to be… Hopefully I can get back to where I want to be in Detroit”—Holmes stayed tight-lipped.
When Long brought up Smith during the podcast, Holmes opted not to comment on the situation, instead steering the conversation back to his current roster.
Conclusion
Holmes’ comments offer a rare inside look into Detroit’s defensive philosophy heading into 2025. While some fans may still clamor for a proven veteran like Smith, it’s clear the Lions are confident in what they have—and that’s exactly how Brad Holmes likes it.