2025 Detroit Lions: 0-0 HOF Game on tape, as DC said..."We got work to do" (60 Viewers)

[Zeppelin]

Kindle Vildor signed a 1 year contract with Tampa Bay.

Thank you Tampa Bay.

 

[Payne]

I'm absolutely dumbfounded by the few of you content with just being very good the next 2-3 years.

The Lions were 15-2 last year and before the injuries were favored to win the Super Bowl. But people complain that they didn't make a big move. Really? Holmes built a roster that did the above. You don't have to make big all in moves to have a great team. They proved that last year.

I am upset they didn't make a bigger move last off season or at the trade deadline. Correct.
I am upset they have not addressed DE again outside of often injured Davenport. Correct.

You do know what happened last year doesn't mean squat right?
New season.
New staff.
Much tougher schedule.

So it doesn't matter what they did last year.

 

[Payne]

In the next 2 years, the following players will be eligible for contract extensions:

Aiden Hutchinson
Kerby Joseph
Jameson Williams
Jahmyr Gibbs
Jack Campbell
Sam LaPorta
Brian Branch

Those are all great young players that are part of the core of this team. None of the teams mentioned have this many important players up for contract extensions in that short of a time frame. They are probably not going to afford all of them right now so spending a bunch of money would mean we lose even more of them. That makes zero sense.

If Brad is as good as you think he is, why can't he draft replacements for a few of these guys over the next two drafts? Answer....he can.
So this is not a reason to avoid adding salary to acquire a player that could put you over the top.

Again, teams restructure all the time. Or, sometimes you have to let good players go. That's the cost of doing business.

I'm absolutely dumbfounded by the few of you content with just being very good the next 2-3 years.
I have news for you, everyone around you has gotten better. The Bears are better. We are not better.
We have almost an entire new coaching staff. We just lost a key player on the O Line.
The O Line has gotten another year older.

I want the Lions to win a Super Bowl and do whatever it takes to accomplish that.
Whatever. I give up. I guess I should just be a Brad Bot and believe the man can do no wrong.

I'm done with this conversation. Hope everyone has a good day.

It can be somewhere in the middle as well, doesn’t have to be an extreme POV either way. I don’t think anyone is saying Brad can do no wrong, but it is okay to celebrate the guy for all of the right he has done. The franchise is now a contender after decades of not. Hard to argue with the majority of his moves. Yes, we can “go all in”, but does that guarantee a SB? The answer is no. They signed a player who many ranked as the best FA available and some are still not content. Let’s see what the draft brings and then judge Brad’s plan for this year. So far during his tenure he has transformed a bottom tier franchise into extreme relevancy. The Niners are a good example of going “all in” over the years and have nothing to show for it (recent years during that plan). They are now wiping the slate clean and essentially starting over. There is no right or wrong answer, it can only be judged by the final conclusion. We are all disappointed in the last few years results, but we have no idea if one more impact player would have got us a trophy.

Correct. And thanks for actually seeing both sides. There are also teams like Philly who did make moves and were successful.

The Rams went all in, won a Super Bowl and retooled to be competitive again. No reason the Lions can't do that.
Especially if Brad is who we all think he is.

 

[BobbyLayne]

So it doesn't matter what they did last year.

One of my favorite things about the NFL. Every season is its own entity.

You keep trying to make the point everyone is getting better. We have no idea who is going to be good in 2025.

You look at the road schedule and think “omg - this is so brutal, 6 playoff teams, 2 more that could be in the playoffs, whaddawegonnado”.

But history tells us 50% of those teams won’t make the playoffs in 2025.

Anyway, just a whole lotta offseason left to figure stuff out.

But def agree with your point last year doesn’t matter. New coaches, new players, gotta learn to win all over again. Love that process.

 

[Zeppelin]

I am upset they didn't make a bigger move last off season or at the trade deadline. Correct.
I am upset they have not addressed DE again outside of often injured Davenport. Correct.

You do know what happened last year doesn't mean squat right?
New season.
New staff.
Much tougher schedule.

So it doesn't matter what they did last year.

The Lions asked about both Garrett and Crosby. They were not going to be traded unless you overpaid and maybe not even if they did. They got the only decent edge rusher at the deadline.

As far as right now they have 5 months to address the roster. I'm never worried after 3 days of free agency. I also want to see help at edge rusher in free agency. They were in the running for Josh Sweat. Za'Darius Smith is still available and I would not be surprised to see him signed. There also will be good players cut for salary cap reasons before the season. There will also be trades made before the draft. I have to believe they will make a move.

When it comes to last year, you're right, it doesn't matter. But it does show that Brad Holmes knows how to put a great roster together. Last year's roster, if healthy, was a Super Bowl caliber roster.

There is no reason this years won't be the same. They have a great young core in their mid 20's and younger. If you include Christian Mahogany, there are 13 starters from Holmes' first 4 drafts and most of them are Pro Bowl caliber players. They have a great roster right now. There is still 5 months before the season starts and the draft, which is very deep at edge and defensive tackle. There is plenty of time and plenty of ways to improve the roster.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

There is still 5 months before the season starts and the draft, which is very deep at edge and defensive tackle. There is plenty of time and plenty of ways to improve the roster.

If the roster now is the same as opening day, criticize all you want. But let's see what actually happens before making assumptions.

 

[King of the Jungle]

In the next 2 years, the following players will be eligible for contract extensions:

Aiden Hutchinson
Kerby Joseph
Jameson Williams
Jahmyr Gibbs
Jack Campbell
Sam LaPorta
Brian Branch

Those are all great young players that are part of the core of this team. None of the teams mentioned have this many important players up for contract extensions in that short of a time frame. They are probably not going to afford all of them right now so spending a bunch of money would mean we lose even more of them. That makes zero sense.

If Brad is as good as you think he is, why can't he draft replacements for a few of these guys over the next two drafts? Answer....he can.
So this is not a reason to avoid adding salary to acquire a player that could put you over the top.

Again, teams restructure all the time. Or, sometimes you have to let good players go. That's the cost of doing business.

I'm absolutely dumbfounded by the few of you content with just being very good the next 2-3 years.
I have news for you, everyone around you has gotten better. The Bears are better. We are not better.
We have almost an entire new coaching staff. We just lost a key player on the O Line.
The O Line has gotten another year older.

I want the Lions to win a Super Bowl and do whatever it takes to accomplish that.
Whatever. I give up. I guess I should just be a Brad Bot and believe the man can do no wrong.

I'm done with this conversation. Hope everyone has a good day.

