The Detroit Lions’ playoff collapse was shocking to fans of the venerable NFL franchise, who felt that Detroit was a team of destiny headed toward what many thought would be the first Super Bowl in its history.
The Lions’ divisional round loss to Coach Dan Quinn’s Washington Commanders shed light on the toll taken by injuries on coach Dan Campbell’s team, upping the ante for this offseason in the Motor City.
On Tuesday, Lions general manager Brad Holmes addressed the challenges facing his franchise this offseason, offering up a philosophical series of takes on how Detroit can maximize roster heading into the 2025 season.
Brad Holmes speaks to gathered media on Jan. 23, 2025, at the Detroit Lions’ Allen Park, Michigan training facility.
© Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Holmes addressed past questions from journalists on whether or not the Lions would consider spending big money on free agents to improve the team.
He expounded on the question by clarifying the team’s potential strategy.
“We want to keep the known, good players,” Holmes said. “You don’t wanna compromise them to overspend on unknowns.”
The Lions are expected to have an estimated $45 to nearly $52 million in salary cap space to spend this offseason, ranking ninth among all NFL teams.
The team’s key free agents include backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, wide receiver Tim Patrick, offensive guard Kevin Zeitler, fan favorite/offensive tackle Dan Skipper and others.
Complicating matters is the Lions’ wealth of young talent, which includes players Holmes must account for financially while plotting his team’s future free agent and NFL draft decisions.
