Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes opened up about free agency, the David Montgomery trade, future extensions and the team’s edge rusher plans in a revealing Lions Collective interview. Here’s part one of the full breakdown.
This is part one of a two-part breakdown of the recent interview featuring Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes on the Lions Collective podcast.
Today, the Lions Collective podcast, hosted by Jeff Iafrate, Justin Rodgers, Eric Woodyard and Will Burchfield, sat down with Lions general manager Brad Holmes for an in-depth conversation covering roster moves, free agency strategy and future plans for the team.
Rodgers kicked things off by asking about newly acquired Lions center Cade Mays and what made him the right fit for Detroit. Holmes spoke about Mays’ gradual improvement and highlighted his size, noting that Mays stands 6-foot-6. Holmes emphasized how important it is for the Lions quarterback to have a strong presence in the middle of the offensive line, saying that having a center who can anchor the interior is huge for the offense. He also mentioned that Mays still has upside and room to continue developing, which kept him high on the team’s board.
Burchfield then brought up the Lions’ decision to sign numerous players to one-year contracts during free agency. Holmes explained that future extensions for key young players will make it more difficult to hand out multi-year deals right now. He hinted at potential upcoming extensions for players like Jack Campbell, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch. Because of those looming contracts, Holmes said the team had to be selective with how many long-term deals they handed out in free agency.
Iafrate then brought up the trade involving running back David Montgomery. Holmes explained that the trade was something that made sense for both sides. He said the team made it clear they valued Montgomery and weren’t just going to give him away. The Lions ultimately received a 2026 fourth-round pick, offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, and a 2027 seventh-round pick. Holmes mentioned that there was somewhat of a bidding war for Montgomery, which helped the Lions get a better return than many initially expected.
Holmes also spoke about Montgomery’s replacement, Isiah Pacheco, saying he and head coach Dan Campbell have always loved his physical running style. Holmes noted that Pacheco wanting to be in Detroit helped make the fit even better. He also added that the “book is not closed” on Sione Vaki and his role in the Lions’ running game moving forward.
Holmes addressed the Lions’ overall free agency approach and why the team did not make a major splash signing. He explained that the team had multiple roster holes to fill and sometimes it makes more sense to sign several good players rather than spend the entire budget on one star player. Holmes framed it as a choice between signing the single best player available or adding players ranked three, four and five on their board to build more overall depth.
Iafrate also asked about the possibility of moving Penei Sewell to left tackle. Holmes said that is the beauty of having a player like Sewell because his versatility gives the team flexibility. While no decision has been made, Holmes said the possibility of Sewell playing left tackle is always on the table because of his talent and athletic ability.
Rodgers then asked about the difficult decisions the team has had to make in letting some longtime contributors go, including Alex Anzalone, Amik Robertson and Kalif Raymond. Holmes admitted those decisions are tough because those players were not only productive on the field but also important pieces in the locker room. However, he emphasized that sometimes the business side of the NFL makes it impossible to keep everyone due to salary cap limitations.
Finally, Burchfield asked the big question many fans have been wondering about: the Lions’ plan at edge rusher and the decision to sign D.J. Wonnum instead of Al-Quadin Muhammad. Holmes explained that the decision wasn’t simply choosing one player over the other. Instead, he said the team prioritized committing money to the offensive line first. Once those financial commitments were made, the Lions knew they would be limited in what they could spend at edge rusher. Holmes praised Wonnum as a premier run defender who sets the edge well and noted that the Lions had seen firsthand how effective he was while playing against him when he was with the Vikings. Holmes emphasized the importance of edge-setting in their defensive scheme and suggested that was a major factor in the decision.
This concludes part one of the breakdown of Brad Holmes’ interview on the Lions Collective podcast. Part two will cover more of Holmes’ comments and additional insight into the Lions’ roster decisions, draft strategy and future outlook.
Here is the link for the full interview: https://youtu.be/KAs96YtStf4