It can be somewhere in the middle as well, doesn’t have to be an extreme POV either way. I don’t think anyone is saying Brad can do no wrong, but it is okay to celebrate the guy for all of the right he has done. The franchise is now a contender after decades of not. Hard to argue with the majority of his moves. Yes, we can “go all in”, but does that guarantee a SB? The answer is no. They signed a player who many ranked as the best FA available and some are still not content. Let’s see what the draft brings and then judge Brad’s plan for this year. So far during his tenure he has transformed a bottom tier franchise into extreme relevancy. The Niners are a good example of going “all in” over the years and have nothing to show for it (recent years during that plan). They are now wiping the slate clean and essentially starting over. There is no right or wrong answer, it can only be judged by the final conclusion. We are all disappointed in the last few years results, but we have no idea if one more impact player would have got us a trophy.

Correct. And thanks for actually seeing both sides. There are also teams like Philly who did make moves and were successful.

The Rams went all in, won a Super Bowl and retooled to be competitive again. No reason the Lions can't do that.
Especially if Brad is who we all think he is.

How many years of successful moves would you consider Brad is “who we all think he is?” What would be your grade for him as a GM since his tenure (let’s say 1-10)? Or is it just pass/fail depending on if you win the trophy or not? If that is the case there are 31 failing GMs every single year. Yes, the goal is to win the trophy…I get it. But to be so disappointed with his efforts that have put us in a good position to do so the last few seasons is puzzling to me. What I hear you saying is unless he is perfect then he is not doing enough. Last years fall was from injuries and execution, two things he has no control over.

*BTW, I don’t think you are wrong and I am right. I think there are positives and negatives to both of our views. However I would prefer the team to continue build have they have due to the success it has brought. And “hopefully”, we stay healthy enough next year to see if it has worked or not.

 

[RD1]

@Payne, I think I do understand your view, I'll admit it gets hard at times to follow along multiple comments.

I wanted more at the deadline last year or maybe a bigger splash here in FA regarding Edge. The thing I reconcile that with is that nothing will guarantee a SB appearance or even more a win. The thing I do find comforting is that Holmes and Campbell seem to have a plan and while the wheels fell of last year, we got to NFC championship the year before. They are not 'chasing', if that makes sense. Trey Flowers and Jamie Collins are recent examples of what I am trying to convey as chasing. Tulloch, Vanden Bosh, Reggie Bush as guys that were also chases and only kept us regular season mid-level successful. For me the target of maximizing your chances of being highly competitive year after year outweighs the all-in mentality that may increase odds for a single year and likely creates complications for future years and can never guarantee anything (other than saying you tried all you could).

Respect your opinion, hope mine makes sense.

 

[Ilov80s]

@Payne, I think I do understand your view, I'll admit it gets hard at times to follow along multiple comments.

I wanted more at the deadline last year or maybe a bigger splash here in FA regarding Edge. The thing I reconcile that with is that nothing will guarantee a SB appearance or even more a win. The thing I do find comforting is that Holmes and Campbell seem to have a plan and while the wheels fell of last year, we got to NFC championship the year before. They are not 'chasing', if that makes sense. Trey Flowers and Jamie Collins are recent examples of what I am trying to convey as chasing. Tulloch, Vanden Bosh, Reggie Bush as guys that were also chases and only kept us regular season mid-level successful. For me the target of maximizing your chances of being highly competitive year after year outweighs the all-in mentality that may increase odds for a single year and likely creates complications for future years and can never guarantee anything (other than saying you tried all you could).

Respect your opinion, hope mine makes sense.

I don't think they were ever going to be able to get a fair price on an edge better than Zadarius. If there was a difference making edge available for a fair price, one of the SB contenders would have made that deal. Zadarius was good, got a .5 sack a game. That is really good production. The thing that killed Detroit was the the way the injuries never slowed down. Alim, Arnold, Amik, Anzalone, Carlton Davis, Dorsey, David Montgomery, Rodrigo, Zeitler. Those were all after trade deadline.

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

Ultimately, the only method of "all-in" that's guaranteed to work is the one where you sign/draft really good players. Unfortunately, we can only be certain of who's good in retrospect

 

[jon_mx]

Brad Holmes was named Exective of the Year last season, which was well deserved. Brad Holmes has executed 4 of the top 6 drafts in Lions history. When was a Lions GM ever considered the best in football? Pretty safe guess is never. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have been the best thing ever to happen to the Lions organization and a large number of fans still constantly criticize and second guesses them. Pretty amazing.

While I agree, is it not ok to question them? Building a team is one thing. Winning a Super Bowl is another.

I'm amazed how many Lion fans are content with just being very good.

I am not a big fan of people who have constant negativity when people are working their butts off and doing an outstanding job. I would prefer to be supportive. Not saying you can't have some criticism or questioning their decisions as everyone makes mistakes and can improve.

That said, Brad/Sheila/Dan re-built this franchise from being a dumpster fire into one of the best franchises in football. They did it with a vision of building a culture of character and work ethic and doing it mostly through the draft while filling in with some bargain FA. That is their vision and it has worked tremendously.

So, yeah, I don't see it as respectful to what they have worked hard to build to suggest they abandon their vision. Things like forget about character, they need to draft the player i like. Or let's go all in on a a few FA and make it so we can't extend the players we drafted and love. Things like being quick to call picks a bust before they have a chance to blossom. Things like questioning Holmes ability to draft because he might have missed on a couple players, when every other GM wiffs on about 80% of their picks, not 20 percent. They have produced the results to deserve a benefit of the doubt. This process and this team can win championships and contend for the next 5 years, or really as long as Dan and Brad hang around.

Yeah, I am a very positive person when people are working hard and producing amazing results. I don't like constant negativity from the hind-sighted peanut gallery that seems to believe it is impossible to win unless they abandon what made this team great and a joy to watch.

I just love how people are bashed for having a different opinion on things.

I love what they have done. Who doesn't. But why does that mean I can't question the lack of moves the team is making?

As I stated. It is not about questioning it is about constant negativity about everything. If posts are constantly showing you :

1. Don't like Brad moves and picks
2. Don't like how Dan coaches and game calls
3. Don't buy into the philosophy the ownership has adapted
4. Don't think they can win unless they do what they think

If all a person ever does is cast shade on a team in the fan thread, it is disrespectful. The team has reached heights the franchise has never achieved in modern history, i don't think this constant negativity is appropriate for anyone claiming to be a fan. People coming in and stating they can't win unless they do what they say are just being ridiculous.

Let's say you worked your butt off and turned the worst company in the world into the best. But all the owner ever did was question everything you do and offer no praise or tell you that you are doing everything wrong. You woukd flip them off and leave the company. It is tiresome and disrespectful to everything which has been accomplished. It is the SOL mindset that I hope people would get over.

That is my view. Is it OK for me to express that?

