The Detroit Lions have always been a franchise defined by a 31 year playoff win drought that they had. A reason for that is that they could never find the right coach, and found themselves in the endless cycle of hiring and firing head coaches and general managers.
In the first few seasons of Brad Holmes’ time as the GM of the Detroit Lions he was able to lead the Lions from one of the worst teams in the NFL into a super bowl contender. Even Holmes was able to have that success. Fans shouldn’t just be satisfied with that success he had early on because they know now what a winning team feels like and want to see it again. Holmes though doesn’t believe in taking any risks with signing a big free agent or making a trade. Holmes seems to put extending players early in their contract rather than helping the team right now and that needs to change.
The Lions had a young core that has led them to that success, but they’ve had troubles as of late due to the fact that their offensive line is getting old and is not what it used to be. One of the ways that could solve this problem is by trading for a starting offensive lineman or signing one in free agency. That is something Holmes hasn’t done since he’s been a part of the Lions organization. Holmes, as part of the Lions organization, has put draft picks above everything else. Holmes is seen as a GM who can draft well. He did so in the first couple of years of his time in Detroit with Amon Ra St. Brown in the fourth round, but in the last couple of drafts, he has struggled.
The struggles the Lions have had started with in the playoffs in 2024 and the draft picks that were made that season, ended up being some of the worst selections in Holmes career as he picked Terrion Arnold with his first pick and ended up being not a great fit as he was one of the most penalized players in the NFL. His second-round pick, Ennis Rakenstraw, hasn’t even played yet in his career.
So even though Holmes was able to help lead the Lions to a team that can contend in his first couple of seasons. He doesn’t deserve as long a leash as he currently has and Holmes should be put on the hot seat due to the lack of lack of success in the last few seasons.
