As the NFL world turned its attention to the Annual League Meetings in Florida this week, Brad Holmes has unfinished matters awaiting him back in Detroit.
At the start of last year, the Lions had one of the NFL’s most talented and unified rosters, a group that operated like a well-oiled machine—until a wave of injuries made it clear that additional external talent was needed. Two of those new additions, EDGE Za’Darius Smith and DL Myles Adams, played key roles.
As this season approaches, the Lions’ primary focus has shifted to extending player contracts. It’s a delicate financial balancing act, aiming to re-sign and keep as many essential players as possible while also managing the high-value contracts already slated for this year and staying within the salary cap. However, that financial window can quickly close when factoring in the costs of free agent signings and the draft.
Priority Business: The Contracts of Lions Players
Holmes had a busy March, re-signing 18 players, including linebackers Derrick Barnes, Anthony Pittman, Zeke Turner, Trevor Nowaske, and Mitchell Agude. To strengthen the defense, he also brought back defensive linemen Marcus Davenport, Levi Onwuzurike, Myles Adams, and Pat O’Connor. Additionally, Holmes secured deals with defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad, defensive back Morice Norris, and cornerback Khalil Dorsey.
To keep the Lions’ offense among the NFL’s best in 2025, Holmes re-signed guard Netane Muti, tackle Dan Skipper, running back Craig Reynolds, wide receiver Tim Patrick, tight end Shane Zylstra, and offensive lineman Kayode Awosika.
Lions Key Free Agency Pickups
After losing Carlton Davis and Kevin Zeitler to free agency, Holmes quickly responded by signing cornerback D.J. Reed from the New York Jets to a four-year, $48 million contract. While many fans were disappointed by the loss of Davis, experts praised Reed’s acquisition, seeing him as a healthy, promising young talent. By replacing Davis with Reed, Holmes saved the Lions $12 million.
Holmes then turned his attention to filling other key positions through free agency. He signed defensive tackle Roy Lopez, linebacker Grant Stuard, quarterback Kyle Allen, tight end Kenny Yeboah, and cornerbacks Rock Ya-Sin and Avonte Maddox, each on affordable one-year deals.
Priority Extensions Await Holmes’ Return
Holmes did a solid job securing key contract extensions while being mindful of the budget and selective in his free agent signings. Only Barnes and Reed received multi-year contracts. Holmes carefully considered the large contract payouts coming due this year and stayed within the financial limits.
However, several critical contract extensions remain unfinished, and Holmes’ work isn’t over. One of his top priorities is picking up the fifth-year option for first-round picks Aidan Hutchinson and Jameson Williams. Holmes has been fiscally prudent with his free-agent spending to make room for a likely major contract for Hutchinson.
Lions EDGE Aidan Hutchinson
Hutchinson was leading the team with 7.5 sacks and 17 quarterback pressures before his injury, and he was on track for a potential “Defensive Player of the Year” award. With Myles Garrett’s recent contract resetting the EDGE market, the Lions will likely need to offer Hutchinson a multi-year deal worth about $40 million annually. Hutchinson is one of the NFL’s rare elite talents and should be compensated accordingly.