 

[Zeppelin]

Lions sign QB Kyle Allen. He has started 19 games with 26 TDs and 21 INTs. Interesting.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Lions sign QB Kyle Allen. He has started 19 games with 26 TDs and 21 INTs. Interesting.

I'm guessing that Allen and Fromm will compete for the #3 spot.

 

[msudaisy26]

Brad Holmes was named Exective of the Year last season, which was well deserved. Brad Holmes has executed 4 of the top 6 drafts in Lions history. When was a Lions GM ever considered the best in football? Pretty safe guess is never. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have been the best thing ever to happen to the Lions organization and a large number of fans still constantly criticize and second guesses them. Pretty amazing.

While I agree, is it not ok to question them? Building a team is one thing. Winning a Super Bowl is another.

I'm amazed how many Lion fans are content with just being very good.

I am not a big fan of people who have constant negativity when people are working their butts off and doing an outstanding job. I would prefer to be supportive. Not saying you can't have some criticism or questioning their decisions as everyone makes mistakes and can improve.

That said, Brad/Sheila/Dan re-built this franchise from being a dumpster fire into one of the best franchises in football. They did it with a vision of building a culture of character and work ethic and doing it mostly through the draft while filling in with some bargain FA. That is their vision and it has worked tremendously.

So, yeah, I don't see it as respectful to what they have worked hard to build to suggest they abandon their vision. Things like forget about character, they need to draft the player i like. Or let's go all in on a a few FA and make it so we can't extend the players we drafted and love. Things like being quick to call picks a bust before they have a chance to blossom. Things like questioning Holmes ability to draft because he might have missed on a couple players, when every other GM wiffs on about 80% of their picks, not 20 percent. They have produced the results to deserve a benefit of the doubt. This process and this team can win championships and contend for the next 5 years, or really as long as Dan and Brad hang around.

Yeah, I am a very positive person when people are working hard and producing amazing results. I don't like constant negativity from the hind-sighted peanut gallery that seems to believe it is impossible to win unless they abandon what made this team great and a joy to watch.

I just love how people are bashed for having a different opinion on things.

I love what they have done. Who doesn't. But why does that mean I can't question the lack of moves the team is making?

As I stated. It is not about questioning it is about constant negativity about everything. If posts are constantly showing you :

1. Don't like Brad moves and picks
2. Don't like how Dan coaches and game calls
3. Don't buy into the philosophy the ownership has adapted
4. Don't think they can win unless they do what they think

If all a person ever does is cast shade on a team in the fan thread, it is disrespectful. The team has reached heights the franchise has never achieved in modern history, i don't think this constant negativity is appropriate for anyone claiming to be a fan. People coming in and stating they can't win unless they do what they say are just being ridiculous.

Let's say you worked your butt off and turned the worst company in the world into the best. But all the owner ever did was question everything you do and offer no praise or tell you that you are doing everything wrong. You woukd flip them off and leave the company. It is tiresome and disrespectful to everything which has been accomplished. It is the SOL mindset that I hope people would get over.

That is my view. Is it OK for me to express that?

There isn't constant negativity. You just get mad when anyone questions anything Sheila, Brad, or Dan does. It is okay to have your opinion, but not okay for anyone else to have a different one or it is disrespectful. On a fantasy football board of all places.

Your example is also awful. Sheila isn't telling Brad he is awful, Brad isn't telling Dan he is awful, Dan isn't telling the players they are awful. This is what fans do especially during an off season when the end of the season was a let down.

 

[jon_mx]

Brad Holmes was named Exective of the Year last season, which was well deserved. Brad Holmes has executed 4 of the top 6 drafts in Lions history. When was a Lions GM ever considered the best in football? Pretty safe guess is never. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have been the best thing ever to happen to the Lions organization and a large number of fans still constantly criticize and second guesses them. Pretty amazing.

While I agree, is it not ok to question them? Building a team is one thing. Winning a Super Bowl is another.

I'm amazed how many Lion fans are content with just being very good.

I am not a big fan of people who have constant negativity when people are working their butts off and doing an outstanding job. I would prefer to be supportive. Not saying you can't have some criticism or questioning their decisions as everyone makes mistakes and can improve.

That said, Brad/Sheila/Dan re-built this franchise from being a dumpster fire into one of the best franchises in football. They did it with a vision of building a culture of character and work ethic and doing it mostly through the draft while filling in with some bargain FA. That is their vision and it has worked tremendously.

So, yeah, I don't see it as respectful to what they have worked hard to build to suggest they abandon their vision. Things like forget about character, they need to draft the player i like. Or let's go all in on a a few FA and make it so we can't extend the players we drafted and love. Things like being quick to call picks a bust before they have a chance to blossom. Things like questioning Holmes ability to draft because he might have missed on a couple players, when every other GM wiffs on about 80% of their picks, not 20 percent. They have produced the results to deserve a benefit of the doubt. This process and this team can win championships and contend for the next 5 years, or really as long as Dan and Brad hang around.

Yeah, I am a very positive person when people are working hard and producing amazing results. I don't like constant negativity from the hind-sighted peanut gallery that seems to believe it is impossible to win unless they abandon what made this team great and a joy to watch.

I just love how people are bashed for having a different opinion on things.

I love what they have done. Who doesn't. But why does that mean I can't question the lack of moves the team is making?

As I stated. It is not about questioning it is about constant negativity about everything. If posts are constantly showing you :

1. Don't like Brad moves and picks
2. Don't like how Dan coaches and game calls
3. Don't buy into the philosophy the ownership has adapted
4. Don't think they can win unless they do what they think

If all a person ever does is cast shade on a team in the fan thread, it is disrespectful. The team has reached heights the franchise has never achieved in modern history, i don't think this constant negativity is appropriate for anyone claiming to be a fan. People coming in and stating they can't win unless they do what they say are just being ridiculous.

Let's say you worked your butt off and turned the worst company in the world into the best. But all the owner ever did was question everything you do and offer no praise or tell you that you are doing everything wrong. You woukd flip them off and leave the company. It is tiresome and disrespectful to everything which has been accomplished. It is the SOL mindset that I hope people would get over.

That is my view. Is it OK for me to express that?

There isn't constant negativity. You just get mad when anyone questions anything Sheila, Brad, or Dan does. It is okay to have your opinion, but not okay for anyone else to have a different one or it is disrespectful. On a fantasy football board of all places.

Your example is also awful. Sheila isn't telling Brad he is awful, Brad isn't telling Dan he is awful, Dan isn't telling the players they are awful. This is what fans do especially during an off season when the end of the season was a let down.

In my analogy, the ungrateful business owner represents the ungrateful portion of the fanbase. HTH.

