The Detroit Lions have discovered a near-unprecedented degree of success in the course of the tenure of Brad Holmes as common supervisor. From prime to backside, Holmes has constructed a proficient roster in a number of methods, and the longer term stays vivid. Holmes has achieved greater than sufficient together with his draft lessons or transactions to warrant religion in his selections, for it has put the Lions on the trail of success and, probably, the Tremendous Bowl.
With the 2024 free company interval about to start out, this can be a good time to mirror on the job that Holmes has carried out as common supervisor. Let’s grade a few of the vital strikes he did—or didn’t—make to date.
What’s or isn’t a notable resolution is up for debate, however I attempted to restrict it to signings over $2 million per yr or if it concerned a starting-caliber participant, with a number of exceptions. For instance, I didn’t embody Marvin Jones’ 2023 contract with the Lions, on condition that his abrupt mid-season departure was resulting from private cause—grading such a transfer can be disrespectful.
I additionally tried to pay extra consideration to signings than departing gamers. For instance, shedding Jalen Reeves-Maybin to the Houston Texans in 2022 was not thought of, however his signing again with Detroit in 2023 was included. With regards to gamers signing elsewhere, it’s tough to know all of the components at play or what the result would have been had they stayed with the Lions.
Whereas Holmes undoubtedly performed a task within the teaching hirings, I cannot embody these grades right here. I needed to focus extra on Holmes’ roster strikes as common supervisor and fewer on Dan Campbell’s strikes as head coach, though each are pretty intertwined. Equally, Holmes has constructed himself a stable community of advisors and scouts that deserve reward, however for the sake of simplicity, they are going to fall underneath Holmes’ banner. I’m additionally not going to grade contract restructures.
Let’s begin from the highest: the top of the Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia period.
2021—Gutting the previous core
Lions commerce QB Matthew Stafford to Los Angeles Rams for 2 first-round picks, a third-round decide, and QB Jared Goff
On the time of this deal, all of us knew that it will be a defining second of Holmes’ time as common supervisor. How would he navigate buying and selling away the Lions’ franchise quarterback of over a decade? This transfer has certainly outlined Holmes, however maybe not in the way in which we anticipated.
The street to the 2023 NFC Championship was paved with this preliminary transfer. Jared Goff, after a shaky 2021 season, has been phenomenal for the Lions. Many considered him as an afterthought or cap dump that will be off the crew inside a yr or two, however he has grown right into a basic cog within the Lions offense.
The remaining draft picks, after some buying and selling, amounted to Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Josh Paschal, Brodric Martin, and Ifeatu Melifonwu. That’s 5 starters, two of which have been Professional Bowlers and certainly one of which was an All-Professional. Holmes will get credit score for not solely believing in a Goff resurgence but additionally nailing the draft picks.
The Los Angeles Rams could have gained the Tremendous Bowl with Matthew Stafford, however that doesn’t cease this from being a large win for the Lions as properly.
Grade: A+
Lions commerce seventh-round decide for DT Michael Brockers, signal to three-year, $24 million contract extension
On the heels of the Matthew Stafford commerce, the Lions would purchase defensive sort out Michael Brockers from the exact same Rams. For a rebuilding roster, Brockers was meant to be the dependable veteran to mentor the in any other case younger protection and be a dependable piece amid rising pains. Sadly for the Lions, Brockers was a big legal responsibility in 2021 and inactive for almost all of 2022. The draft capital given as much as purchase Brockers was insignificant, however the extension wound up being a large mistake.
Grade: F
Lions lower the fats of the Bob Quinn period
I’m going to lump all of those transactions collectively as a result of all of them fulfill the same function. Over the course of the 2021 offseason, the Lions launched Christian Jones, Desmond Trufant, Justin Coleman, Jesse James, Chase Daniel, and Danny Shelton. Just a few weeks into September, linebacker Jamie Collins was additionally launched. Every of those gamers have been pretty costly acquisitions by former common supervisor Bob Quinn, and every of them had upset.
Jones was regularly one of many lowest-graded defenders on the Matt Patricia protection. Trufant was introduced in to solidify the outsider nook spot, however accidents restricted him to only six video games. Coleman turned one of many highest-paid nickels within the league, however after a four-week honeymoon interval, his play was all downhill. James was a large overpay for a pedestrian (at finest) tight finish. Daniel was a large overpay for a pedestrian (at finest) backup quarterback. Shelton was a hulky nostril sort out that supplied little exterior of run protection. Collins made too many errors for such a veteran participant.
Every of those strikes saved the Lions cap area at the price of some useless cap, however it was a mandatory step within the rebuild.
