ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes shared candid insights on the team’s offseason process, roster evaluation, and the challenges faced during the 2025 season.
Holmes acknowledged that while the team brought in good players who contributed, overall consistency was lacking.
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He emphasized that the organization will examine all offseason decisions and processes, but that the foundational identity and type of players sought will remain the same.
“You always have to evolve,” Holmes said. “And when you don’t get the desired results, you’ve got to just look at everything.”
When asked about his own role and the team’s regression that led to missing the postseason, Holmes said it’s difficult to judge without understanding all player dynamics.
Holmes stressed the hard work behind the scenes, noting that roster building is a year-round effort often unseen by the public.
“The easier thing to do is to see a name of interest and just make the move,” Holmes said. “But you have to put in all the time and effort to find out why a player is available or not being signed back.”
Holmes also addressed criticism about a perceived lack of aggressive moves in free agency and trades.
He explained that many attempts to improve the roster go unpublicized and that the team avoids making moves just for the sake of activity.
“Usually when those kinds of moves happen, there is a deficiency that’s clear, and that team needs to act on that,” Holmes said.
On grading himself, Holmes agreed with head coach Dan Campbell’s assessment of an “F” for the season, stating, “It was either good enough or not good enough, and it’s not good enough.”
Holmes described the biggest failure as not being able to continue playing and competing, emphasizing the team’s standards for success.
He said he has already begun self-assessment and is looking inward to identify areas for improvement.
“After every single loss, that’s the first thing I’m looking at — are these players performing well enough? If not, that falls on me,” Holmes said.
Regarding injuries, particularly on defense, Holmes acknowledged the challenges of losing impact players and relying on depth players to fill large roles.
Holmes noted that late-season struggles in run defense were uncharacteristic and that the team will review players, schemes, and other factors.
Looking ahead, Holmes expressed confidence that the Lions are close to competing at a high level.
“We have a lot of good players, young ascending players, a really good quarterback, and the right coach,” Holmes said.
He cautioned against a complete overhaul, instead focusing on targeted adjustments to fit the team’s identity and goals.