I do not recollect any positive vibes you have ever brought to this thread. All I have seen the last week is going on and on about how the Lions have no chance unless they make a big splash in FA. It is easy to throw rocks and say how we should have signed this player and this player. But it is 100 times more difficult to actually build a team.

Not every free agent wants to come to Detroit.
Every player who wants traded, GM may not want to deal.
Every player does not fit the culture we are trying to build
Not every FA wants to sign a team friendly contract.
Every big splash free agent disrupts future plans at extending our current guys

Brad is on the phone to 31 other GMs about every week trying to find the right fit. The team has a plan and a road map to create a long term successful franchise capable of being Suler Bowl condmtenders for the next decade. There is no short term window they are looking at. They want to win a Super Bowl next year, the following year and the year after that. We have a base roster stacked with Pro-bowlers with numerous players in the top 100. This is a damn good team capable of beating anyone in the league. We also have a great head coach, some great assistants and one of the best GMs in the league.

 

[Payne]

Brad Holmes was named Exective of the Year last season, which was well deserved. Brad Holmes has executed 4 of the top 6 drafts in Lions history. When was a Lions GM ever considered the best in football? Pretty safe guess is never. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have been the best thing ever to happen to the Lions organization and a large number of fans still constantly criticize and second guesses them. Pretty amazing.

While I agree, is it not ok to question them? Building a team is one thing. Winning a Super Bowl is another.

I'm amazed how many Lion fans are content with just being very good.

I am not a big fan of people who have constant negativity when people are working their butts off and doing an outstanding job. I would prefer to be supportive. Not saying you can't have some criticism or questioning their decisions as everyone makes mistakes and can improve.

That said, Brad/Sheila/Dan re-built this franchise from being a dumpster fire into one of the best franchises in football. They did it with a vision of building a culture of character and work ethic and doing it mostly through the draft while filling in with some bargain FA. That is their vision and it has worked tremendously.

So, yeah, I don't see it as respectful to what they have worked hard to build to suggest they abandon their vision. Things like forget about character, they need to draft the player i like. Or let's go all in on a a few FA and make it so we can't extend the players we drafted and love. Things like being quick to call picks a bust before they have a chance to blossom. Things like questioning Holmes ability to draft because he might have missed on a couple players, when every other GM wiffs on about 80% of their picks, not 20 percent. They have produced the results to deserve a benefit of the doubt. This process and this team can win championships and contend for the next 5 years, or really as long as Dan and Brad hang around.

Yeah, I am a very positive person when people are working hard and producing amazing results. I don't like constant negativity from the hind-sighted peanut gallery that seems to believe it is impossible to win unless they abandon what made this team great and a joy to watch.

I just love how people are bashed for having a different opinion on things.

I love what they have done. Who doesn't. But why does that mean I can't question the lack of moves the team is making?

As I stated. It is not about questioning it is about constant negativity about everything. If posts are constantly showing you :

1. Don't like Brad moves and picks
2. Don't like how Dan coaches and game calls
3. Don't buy into the philosophy the ownership has adapted
4. Don't think they can win unless they do what they think

If all a person ever does is cast shade on a team in the fan thread, it is disrespectful. The team has reached heights the franchise has never achieved in modern history, i don't think this constant negativity is appropriate for anyone claiming to be a fan. People coming in and stating they can't win unless they do what they say are just being ridiculous.

Let's say you worked your butt off and turned the worst company in the world into the best. But all the owner ever did was question everything you do and offer no praise or tell you that you are doing everything wrong. You woukd flip them off and leave the company. It is tiresome and disrespectful to everything which has been accomplished. It is the SOL mindset that I hope people would get over.

That is my view. Is it OK for me to express that?

I don't want to assume you are accusing me of items 1 through 4 listed above. But if you are, nowhere have I said half of this.

1. I love many of Brads moves and picks.
2. What? We have all questioned Dan a time or two.
3. This is absolute rubbish. I live right where the Fords lived. I can literally see the Ford House while sitting at the pool. Ownership has taken a huge step in the right direction.
4. I would like to see the team be more aggressive in making big moves that I feel can help them win a Super Bowl. I'm not alone in that thought process.
That doesn't make me negative.

 

[Payne]

Brad Holmes was named Exective of the Year last season, which was well deserved. Brad Holmes has executed 4 of the top 6 drafts in Lions history. When was a Lions GM ever considered the best in football? Pretty safe guess is never. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have been the best thing ever to happen to the Lions organization and a large number of fans still constantly criticize and second guesses them. Pretty amazing.

While I agree, is it not ok to question them? Building a team is one thing. Winning a Super Bowl is another.

I'm amazed how many Lion fans are content with just being very good.

I am not a big fan of people who have constant negativity when people are working their butts off and doing an outstanding job. I would prefer to be supportive. Not saying you can't have some criticism or questioning their decisions as everyone makes mistakes and can improve.

That said, Brad/Sheila/Dan re-built this franchise from being a dumpster fire into one of the best franchises in football. They did it with a vision of building a culture of character and work ethic and doing it mostly through the draft while filling in with some bargain FA. That is their vision and it has worked tremendously.

So, yeah, I don't see it as respectful to what they have worked hard to build to suggest they abandon their vision. Things like forget about character, they need to draft the player i like. Or let's go all in on a a few FA and make it so we can't extend the players we drafted and love. Things like being quick to call picks a bust before they have a chance to blossom. Things like questioning Holmes ability to draft because he might have missed on a couple players, when every other GM wiffs on about 80% of their picks, not 20 percent. They have produced the results to deserve a benefit of the doubt. This process and this team can win championships and contend for the next 5 years, or really as long as Dan and Brad hang around.

Yeah, I am a very positive person when people are working hard and producing amazing results. I don't like constant negativity from the hind-sighted peanut gallery that seems to believe it is impossible to win unless they abandon what made this team great and a joy to watch.

I just love how people are bashed for having a different opinion on things.

I love what they have done. Who doesn't. But why does that mean I can't question the lack of moves the team is making?

As I stated. It is not about questioning it is about constant negativity about everything. If posts are constantly showing you :

1. Don't like Brad moves and picks
2. Don't like how Dan coaches and game calls
3. Don't buy into the philosophy the ownership has adapted
4. Don't think they can win unless they do what they think

If all a person ever does is cast shade on a team in the fan thread, it is disrespectful. The team has reached heights the franchise has never achieved in modern history, i don't think this constant negativity is appropriate for anyone claiming to be a fan. People coming in and stating they can't win unless they do what they say are just being ridiculous.

Let's say you worked your butt off and turned the worst company in the world into the best. But all the owner ever did was question everything you do and offer no praise or tell you that you are doing everything wrong. You woukd flip them off and leave the company. It is tiresome and disrespectful to everything which has been accomplished. It is the SOL mindset that I hope people would get over.