Grade: A+
Lions don’t re-sign WR Kenny Golladay
After the Stafford commerce, the choice on what to do with Kenny Golladay was the subsequent dialogue of observe. His 2019 season was stellar, however after an injury-filled 2020, how a lot may you justify spending on him with a brand new quarterback?
The reply is $72 million, and the New York Giants discovered the arduous manner that it was a mistake. Golladay had a tame first season with the Giants, totaling 521 receiving yards. His subsequent season would by some means be worse, managing simply 81 yards all season. It was a disastrous deal for the Giants. He was launched in March 2023 and is unlikely to play one other down within the NFL.
The Lions dodged a large bullet. As a bonus, additionally they turned the compensatory decide from Golladay’s signing into security Kerby Joseph. Speak about a win-win.
Grade: A+
Lions don’t re-sign Ok Matt Prater
For as impactful as Matt Prater was for the Lions of the mid-to-late 2010s, the choice was made to maneuver on from the then 37-year-old kicker. The Lions have been coming into a rebuild led by a youth motion and low-cost offers, so signing an getting older kicker who won’t be round when success lastly rolls round was not atop the Lions’ pursuits.
In three years with the Arizona Cardinals, Prater has been an 84.2 % kicker with 21 kicks made past 50 yards. Within the three years since transferring on from Prater, the Lions have had six completely different kickers with a mixed three area targets past 50 yards. The Lions proceed to be haunted by their kicking woes, an issue that would have been alleviated by re-signing Prater.
Grade: F
Lions don’t re-sign DB/WR/Returner Jamal Agnew
Jamal Agnew was an All-Professional returner, however he by no means fairly discovered his footing exterior of particular groups. Drafted as a defensive again, he was transformed to receiver after his third season however that solely changed into 13 catches for 89 yards.
The Jacksonville Jaguars valued his particular groups expertise sufficient to present him a three-year, $14.25 million contract. He turned extra concerned on offense with 641 receiving yards in his three years with the Jaguars, however he has additionally recorded only one kick return landing since his departure from Detroit—sarcastically, this occurred on a missed Matt Prater area aim. It will have been good to have him again, however for that price ticket, the Lions made a good selection by not matching it. Spoiler alert, however the Lions would signal a fairly succesful substitute anyway.
Grade: B+
Lions don’t re-sign WR Marvin Jones Jr.
Sticking with the Jaguars, they signed Marvin Jones Jr. to a two-year, $12.5 million deal after a productive stretch with the Lions. Jones had been certainly one of Bob Quinn’s few good signings, however coming into his age 31 season, the match didn’t appear proper in Detroit. Jones had an excellent 2021 with Jacksonville to the tune of 832 yards, however his 2022 marketing campaign amounted to only 529 yards. Jones would have been a greater signing than the subsequent two gamers, however I believe letting him stroll was a effective resolution for the contract he obtained.
Grade: B+
Lions signal WR Tyrell Williams to one-year, $3 million contract
Partly because of the resolution to let Golladay and Jones stroll, the Lions signed Tyrell Williams to be their WR1 for the yr whereas a participant like Amon-Ra St. Brown developed. Sadly for the Lions, this amounted to a single sport and two catches. Williams suffered a concussion in Week 1 and by no means returned. This left the Lions in a troublesome spot with the crew compelled to depend on T.J. Hockenson as their prime move catcher. Fortunately, St. Brown emerged down the stretch to the tune of 912 receiving yards, however the Williams signing was definitely a misstep. That being mentioned, it was a one-year cope with minimal lasting penalties, and predicting accidents is tough.
Grade: D-
Lions signal WR Breshad Perriman to one-year, $3 million contract
Whereas Williams performed solely a single sport with the Lions, it was much better than the Breshad Perriman period. Like Williams, he was introduced in as a low-risk choice for a depleted receiving corps. Not like Williams, he by no means even made the preliminary 53-man roster after a dreadful preseason. Once more, there was no lasting consequence of this one-year deal, however when your projected starter doesn’t even make the roster, that’s a miss.
Grade: F
Lions signal WR/Returner Kalif Raymond to one-year, $1.13 million contract
It’s humorous how the 2 receivers introduced in to start out mixed to play one sport, whereas an afterthought returner emerged as one of many Lions’ most dependable choices. Kalif Raymond was largely considered because the substitute for Agnew as a returner, together with his position on offense being a bonus at finest. A bonus was certainly what the Lions acquired, as he put collectively a then career-best season with 576 receiving yards. He was a spark plug when referred to as upon, a discount for his preliminary price ticket.
