Compartmentalizing is something I think every general manager in the NFL does. Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes is no different. The compartmentalizing thing is the idea that every offseason is dedicated mostly to fixing one big issue.
In 2024 it was clear the Lions were all in on fixing their secondary. They signed Amik Robertson, traded for Carlton Davis, and drafted both Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw.
In 2023 the Lions were all in on making their offense better with taking Jahmyr Gibbs early and Sam LaPorta in the second-round. They also brought in David Montgomery and Graham Glasgow.
So what will be Holmes’ big thing this offseason? Our prediction is that it will be something the Lions proved they really needed this season once Aidan Hutchinson went down and something the Lions did not pay nearly enough attention to in the last offseason. The answer is the pass rush.
The Lions will have Aidan Hutchinson back and likely Za’Darrius Smith as well, but the team is going to need to find some guys that can be much better for them in case the injuries go down. There’s reason to believe they could go a little scorched Earth on the position and start over again. Maybe Josh Paschal is all that remains and they build around those three guys.
The good news is that there are going to be opportunities for the Lions to get these things done. The 2025 NFL Draft is set to be stacked pretty deep at the edge position. The Lions could look to fill a spot in the first two rounds and could come away with a starting quality player.
In free agency, the Lions could look to add guys like Michael Hoect, Payton Turner, Charles Omenihu, Azeez Ojulari, and others. There will be options there. We’ll see very soon what the Lions plan to do.