That is my view. Is it OK for me to express that?

There isn't constant negativity. You just get mad when anyone questions anything Sheila, Brad, or Dan does. It is okay to have your opinion, but not okay for anyone else to have a different one or it is disrespectful. On a fantasy football board of all places.

Your example is also awful. Sheila isn't telling Brad he is awful, Brad isn't telling Dan he is awful, Dan isn't telling the players they are awful. This is what fans do especially during an off season when the end of the season was a let down.

I don't even know what to say anymore. Apparently, you're not allowed to be a fan and support your team but also be critical of their lack of moves.

 

[King of the Jungle]

Brad Holmes was named Exective of the Year last season, which was well deserved. Brad Holmes has executed 4 of the top 6 drafts in Lions history. When was a Lions GM ever considered the best in football? Pretty safe guess is never. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have been the best thing ever to happen to the Lions organization and a large number of fans still constantly criticize and second guesses them. Pretty amazing.

While I agree, is it not ok to question them? Building a team is one thing. Winning a Super Bowl is another.

I'm amazed how many Lion fans are content with just being very good.

I am not a big fan of people who have constant negativity when people are working their butts off and doing an outstanding job. I would prefer to be supportive. Not saying you can't have some criticism or questioning their decisions as everyone makes mistakes and can improve.

That said, Brad/Sheila/Dan re-built this franchise from being a dumpster fire into one of the best franchises in football. They did it with a vision of building a culture of character and work ethic and doing it mostly through the draft while filling in with some bargain FA. That is their vision and it has worked tremendously.

So, yeah, I don't see it as respectful to what they have worked hard to build to suggest they abandon their vision. Things like forget about character, they need to draft the player i like. Or let's go all in on a a few FA and make it so we can't extend the players we drafted and love. Things like being quick to call picks a bust before they have a chance to blossom. Things like questioning Holmes ability to draft because he might have missed on a couple players, when every other GM wiffs on about 80% of their picks, not 20 percent. They have produced the results to deserve a benefit of the doubt. This process and this team can win championships and contend for the next 5 years, or really as long as Dan and Brad hang around.

Yeah, I am a very positive person when people are working hard and producing amazing results. I don't like constant negativity from the hind-sighted peanut gallery that seems to believe it is impossible to win unless they abandon what made this team great and a joy to watch.

I just love how people are bashed for having a different opinion on things.

I love what they have done. Who doesn't. But why does that mean I can't question the lack of moves the team is making?

As I stated. It is not about questioning it is about constant negativity about everything. If posts are constantly showing you :

1. Don't like Brad moves and picks
2. Don't like how Dan coaches and game calls
3. Don't buy into the philosophy the ownership has adapted
4. Don't think they can win unless they do what they think

If all a person ever does is cast shade on a team in the fan thread, it is disrespectful. The team has reached heights the franchise has never achieved in modern history, i don't think this constant negativity is appropriate for anyone claiming to be a fan. People coming in and stating they can't win unless they do what they say are just being ridiculous.

Let's say you worked your butt off and turned the worst company in the world into the best. But all the owner ever did was question everything you do and offer no praise or tell you that you are doing everything wrong. You woukd flip them off and leave the company. It is tiresome and disrespectful to everything which has been accomplished. It is the SOL mindset that I hope people would get over.

That is my view. Is it OK for me to express that?

There isn't constant negativity. You just get mad when anyone questions anything Sheila, Brad, or Dan does. It is okay to have your opinion, but not okay for anyone else to have a different one or it is disrespectful. On a fantasy football board of all places.

Your example is also awful. Sheila isn't telling Brad he is awful, Brad isn't telling Dan he is awful, Dan isn't telling the players they are awful. This is what fans do especially during an off season when the end of the season was a let down.

I don't even know what to say anymore. Apparently, you're not allowed to be a fan and support your team but also be critical of their lack of moves.

Of course you are allowed your own opinion. This has been beaten to death and we have not even completed the draft yet. I will reserve further judgement on the roster until we get the new crop in. Hopefully we are both happy at the end of year and have the experience of our squad hoisting the trophy. Long season and you need some luck along the way no matter who is on roster.

 

[Da Guru]

@Payne, I think I do understand your view, I'll admit it gets hard at times to follow along multiple comments.

I wanted more at the deadline last year or maybe a bigger splash here in FA regarding Edge. The thing I reconcile that with is that nothing will guarantee a SB appearance or even more a win. The thing I do find comforting is that Holmes and Campbell seem to have a plan and while the wheels fell of last year, we got to NFC championship the year before. They are not 'chasing', if that makes sense. Trey Flowers and Jamie Collins are recent examples of what I am trying to convey as chasing. Tulloch, Vanden Bosh, Reggie Bush as guys that were also chases and only kept us regular season mid-level successful. For me the target of maximizing your chances of being highly competitive year after year outweighs the all-in mentality that may increase odds for a single year and likely creates complications for future years and can never guarantee anything (other than saying you tried all you could).

Respect your opinion, hope mine makes sense.

I don't think they were ever going to be able to get a fair price on an edge better than Zadarius. If there was a difference making edge available for a fair price, one of the SB contenders would have made that deal. Zadarius was good, got a .5 sack a game. That is really good production. The thing that killed Detroit was the the way the injuries never slowed down. Alim, Arnold, Amik, Anzalone, Carlton Davis, Dorsey, David Montgomery, Rodrigo, Zeitler. Those were all after trade deadline.

Was surprised they did not bring Smith back for one season. Seemed like a fair price for a veteran quality DE. Still unsigned maybe they will work something out.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Resigned Tim Patrick

 

[Payne]

Bringing Patrick back was a good move.

 

[Zeppelin]

Was surprised they did not bring Smith back for one season. Seemed like a fair price for a veteran quality DE. Still unsigned maybe they will work something out.

Smith very well might be back. He had some dead cap money in future years so it made financial sense to cut him. I'm hoping they bring him back but it's hard to know what they are thinking.

 

[Zeppelin]

From the free agency thread, below is one of PFF's 5 under the radar moves in the first wave of free agency:

DI Levi Onwuzurike re-signs with Detroit Lions​

Contract: One year, $5.5 million​

The Lions bring back one of their own on a bargain. PFF's projected contract for Onwuzurike was two years and $20 million with $13 million guaranteed — well above the one-year, $5.5 million deal he signed with Detroit. The former second-round pick struggled with injuries over his first few years but broke out in 2024, both in terms of playing time (697 snaps) and production (47 quarterback pressures and 20 defensive stops).