Grade: A
Lions signal RB Jamaal Williams to two-year, $7.5 million contract
Jamaal Williams was signed to pair with D’Andre Swift, and he was phenomenal in that position. After a 601-yard 2021 season, he turned a landing machine in 2022 with 17 scores. Off the sphere, he was an brisk character beloved by many. Contemplating the shelf lifetime of working backs, you may’t be upset with Williams’ manufacturing on this contract.
Grade: A
Lions signal QB Tim Boyle to one-year, $2.4 million contract
The primary chapter of the fascination with Tim Boyle, the Lions have been kicking the tires on a backup quarterback with traits and an excellent repute within the movie room. Sadly, these hardly ever translated to on-field success. Boyle made three begins in 2021, throwing six interceptions to only three touchdowns, together with one of many worst video games I’ve ever witnessed within the Week 11 tie to the Cleveland Browns. This contract wasn’t a back-breaker by any means, however it’s clear that Boyle is basically a second quarterbacks coach and nothing extra.
Grade: F
Lions prolong DE Romeo Okwara to three-year, $37 million contract
Coming off a 10-sack season, you can’t fault Holmes for eager to convey again a productive defensive participant. It demonstrated that he nonetheless valued these profitable gamers from the Quinn period, and Okwara was the primary one to earn that paycheck. Sadly for each events, Okwara would tear his Achilles within the fourth sport of the 2021 season, lacking the remainder of that season and a majority of the 2022 season as properly. When Okwara did return, the burst he as soon as had was lacking. He did take a large $9 million pay lower in 2023 and had a good rotational position final yr, however his deal, that’s removed from what the Lions envisioned.
Grade: D
Lions signal DE Charles Harris to one-year, $1.75 million contract
The Lions took a flyer on a former first-round decide in Charles Harris and it paid off with flying colours. Harris ended the 2021 season with 7.5 sacks and 65 tackles as he turned a spotlight of an in any other case lackluster protection. Any such transfer is precisely what Brad Holmes was searching for early on in his common supervisor tenure: low-cost, low-risk, high-upside.
Grade: A
Lions signal LB Alex Anzalone to one-year, $1.75 million contract
With the departure of Jarrad Davis in free company (sorry, however I’m skipping that grade), the Lions wanted a succesful inside linebacker, so signing Alex Anzalone—accustomed to Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn from their time with the New Orleans Saints—was an apparent transfer.
Anzalone’s first season with the Lions was subpar, to say the least. Whereas he totaled 78 tackles, he earned a PFF grade of simply 35.4, the sixth-worst score of beginning linebackers that yr. Once more, the deal was not crippling by any means, however in 2021, he was extra of a physique on protection than a real starter. With only a one-year deal, it appeared like Anzalone’s time in Detroit can be brief.
Grade: D
2021 NFL Draft class
I gained’t go into full depth on every drafted participant, as a substitute specializing in the category as a complete. For Brad Holmes’ first draft, he nailed it. Penei Sewell is an All-Professional and in line to be the most effective sort out within the NFL for a decade to come back. Amon-Ra St. Brown is yet one more All-Professional and the engine of the Lions offense. Alim McNeill is a proficient pressure within the inside. Ifeatu Melifonwu and Derrick Barnes have developed into stable beginning choices. Apart from misses with Levi Onwuzurike and Jermar Jefferson (for what it’s price, he was the third-last participant within the draft), it was an ideal debut.
Grade: A+
Lions launch LS Don Muhlbach
This transaction is notable in that it meant saying goodbye to the franchise’s longest-tenured participant. Getting into his age 40 season, we knew that his days have been numbered, however it nonetheless damage to see Mule go. The Lions have had two lengthy snappers since Muhlbach (Scott Daly and Jake McQuaide) and their efficiency has been effective, although the way forward for the place is unsure. Muhlbach did be a part of the Lions as an assistant coach, so he nonetheless has a spot with the franchise.
Grade: B
Lions purchase WR Trinity Benson and a sixth-round decide from Denver Broncos for a fifth-round decide and a conditional seventh-round decide (situations not met)
Nonetheless seeking to bolster their group of receivers (Perriman had been waived at this level), Holmes made a transfer for an under-the-radar receiver that impressed him: Trinity Benson. Regardless of having zero profession receptions to his identify, the 2019 undrafted free agent was acquired for a few Day 3 picks. Because it seems, the situations for the seventh-round choice wouldn’t be met, so the Lions basically moved down a spherical (and again a yr) to amass Benson—pretty low-cost, no?