Onwuzurike finished the season with a 70.2 PFF overall grade, ranking 25th out of 118 qualifying interior defenders. He was a strong penetrator inside, placing among the top 15 at his position with a 12.5% pass-rush win rate.

Still just 27 years old, Onwuzurike is in the prime of his career and will have plenty of suitors next offseason if he backs up his 2024 season with another strong year in 2025.

 

[msudaisy26]

Brad Holmes was named Exective of the Year last season, which was well deserved. Brad Holmes has executed 4 of the top 6 drafts in Lions history. When was a Lions GM ever considered the best in football? Pretty safe guess is never. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have been the best thing ever to happen to the Lions organization and a large number of fans still constantly criticize and second guesses them. Pretty amazing.

While I agree, is it not ok to question them? Building a team is one thing. Winning a Super Bowl is another.

I'm amazed how many Lion fans are content with just being very good.

I am not a big fan of people who have constant negativity when people are working their butts off and doing an outstanding job. I would prefer to be supportive. Not saying you can't have some criticism or questioning their decisions as everyone makes mistakes and can improve.

That said, Brad/Sheila/Dan re-built this franchise from being a dumpster fire into one of the best franchises in football. They did it with a vision of building a culture of character and work ethic and doing it mostly through the draft while filling in with some bargain FA. That is their vision and it has worked tremendously.

So, yeah, I don't see it as respectful to what they have worked hard to build to suggest they abandon their vision. Things like forget about character, they need to draft the player i like. Or let's go all in on a a few FA and make it so we can't extend the players we drafted and love. Things like being quick to call picks a bust before they have a chance to blossom. Things like questioning Holmes ability to draft because he might have missed on a couple players, when every other GM wiffs on about 80% of their picks, not 20 percent. They have produced the results to deserve a benefit of the doubt. This process and this team can win championships and contend for the next 5 years, or really as long as Dan and Brad hang around.

Yeah, I am a very positive person when people are working hard and producing amazing results. I don't like constant negativity from the hind-sighted peanut gallery that seems to believe it is impossible to win unless they abandon what made this team great and a joy to watch.

I just love how people are bashed for having a different opinion on things.

I love what they have done. Who doesn't. But why does that mean I can't question the lack of moves the team is making?

As I stated. It is not about questioning it is about constant negativity about everything. If posts are constantly showing you :

1. Don't like Brad moves and picks
2. Don't like how Dan coaches and game calls
3. Don't buy into the philosophy the ownership has adapted
4. Don't think they can win unless they do what they think

If all a person ever does is cast shade on a team in the fan thread, it is disrespectful. The team has reached heights the franchise has never achieved in modern history, i don't think this constant negativity is appropriate for anyone claiming to be a fan. People coming in and stating they can't win unless they do what they say are just being ridiculous.

Let's say you worked your butt off and turned the worst company in the world into the best. But all the owner ever did was question everything you do and offer no praise or tell you that you are doing everything wrong. You woukd flip them off and leave the company. It is tiresome and disrespectful to everything which has been accomplished. It is the SOL mindset that I hope people would get over.

That is my view. Is it OK for me to express that?

There isn't constant negativity. You just get mad when anyone questions anything Sheila, Brad, or Dan does. It is okay to have your opinion, but not okay for anyone else to have a different one or it is disrespectful. On a fantasy football board of all places.

Your example is also awful. Sheila isn't telling Brad he is awful, Brad isn't telling Dan he is awful, Dan isn't telling the players they are awful. This is what fans do especially during an off season when the end of the season was a let down.

I don't even know what to say anymore. Apparently, you're not allowed to be a fan and support your team but also be critical of their lack of moves.

And I never say anything nice, but I have called Campbell one of the best coaches, I said Sewell was the best tackle in the league, I even argued with Jon last season and said Goff would get 50+ million a year because he was really good and worth it. I have said they have drafted very well.

Sorry that I want them to win the Superbowl. I want them to use all the salary cap loop holes all the good teams use, but to Jon and many others unless you agree with everything it isn't good enough.

 

[Zeppelin]

Sorry that I want them to win the Superbowl. I want them to use all the salary cap loop holes all the good teams use, but to Jon and many others unless you agree with everything it isn't good enough.

All of the good teams don't blow a hole in their cap to trade for an elite player (for example Max Crosby), especially with the high number of great players coming up for extensions in the next 2 or 3 years. It's not that I'm against manipulating the cap because I'm not but the current circumstances would cause the Lions to lose several of these great players. Most teams don't draft that many great players in that short of a time frame.

In just the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the Lions drafted Hutchinson, Jamo, Joseph, Gibbs, Campbell, LaPorta, and Branch. That is 1/3 of you core right there. If you traded for a Crosby or Garrett type, it would cost you 2 first round picks and at least 2 or 3 of those players. Even worse, you would lose the high picks which makes it much tougher to replace the players you would not be able to re-sign.

I don't know any great team that would do that. If we didn't have so many great players coming up for extensions all at once then I would be all for it. In fact they might find a way to do it anyways but I don't see it happening.

 

[Zeppelin]

@msudaisy26 @Payne, I don't think we disagree as much as it seems. I'm not against manipulating the salary cap as it seems. But right now the Lions have a bunch of core players I mentioned in the above post coming up for extensions.

One big difference is I think this roster is a Super Bowl caliber roster right now (with a couple of additions). They were last year as well but they got steamrolled by too many injuries. This draft is loaded with edge rushers and defensive tackles and we could come away with players similar to what the Rams did last year (Verse and Fiske).

 

[msudaisy26]

Sorry that I want them to win the Superbowl. I want them to use all the salary cap loop holes all the good teams use, but to Jon and many others unless you agree with everything it isn't good enough.

All of the good teams don't blow a hole in their cap to trade for an elite player (for example Max Crosby), especially with the high number of great players coming up for extensions in the next 2 or 3 years. It's not that I'm against manipulating the cap because I'm not but the current circumstances would cause the Lions to lose several of these great players. Most teams don't draft that many great players in that short of a time frame.

In just the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the Lions drafted Hutchinson, Jamo, Joseph, Gibbs, Campbell, LaPorta, and Branch. That is 1/3 of you core right there. If you traded for a Crosby or Garrett type, it would cost you 2 first round picks and at least 2 or 3 of those players. Even worse, you would lose the high picks which makes it much tougher to replace the players you would not be able to re-sign.

I don't know any great team that would do that. If we didn't have so many great players coming up for extensions all at once then I would be all for it. In fact they might find a way to do it anyways but I don't see it happening.

Teams do it all the time. The Rams did it Stafford, Ramsey etc, the Chiefs dumped Tyreek to rebuild their entire offensive line after they lost to the Bucs in the Super Bowl. Philly did it. The 49ers did it and made it to a couple of Superbowls and lost them in the final minutes.

Plus the cap goes up every year, and you have to make tough decisions and let people go. That is the job.

 

[msudaisy26]

@msudaisy26 @Payne, I don't think we disagree as much as it seems. I'm not against manipulating the salary cap as it seems. But right now the Lions have a bunch of core players I mentioned in the above post coming up for extensions.

One big difference is I think this roster is a Super Bowl caliber roster right now (with a couple of additions). They were last year as well but they got steamrolled by too many injuries. This draft is loaded with edge rushers and defensive tackles and we could come away with players similar to what the Rams did last year (Verse and Fiske).

No not you, but you get other posters that just go off the rails and question your fanhood if you disagree with anything thr teams does or they just try to put words in your mouth because you disagree.

 

[Zeppelin]

Teams do it all the time. The Rams did it Stafford, Ramsey etc, the Chiefs dumped Tyreek to rebuild their entire offensive line after they lost to the Bucs in the Super Bowl. Philly did it. The 49ers did it and made it to a couple of Superbowls and lost them in the final minutes.

Plus the cap goes up every year, and you have to make tough decisions and let people go. That is the job.

The Rams did it but they didn't have any of their past draft picks to sign. I would have done it with their situation.

The Chiefs dumped a salary to avoid paying him but they have Patrick Mahomes which is why they will be one of the favorites every year. They also didn't have a bunch of their draft picks coming up. Hill is only one player.

The 49ers went for it but did not win and now they have to blow it up. That is an abject failure.

The Eagles signed Barkley but for a reasonable contract 3/$38 million. They traded a first for AJ Brown and later signed him to an extension. I liked it but they also didn't have a bunch of their core coming up for extensions so that made sense for them at the time. In fact they lost 5 starters and didn't go hog wild in free agency because they will be in our shoes soon because they have drafted so well recently.

 

[msudaisy26]

Teams do it all the time. The Rams did it Stafford, Ramsey etc, the Chiefs dumped Tyreek to rebuild their entire offensive line after they lost to the Bucs in the Super Bowl. Philly did it. The 49ers did it and made it to a couple of Superbowls and lost them in the final minutes.

Plus the cap goes up every year, and you have to make tough decisions and let people go. That is the job.

The Rams did it but they didn't have any of their past draft picks to sign. I would have done it with their situation.

The Chiefs dumped a salary to avoid paying him but they have Patrick Mahomes which is why they will be one of the favorites every year. They also didn't have a bunch of their draft picks coming up. Hill is only one player.

The 49ers went for it but did not win and now they have to blow it up. That is an abject failure.

The Eagles signed Barkley but for a reasonable contract 3/$38 million. They traded a first for AJ Brown and later signed him to an extension. I liked it but they also didn't have a bunch of their core coming up for extensions so that made sense for them at the time. In fact they lost 5 starters and didn't go hog wild in free agency because they will be in our shoes soon because they have drafted so well recently.

There isn't going to be a perfect one to one comp.

I think I mentioned it before, but I would be cool with signing a couple of these one year prove it guys like Bosa etc and drafting a d lineman early and trying to thread the needle. The d line is a huge need and they don't seem to be a lot to address it and I don't like it. Good lines can cover up a lot of weak spots.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Resigned Tim Patrick

Still waiting on details but maxing out at 4 million suggests a base salary at least somewhat lower. As this article suggests, a logical fit for both team and player.

Lions bring back veteran receiver Tim Patrick

Tim Patrick tallied 394 yards and three touchdowns on 33 catches last season. The Lions re-signed him Friday.

www.detroitnews.com

 

[Zeppelin]

I think I mentioned it before, but I would be cool with signing a couple of these one year prove it guys like Bosa etc and drafting a d lineman early and trying to thread the needle. The d line is a huge need and they don't seem to be a lot to address it and I don't like it. Good lines can cover up a lot of weak spots.

I wouldn't have a problem signing a player like Bosa but no way I would pay him $12.6 million. He wasn't very good last year (5 sacks in 14 games) and he has only played 28 games the last 3 years. A prove it deal for him would be half that.

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

Resigned Tim Patrick

Still waiting on details but maxing out at 4 million suggests a base salary at least somewhat lower. As this article suggests, a logical fit for both team and player.

Lions bring back veteran receiver Tim Patrick

Tim Patrick tallied 394 yards and three touchdowns on 33 catches last season. The Lions re-signed him Friday.

www.detroitnews.com

I like Patrick, and his comeback was one of the feel-good stories of last year, but honestly, I don’t really care who the Lions have as their WR3. Both Patrick and Reynolds have been totally serviceable the past two years, and if they plugged in someone else that person would probably be fine as well, as long as they offense as a whole remains functional.

ETA: The fungibility of the position is best demonstrated by the fact that all of the options the Lions have used in recent years were still out there on the waiver wire

 

[BobbyLayne]

Check the Mic winners and losers: The Lions are playing The Long Game in Free Agency

 

[Moonlight]

Lions sign TE Kenny Yeboah formerly of the Jets.
Yeboah had a career year last year. But that was only for 47 yards.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Lions sign TE Kenny Yeboah formerly of the Jets.
Yeboah had a career year last year. But that was only for 47 yards.

I'm going to be so disappointed if I find out later that's not pronounced Yeh-boi

Pretty good 4-phase special teamer, I'm sure Fipp is excited we got him

 

[msudaisy26]

I think I mentioned it before, but I would be cool with signing a couple of these one year prove it guys like Bosa etc and drafting a d lineman early and trying to thread the needle. The d line is a huge need and they don't seem to be a lot to address it and I don't like it. Good lines can cover up a lot of weak spots.

I wouldn't have a problem signing a player like Bosa but no way I would pay him $12.6 million. He wasn't very good last year (5 sacks in 14 games) and he has only played 28 games the last 3 years. A prove it deal for him would be half that.

We will have to agree to disagree. Good defense ends are getting 20+ million a year. 12.6 is pretty cheap for a guy that COULD put up a big year.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

From the free agency thread, below is one of PFF's 5 under the radar moves in the first wave of free agency:

DI Levi Onwuzurike re-signs with Detroit Lions​

Contract: One year, $5.5 million​

The Lions bring back one of their own on a bargain. PFF's projected contract for Onwuzurike was two years and $20 million with $13 million guaranteed — well above the one-year, $5.5 million deal he signed with Detroit. The former second-round pick struggled with injuries over his first few years but broke out in 2024, both in terms of playing time (697 snaps) and production (47 quarterback pressures and 20 defensive stops).

Onwuzurike finished the season with a 70.2 PFF overall grade, ranking 25th out of 118 qualifying interior defenders. He was a strong penetrator inside, placing among the top 15 at his position with a 12.5% pass-rush win rate.