That being mentioned, Benson’s time with the Lions was nothing however disappointment. He bounced between invisible on the sphere and outmatched as a receiver and blocker. It will definitely led to a benching regardless of a horrendous receiving corps round him. The Lions didn’t lose a lot by buying and selling for Benson, however almost any fifth-round prospect would have been an improve over him—for instance, Khalil Shakir was drafted three picks after the Lions’ authentic fifth-round spot. Was Benson rushed into an unfavorable state of affairs? Sure. Does that make the commerce any higher? Not a lot.
Grade: D+
Lions declare WR Josh Reynolds off waivers
Most waiver claims will go unmentioned, however not this one.
After scoring 33 factors within the Week 1 opener towards the San Francisco 49ers, the 2021 Lions have been struggling offensively. The crew wouldn’t prime 20 factors scored once more till Week 13 towards the Minnesota Vikings. A key cause why the offense improved down the stretch? Josh Reynolds.
The Lions claimed the previous Los Angeles Ram and Tennessee Titan and immediately rekindled his chemistry with Jared Goff. Not solely did his presence give the Lions one other dependable choice on offense, however it additionally allowed for Amon-Ra St. Brown to grow to be the star he’s now.
Grade: A
2022—Taking the subsequent step in the direction of success
Lions launch DE Trey Flowers
Trey Flowers was signed as Bob Quinn’s greatest and boldest transfer, however it failed miserably. As an alternative of a top-tier move rusher like his contract justified, Flowers was out and in of the lineup with accidents and subpar performances. Chopping Flowers saved them $10 million in wage cap, a no brainer resolution. Although it price them $12.8 million in useless cap, it was a transfer they wanted to make.
Grade: A+
Lions re-sign QB Tim Boyle to one-year, $2 million contract
Spherical two of the Tim Boyle fascination. Boyle wound upon getting a smaller cope with the Lions in 2022, however additionally they netted themselves even much less in return. Boyle didn’t make the preliminary 53-man roster, touchdown on the observe squad till getting poached by the Chicago Bears in November. Once more, it wasn’t a big deal, however why does Tim Boyle maintain getting signed?
Grade: F
Lions re-sign WR Josh Reynolds to two-year, $6 million contract
As talked about earlier than, Reynolds turned a security internet for Goff and the Lions offense, so it made loads of sense to convey him again. His two-year deal for simply $6 million would show to be a stellar re-signing. Reynolds would put up over 1000 yards in 2022 and 2023 mixed as a complementary piece of the passing assault. Whether or not he returns in 2024 is up within the air, however we will a minimum of agree that Reynolds made essentially the most of his time in Detroit.
Grade: A-
Lions re-sign OL Evan Brown to one-year, $2.03 million contract
Evan Brown stepped in for an injured Frank Ragnow in 2021, performing properly sufficient to probably garner a beginning position elsewhere. As an alternative, the Lions re-signed their prime backup to a pleasant contract. Brown would see the sphere in 2022, however this time at proper guard filling in for Halapoulivaati Vaitai. His efficiency was but once more stable, though his finest match was at middle. The Seahawks would signal Brown in 2023, whereas the Lions are nonetheless available in the market for a pure backup middle.
Grade: B+
Lions re-sign LB Alex Anzalone to one-year, $2.25 million contract
Regardless of his poor first season in Detroit, the crew noticed sufficient out of Anzalone to convey him again a second time—and at an elevated wage as properly. This resolution proved to be stellar as Anzalone skilled a whole turnaround. He turned the crew’s main tackler and arguably their finest linebacker. He was nonetheless removed from an elite linebacker in 2022, however he turned a dependable a part of the protection.
Grade: A-
Lions re-sign DE Charles Harris to two-year, $13 million contract
Brad Holmes caught some flak for his variety of re-signings in 2022, given how poor the 3-13-1 roster was. Nevertheless, a majority of his one-year offers from the season prior labored out, and it made sense to convey again these gamers as a reward for his or her success. Charles Harris, sadly, was not a kind of success tales.
Harris has not come near repeating his 2021 season, enjoying simply six video games in 2022 whereas being inactive down the stretch in 2023. He has simply 2.5 sacks during the last two seasons resulting from accidents and poor play.
Grade: D-
Lions re-sign WR Kalif Raymond to two-year, $5 million contract
Like Harris, Raymond was a breakout participant in 2021 for the Lions. Not like Harris, Raymond truly improved upon his prior yr. Raymond set a profession excessive in 2022 in receiving yards but once more with 616 yards, however extra impressively, he earned an All-Professional nod as a returner. His 2023 season was quieter compared, however he has nonetheless confirmed himself to be properly price his contract.
Grade: A
Lions re-sign security Tracy Walker to three-year, $25 million contract
This deal is eerily just like Romeo Okwara’s. Each gamers have been members of the previous regime that have been rewarded for his or her stable play amidst a poor roster. Okwara tore his Achilles in Week 4 in yr certainly one of his contract. Walker tore his Achilles in Week 3 in yr certainly one of his contract. Neither participant reclaimed a beginning position upon their return. Okwara reached the top of his contract, whereas Walker was launched in February 2024. It’s a kind of conditions the place you may’t fault Holmes for making this transfer regardless of the poor return.
Grade: D
Lions signal WR DJ Chark to one-year, $10 million contract
The Lions have been but once more available in the market for a prime receiver, this time paying DJ Chark $10 million after some up and down seasons with the Jaguars. Whereas Chark did much better than both Williams or Perriman the yr prior, it was nonetheless a let down of a signing. Chark, having already struggled with accidents in his profession, missed a number of weeks with an ankle damage. He completed the yr with 502 receiving yards, and whereas he performed properly late within the season, it was not sufficient to make this contract worthwhile.
Grade: C
Lions signal CB Mike Hughes to one-year, $3.5 million contract
The Lions wanted secondary assist coming into 2022 and the previous first-round decide appeared like an excellent low-risk alternative. His efficiency in 2022 was blended. The protection as a complete struggled with protection, and Hughes was no exception. His play did enhance after shifting from nickel to exterior nook, nevertheless, ending as arguably the Lions’ finest nook—but on condition that roster, it was hardly a praise. General, Hughes was a effective signing, however nothing to jot down dwelling about.
Grade: C+
2022 NFL Draft class
The Lions nailed their first choice with Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson figures to be a focus of the defensive position for years to come back, and if his pressures in 2023 are any indication, he can take the step into All-Professional territory earlier than later.
The remainder of the category has been blended with loads of promise however an equal quantity of uncertainty. Jameson Williams has been introduced alongside slowly resulting from his ACL damage and playing suspension, however the huge play potential is there—can he discover it on a weekly foundation in 2024? Can Josh Paschal solidify himself as a starter throughout from Hutchinson subsequent season? After flashing as a rookie, can Kerby Joseph rekindle his consistency whereas persevering with his ballhawking methods? Will linebackers Malcolm Rodriguez and James Houston discover a beginning position after falling down the depth chart? Can James Mitchell step into the much-needed TE2 spot?
That is nonetheless a profitable draft class with a number of starters, however as a complete, it took a step again in yr two. To me, this can be a Jameson Williams breakout away from being an A grade—a really actual risk in 2024.
Grade: B+
Lions declare DE John Cominsky off waivers
The Atlanta Falcons made John Cominsky a post-draft lower after a disappointing three-year begin to his profession. The 2019 fourth-round choice had totaled a mere 1.5 sacks and was inactive for many of 2021. When the Lions claimed him, there was some optimism about his traits, however the common consensus was that he can be a camp physique at worst or bottom-of-the-roster depth at finest.
As an alternative, the Lions acquired certainly one of their most underrated contributors on protection in 2022. Although he solely completed with 4 sacks, he paired splendidly with Aidan Hutchinson, coming in second on the crew in pressures. Cominsky was an integral a part of a various move rush rotation. For a participant with one yr left on his rookie deal, the Lions made essentially the most of yet one more castoff.
Grade: A
Lions commerce TE T.J. Hockenson and two fourth-round picks to the Minnesota Vikings for a second-round decide and third-round decide
T.J. Hockenson had turn into one of many prime tight ends within the NFL, however he was not the game-changer he was drafted to be. Hockenson had a Professional Bowl underneath his belt, however he was properly under the likes of Travis Kelce or George Kittle—the NFL as a complete has been starved of elite tight finish expertise. With the final yr of his rookie deal arising, it was honest to surprise if the Lions would pay him, and the way a lot.
As an alternative, the Lions traded him for Day 2 picks. The picks themselves have been priceless in their very own proper, however the actual victory of this transfer was to keep away from paying him. Hockenson signed a four-year, $68.5 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, a price ticket I doubt the Lions have been keen to pay for a decent finish with a career-best 723 receiving yards on the time. This may finally pave the way in which for the Lions to draft Sam LaPorta, who has changed into the elite playmaker the Lions needed Hockenson to be.
As for the draft picks, after a myriad of trades, the Lions walked away with quarterback Hendon Hooker, defensive sort out Brodric Martin, large receiver Antoine Inexperienced, and a 2024 third-round decide. These three gamers have been afterthoughts in the course of the 2023 season, with Martin and Inexperienced regularly showing on the inactive listing and Hooker redshirting his rookie season. We’ll see what occurs sooner or later with these gamers and the third-round choice, however the return pick-wise has not amounted to a lot. Not paying Hockenson and changing him with LaPorta is an enormous win, however that’s the one win we’ve seen to date.