Still just 27 years old, Onwuzurike is in the prime of his career and will have plenty of suitors next offseason if he backs up his 2024 season with another strong year in 2025.

IMO a solid re-signing at an obvious position of need. Only one year on the contract, so I would expect them to draft another interior defender with one of their first 3 picks and an edge with another.

 

[MAC_32]

Check the Mic winners and losers: The Lions are playing The Long Game in Free Agency

The outcome of the Lions free agency 2025 will be re-signing their own over the next 2-3 years. Aggressive moves now likely would have resulted in parts of the core departing.

 

[rockaction]

I'm going to be so disappointed if I find out later that's not pronounced Yeh-boi

I know you're being cheeky, but it's Ye-boa like the constrictor and a schwa for the "e."

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

Check the Mic winners and losers: The Lions are playing The Long Game in Free Agency

The outcome of the Lions free agency 2025 will be re-signing their own over the next 2-3 years. Aggressive moves now likely would have resulted in parts of the core departing.

As my dad always told me, you can have anything you want. You just can’t have everything

 

[Zeppelin]

We will have to agree to disagree. Good defense ends are getting 20+ million a year. 12.6 is pretty cheap for a guy that COULD put up a big year.

$12.6 million with $12 million guaranteed is not cheap for a player that has barely played half of the games in the last 3 years. I would do it if he had been healthy. The guaranteed money makes it a terrible contract. Half of that contract should be in games played incentives.

 

[msudaisy26]

We will have to agree to disagree. Good defense ends are getting 20+ million a year. 12.6 is pretty cheap for a guy that COULD put up a big year.

$12.6 million with $12 million guaranteed is not cheap for a player that has barely played half of the games in the last 3 years. I would do it if he had been healthy. The guaranteed money makes it a terrible contract. Half of that contract should be in games played incentives.

You have to look at the position he plays. If he was a linebacker, running back etc you are correct, but defensive end is a premium position and commands more.

If he had been healthy he would have been healthy he wouldn't have been cut and if he was, he would be in the 20 million range. Lawerence is three or four years older and got 3 for 42 with 18 million guaranteed.

 

[King of the Jungle]

I would have preferred Fowler over Bosa, but WAS just grabbed him. Maybe he just was not a cultural fit. I assume there is a plan here as Holmes has done a pretty good job addressing weaknesses. The good news is we do not have too many outside of defensive line. Looking forward to seeing him navigate this draft in order to shore up that weakness.

 

[Zeppelin]

If he had been healthy he would have been healthy he wouldn't have been cut and if he was, he would be in the 20 million range. Lawerence is three or four years older and got 3 for 42 with 18 million guaranteed.

The problem is he hasn't been healthy. Not only that his last good full season was 2021. Last year he was healthy and played 14 games. He only had 22 tackles and 5 sacks. That doesn't justify $12 million guaranteed.

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

If he had been healthy he would have been healthy he wouldn't have been cut and if he was, he would be in the 20 million range. Lawerence is three or four years older and got 3 for 42 with 18 million guaranteed.

The problem is he hasn't been healthy. Not only that his last good full season was 2021. Last year he was healthy and played 14 games. He only had 22 tackles and 5 sacks. That doesn't justify $12 million guaranteed.

Yeah, the money was a function of being a former Top 5 pick

 

[msudaisy26]

If he had been healthy he would have been healthy he wouldn't have been cut and if he was, he would be in the 20 million range. Lawerence is three or four years older and got 3 for 42 with 18 million guaranteed.

The problem is he hasn't been healthy. Not only that his last good full season was 2021. Last year he was healthy and played 14 games. He only had 22 tackles and 5 sacks. That doesn't justify $12 million guaranteed.

Yeah, the money was a function of being a former Top 5 pick

This and he has the upside and it is one year. The risk was small.

We are going on a tangent. Even if they hated Bosa there were enough defensive lineman in free agency to take a cheap chance on one or two with minimal risk.

 

[Zeppelin]

This and he has the upside and it is one year. The risk was small.

We are going on a tangent. Even if they hated Bosa there were enough defensive lineman in free agency to take a cheap chance on one or two with minimal risk.

The risk was not small. Way too much guaranteed money

 

[Moonlight]

To sum it up we need to bolster the defensive line whether that's through the draft, FA or trade. All three are available means. Very good chance they are going edge/DT in first or second round. Lets see where the Lions are after the draft concludes.
Rams have greatly improved their defense through the draft and its been done cheaply.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Resetting Lions' needs after first wave of free agency and highlighting potential fits​

Justin Rogers
Mar 15, 2025

In the first week of the new league year, the Detroit Lions have been busy plugging multiple roster holes. They’ve primarily accomplished this by re-signing their own free agents but have also added a few new names to the mix via the open market.

So that it’s fresh in your mind, let’s recap the deals:

Linebackers Derrick Barnes, Anthony Pittman and Trevor Nowaske, defensive tackles Levi Onwuzurike and Myles Adams, defensive end Marcus Davenport and wide receiver Tim Patrick have re-signed.

The team also has reportedly come to fresh agreements with offensive tackle Dan Skipper and running back Craig Reynolds.

In terms of new faces, the Lions signed cornerback D.J. Reed, defensive tackle Roy Lopez, linebacker Grant Stuard and quarterback Kyle Allen. Tight end Kenny Yeboah also reportedly agreed to terms.

So, where does that leave the roster?

Let’s start with the offense. The Lions certainly don’t need another quarterback. The Allen addition was something of a surprise and gives the team four passers with starter Jared Goff, last year’s backup Hendon Hooker, and Jake Fromm, who spent the 2024 season on the practice squad.

The team is also good at running back once Reynolds puts pen to paper. They’ll return the dynamic duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, Reynolds as the top backup, and Sione Vaki, a developmental talent who is contributing on multiple special teams units while rounding out his offensive skill set.

With Patrick’s re-signing, the Lions are bringing back their top four receivers and top two tight ends, who accounted for all but 58 receiving yards from those position groups in 2024. Yeboah will contend to be a third tight end on the roster, a spot that was held by Parker Hesse and Shane Zylstra at different times last season.

There’s certainly still room for depth at wide receiver, particularly one with long-term value, making it more of a draft need than through free agency.

Finally, the offensive line. The Lions suffered a blow — albeit one that could have been reasonably anticipated — when starting guard Kevin Zeitler accepted a one-year contract with the Titans. Christian Mahogany appears ready to fill that void in the start lineup, and the returning Netane Muti has the potential to backfill the reserve role vacated by Mahogany’s promotion. Still, an upgrade, particularly a draft pick who could replace Graham Glasgow down the road, would be a welcomed addition.