Grade: B-
2023—The yr all of it got here collectively
Lions re-sign LB Alex Anzalone to three-year, $18.3 million contract
Anzalone seems on this listing for the third time, and money-wise, third time was the attraction. Off the heels of a turnaround 2022 efficiency, the Lions inked Anzalone to a longer-term deal as a staple and chief on protection. The worth tag was maybe excessive for a participant with a historical past of accidents and below-average play, however it was apparent that the Lions valued Anzalone on and off the sphere.
Whereas Anzalone did miss a sport with a hand damage, 2023 was in any other case the most effective season of his profession. He broke the 100 sort out mark for the primary time in his profession and was voted a Professional Bowl alternate because of all-round glorious play. Getting into his age 30 season with two years left on his deal, there’s a probability he regresses, and matched with the expansion of younger linebackers like Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes, there isn’t a assure he’s a starter sooner or later. That being mentioned, yr certainly one of his deal proved properly price it.
Grade: B+
Lions re-sign DE John Cominsky to two-year, $8.5 million contract
Very similar to earlier one-year success tales, the Lions opted to convey again Cominsky after proving himself in his first season in Detroit. Sadly, there was a sophomore hunch for Cominsky. He couldn’t match the productive 2022 season, seeing a lower in sacks and pressures whereas finally shedding snaps to Josh Paschal. Cominsky carries a cap hit of $6.3 million in 2024, and with Paschal changing into an even bigger a part of the protection and extra defensive position assist probably on the way in which within the draft or free company, Cominsky may very well be on the outs. He’s price having on the roster, however it may be arduous to justify his wage.
Grade: C-
Lions re-sign DB Will Harris to one-year, $2.43 million contract
Will Harris’ time as a beginning defensive again had handed, however he nonetheless offered worth with defensive depth and particular groups prowess. Sadly for the Lions, they have been solely in a position to depend on Harris for the latter in 2023. Harris was nearly completely a particular teamer down the stretch for the Lions, regardless of quite a few accidents at cornerback. Harris earned two begins in 2023 however struggled immensely. From then onward, the Lions most popular choices like Khalil Dorsey and Kindle Vildor over Harris on protection—that speaks volumes to his play. Particular groups has its worth, however Harris was definitely a let down. The saving grace of this deal is that the Lions have been in a position to make the most of a four-year qualifying contract to restrict his cap hit to only $1.32 million. That’s way more affordable for a core particular teamer.
Grade: C+
Lions signal RB David Montgomery to three-year, $18 million contract;Lions don’t re-sign RB Jamaal Williams
I’m going to lump these two selections collectively, for they’re straight associated. Williams was coming off a historic 1066-yard and 17-touchdown season, and appeared like an apparent re-signing: he was a tradition match and a scheme match. But negotiations went south and so too did Williams, who signed with the New Orleans Saints on a three-year deal price $12 million. The Lions, in the meantime, had pivoted to David Montgomery, the previous workhorse again of the Chicago Bears.
That call proved to be a stellar one for Detroit. Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs have been arguably the most effective working again duo within the league in 2023, as Montgomery topped 1000 speeding yards with 13 touchdowns as well. Whereas each he and Williams are energy runners, he demonstrated way more elusiveness and wiggle than Williams confirmed throughout his time in Detroit. Williams, in the meantime, had a paltry 306 speeding yards and a lone landing which got here on a play through which the gamers actually mutinied.
The Lions must be thrilled with each of those selections.
Grade: A+
Lions signal CB Cameron Sutton to three-year, $33 million contract
The Lions have been on a determined hunt for a prime cornerback since buying and selling away Darius Slay (thanks, Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia). Cameron Sutton was Holmes’ huge swing at fixing that problem, however the first yr of this deal was a troublesome one. Sutton began out the season properly, however because the yr progressed, it turned clear that Sutton was outmatched by opposing prime receivers. Within the closing six video games (three common season, three playoff), Sutton was credited with 627 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns allowed. That merely gained’t lower it for a participant meant to be the highest cornerback.
How properly this deal ages will depend upon the Lions’ skill to amass one other starting-caliber cornerback, ideally a real CB1 so Sutton can slide into a greater becoming CB2 position. If 2024 is something like 2023, it’s uncertain that Sutton will make it to yr three of this deal.
Grade: D
Lions signal CB Emmanuel Moseley to one-year, $6 million contract
Moseley was the Lions’ subsequent reply for a beginning cornerback. Moseley was one other instance of Holmes’ buy-low mentality, with the previous 49er coming off a torn ACL damage. There was optimism that he can be prepared for coaching camp, however his debut didn’t come till Week 5. Tragically, he tore his different ACL simply two snaps in that sport.
It’s arduous to even make a judgement on the sort of deal—how are you going to price a participant struggling one other freak damage after two snaps? It wasn’t even his beforehand torn ACL! In my coronary heart, I don’t wish to give this a grade, however this was basically $4.3 million down the drain for the Lions (he didn’t hit sure bonuses to get to $6M). I gained’t give this an F as a result of it wasn’t a failure by Holmes, simply unhealthy luck for everybody (similar cause for my Tyrell Williams grade). Right here’s to a wholesome 2024 for Moseley.
Grade: D-
Lions signal OL Graham Glasgow to one-year, $2.75 million contract
It was a reunion everybody within the Lions fandom needed, however I doubt we anticipated it to go so properly. After three years away from Detroit with the Denver Broncos, Glasgow was introduced again as depth and competitors for the precise guard spot with Halapoulivaati Vaitai. Nevertheless, Vaitai struggled with well being early on, and Glasgow ran away with the beginning spot. Glasgow had arguably the most effective season of his profession whereas additionally subbing in at middle for an injured Frank Ragnow. Really an ideal match.
Grade: A+
Lions signal DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson to one-year, $6.5 million contract
Gardner-Johnson was considered as one other prize of the Lions’ offseason, and for good cause. He was a flexible defensive again at security or nickel with ties to Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn from their time with the New Orleans Saints. He had a chip on his shoulder after being spurned by the Philadelphia Eagles after his lone season there. For as soon as, issues have been wanting up for the secondary.
Gardner-Johnson would sadly tear his pectoral muscle in Week 2 and didn’t return till Week 18 and the playoff run. Nevertheless, by this time, his beginning position had been usurped by Ifeatu Melifonwu, whereas rookie Brian Department had continued to lock down the nickel position he gained in coaching camp. Gardner-Johnson was not pleased with the rotation position he discovered himself in. Though respectable in his return, his efficiency within the NFC Championship stole the headlines for the mistaken causes. He was seen celebrating at halftime with the Lions out to a large lead, however each he and his crew fell aside within the second half. Gardner-Johnson had arguably the worst sport of his profession, together with three missed tackles, to finish his season on a bitter observe.
I believe Gardner-Johnson confirmed sufficient to warrant some positivity relating to this signing, however given how his season ended, it definitely worsens the attitude on the deal.
Grade: C-
Lions signal LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin to one-year, $1.75 million contract
It was tough for the Lions to let Jalen Reeves-Maybin stroll in free company again in 2022, however the Houston Texans gave him a large contract that the Lions have been unlikely to match. Fortunately for Detroit, the Texans launched him after only one season, permitting the Lions to convey him dwelling only a week later.
Reeves-Maybin was generally known as an excellent particular teamer, however he really took it to a different degree in 2023. He justifiably earned a Professional Bowl and All-Professional nod because of his position on particular groups, from type tackling to faux punts. He additionally contributed on protection at instances, incomes himself a ridiculous 88.6 PFF grade, albeit on simply 121 complete defensive snaps. Although it doesn’t have an effect on his play, he was additionally elected President of the NFLPA. Not a foul season for Reeves-Maybin.
Grade: A+
Lions commerce Jeff Okudah to Atlanta Falcons for fifth-round decide;Lions commerce D’Andre Swift and seventh-round decide to Philadelphia Eagles for fourth-round decide and seventh-round decide
Each of those trades, though involving completely different returns, achieved the identical function for the Lions. The Lions have been transferring on from two draft disappointments with a yr left on their rookie offers. Okudah continued his struggles with the Falcons, each by way of accidents and play. Swift, in the meantime, went on to earn the primary Professional Bowl of his profession, however it was once more a season with inconsistency. 305 of his 1049 speeding yards got here in Weeks 2 and three, and he didn’t prime 100 yards the remainder of the season. The intense spot of his season was well being, as he performed a career-best 16 video games.
Neither participant was going to be a long-term choice for the Lions as remnants of a previous regime, so getting draft capital for them was worthwhile. The Lions nonetheless have that fourth-round decide ready in 2025, whereas the fifth-round decide was finally used to commerce up for Brian Department.
Grade: B+
2023 NFL Draft class
Though we’re only one yr within the 2023 Lions draft class, the early returns are stellar. Jahmyr Gibbs fashioned an outstanding tandem with David Montgomery, incomes himself a Professional Bowl look with an extremely vivid future forward. Although the training curve was robust at first for Jack Campbell, he carried out very properly late into the season and appears the a part of their linebacker of the longer term. Sam LaPorta has already entrenched himself as top-of-the-line tight ends within the league, shattering information within the course of. Brian Department stole the beginning nickel spot from veteran C.J. Gardner-Johnson and by no means appeared again, changing into a uncommon star within the Lions secondary. These first 4 picks are wanting mighty spectacular.
Even with the jury nonetheless out on Hendon Hooker, Brodric Martin, Colby Sorsdal, and Antoine Inexperienced, it’s clear that the Lions set themselves up properly with one other nice Brad Holmes draft class. Plain and easy, the Lions don’t make the NFC Championship with out it.
Grade: A+
Lions commerce conditional seventh-round decide to Jacksonville Jaguars for Ok Riley Patterson
Riley Patterson was certainly one of Holmes’ first makes an attempt to switch Matt Prater, buying him off of the New England Patriots observe squad in November 2021. He completed his rookie season with a 92.9 area aim proportion, however his lone miss illustrated his limitations: something past 50 yards is on the sting of his vary. After a middling kicking competitors in 2022, Patterson was waived and claimed by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He began for Jacksonville however continued to battle with distance, so the Lions scooped him again up through commerce in 2023.
Patterson was but once more kicking properly percentage-wise for the Lions in 2023 (88.2 %), however the lingering distance considerations and a string of missed further factors brought about the Lions to pivot to Michael Badgley. Patterson was picked up by the Cleveland Browns in December. The Lions acquired short-game accuracy from Patterson, however they knew his greatest drawback was not correctable.
The situations of the commerce are nonetheless unknown, so whether or not the Lions will likely be shedding their 2026 seventh-round decide remains to be unclear. For that cause alone, I bothered with a grade for this deal. Equally, I didn’t grade the Denzel Mims commerce since each of the draft picks have been conditional on him making the 53-man roster, which he didn’t—the commerce was basically a free trial. You need a grade anyway? Effective, the Mims commerce will get a C.
Grade: C
Lions signal QB Teddy Bridgewater to one-year, $3 million contract
After coping with the likes of Tim Boyle, David Blough, and Nate Sudfeld, the Lions lastly acquired a backup quarterback with some pedigree. Bridgewater was signed in mid-August and solidified the backup place with out query. It ended up not mattering for the Lions, with Goff enjoying each sport, however signing Bridgewater introduced peace of thoughts within the occasion of an damage. Taking a look at the remainder of the NFL in 2023, beginning quarterbacks have been falling like flies—Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson, Daniel Jones, Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers, and Justin Herbert are simply a few of the quarterbacks that have been sidelined this season. The Lions weren’t strapped for money on the time, so it made loads of sense to usher in Bridgewater.
Grade: B+
Lions purchase WR Donovan Peoples-Jones from Cleveland Browns for sixth-round decide
Donovan Peoples-Jones had 839 receiving yards in 2022 with the Cleveland Browns, however his 2023 season noticed his manufacturing fall off a cliff. Following the commerce for Elijah Moore and drafting Cedric Tillman, the Browns had little room for Peoples-Jones on offense, recording simply eight receptions in seven video games with the Browns within the closing yr of his rookie deal.
When the Lions acquired him, there was some hope he may rekindle that 2022 type, however he was but once more an afterthought on offense with Detroit (5 catches for 58 yards). In an offense with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, and Jahmyr Gibbs, it was arduous for Peoples-Jones to justify being on the sphere.
The Lions’ plan from the beginning could have been to re-sign Peoples-Jones within the offseason, but when this can be a one-and-done yr for him in Detroit, will probably be a disappointing one to say the least.
Grade: D
2024—The yr forward
Brad Holmes has already made some strikes, and with free company on the horizon, many extra will comply with within the coming days. The notion of those earlier offers and selections will change within the following years. These grades are fluid, only a snapshot of a time in Lions’ historical past.
Upon reflection, I’ve three takeaways from Holmes’ time with the Lions to date:
He’s crushing the NFL Draft
Lots of his larger offers have been cursed with unpredictable accidents
He has carried out properly with one-year prove-it offers and shouldn’t change that mindset
Holmes and his employees have given Detroit Lions followers hope not seen in a long time. All of those selections over time led to the NFC Championship, and they’ll hopefully result in the grand prize down the street. There’s just one logical grade to present Brad Holmes’ time to date as common supervisor.
Grade: A+
