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Brad Holmes

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Lions and LaPorta pause extension talks, leaving 2027 free agency as likely outcome
nfl5 days ago

Lions and LaPorta pause extension talks, leaving 2027 free agency as likely outcome

The Detroit Lions and tight end Sam LaPorta have paused contract extension negotiations after failing to reach a deal during a final push over the weekend. LaPorta’s camp prioritized on-field focus, leaving the possibility of a 2027 unrestricted free agency or a franchise tag application. While the Lions have secured extensions for other 2023 draft picks, LaPorta’s recent production dip and the lucrative market for tight ends complicate the negotiations.

Lions cut Terrion Arnold after arrest, Holmes calls it a mistake
sports1 month ago

Lions cut Terrion Arnold after arrest, Holmes calls it a mistake

The Detroit Lions released Terrion Arnold five days after his arrest on eight felony charges in Florida; Brad Holmes described the decision as a mistake and said the move was in the club’s best interest, while questions linger about why they released him and how they’ll fill the cornerback spot. Arnold remains on paid leave and, if cleared to return, would reportedly head to the Seahawks.

Lions chief says Arnold exit was unfortunate, eyes extensions for LaPorta and Branch
sports1 month ago

Lions chief says Arnold exit was unfortunate, eyes extensions for LaPorta and Branch

Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes called the Terrion Arnold release unfortunate and said the club acted in the best interest after new information emerged; Arnold is with the Seattle Seahawks on the commissioner’s exempt list as his legal case unfolds. Detroit has added Rock Ya-Sin and Roger McCreary, drafted Keith Abney II, and expects Ennis Rakestraw Jr. back, while Starters like D.J. Reed are under contract. Holmes signaled continued interest in extending 2023 picks Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch, following recent extensions for Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell.

Holmes defends Lions' Arnold decision and cornerback depth plan
sports1 month ago

Holmes defends Lions' Arnold decision and cornerback depth plan

Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes defended the team’s handling of Terrion Arnold after his arrest, saying new information led to Arnold’s release and that the move was in the club’s best interest. He pushed back on criticisms that the Lions failed to reinforce the outside cornerback room, reaffirming faith in D.J. Reed, Rock Ya-Sin, Roger McCreary, and the development of Ennis Rakestraw as the team moves forward.

Lions’ 2026 Draft Signals a Dawg-Driven Identity Reset
sports5 months ago

Lions’ 2026 Draft Signals a Dawg-Driven Identity Reset

Detroit’s 2026 NFL Draft drew mixed reviews: not flashy, but praised by some (notably Brett Whitefield) as a “dawg” rebuild with a focus on the trenches and value picks like Derrick Moore, signaling a reset of the Lions’ identity under Brad Holmes. The class is seen as practical and physically oriented, with emphasis on reinvesting in the offensive line, even as others called the approach a bit boring. The analysis is also explored in a YouTube breakdown accompanying the piece.

Lions’ BPA Pedigree Faces a Need-Driven 2026 Draft Test
sports5 months ago

Lions’ BPA Pedigree Faces a Need-Driven 2026 Draft Test

Brad Holmes reiterates the Lions won’t draft for need at the expense of talent, but the 2026 picks—OT Blake Miller, DE Derrick Moore, and LB Jimmy Rolder—appeared to line up with Detroit’s top needs, prompting debate whether his stance has shifted or if the alignment was simply a favorable board outcome. Holmes says any ties or premium positions may have guided choices without sacrificing talent, leaving room for discussion about a strategic pivot versus fortunate alignment.

Holmes Explains Detroit’s 2026 Draft, Pick by Pick
sports5 months ago

Holmes Explains Detroit’s 2026 Draft, Pick by Pick

Brad Holmes walks through Detroit’s 2026 draft picks, highlighting OT Blake Miller as a high-floor, culture-fit starter, EDGE Derrick Moore as a versatile pass-rusher, LB Jimmy Rolder as an instinctive tackler, CB Keith Abney as nickel/corner versatility, WR Kendrick Law as a multi-phase playmaker, and DL Skyler Gill-Howard and DL Tyre West as developmental linemen, emphasizing fit, growth potential, and how they bolster the Lions’ rotation and special-teams impact.

Lions Forge an Inside-Out 2026 Draft, Bolstering Trenches and Depth
sports5 months ago

Lions Forge an Inside-Out 2026 Draft, Bolstering Trenches and Depth

Brad Holmes used the 2026 NFL draft to shore up Detroit’s trenches and add versatile playmakers: first-round Clemson OL Blake Miller at 17, then Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore at 44 via a Jets trade, followed by LB Jimmy Rolder, Arizona State CB Keith Abney II, Kentucky WR Kendrick Law, DT Skyler Gill-Howard, and EDGE Tyre West. Grades went A for Miller and Moore, B for Rolder, B+ for Abney II and Law, C+ for Gill-Howard, and C- for West, reflecting an emphasis on inside-out growth, improved pass rush, and secondary depth, with Hutchinson signaling excitement after Moore’s selection.

Holmes: Lions’ 2026 Draft Centers on ‘Football Players’ Who Fit the Team Identity
sports5 months ago

Holmes: Lions’ 2026 Draft Centers on ‘Football Players’ Who Fit the Team Identity

Lions GM Brad Holmes said the 2026 draft emphasized gritty football players who fit Detroit’s identity, with Day 3 selections adding depth and competition as the team aimed to rebound after missing the playoffs. He cited five Day 3 picks—Jimmy Rolder, Keith Abney II, Kendrick Law, Skyler Gill-Howard and Tyre West—as complete fits and potential contributors. Holmes also expects first‑round tackle Blake Miller and second‑round edge Derrick Moore to make immediate impacts, noted Law’s multi‑role potential beyond the gadget label, and explained there was no safety selected because the available class didn’t line up as deeply and safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are still rehabbing from injuries.

Lions Move Up to Grab Derrick Moore: Is the Price Worth It?
sports5 months ago

Lions Move Up to Grab Derrick Moore: Is the Price Worth It?

Detroit traded up from 50 to 44 to take Michigan edge Derrick Moore, sending 128 and 50 to the Jets; Holmes said Moore was their top edge available. Across draft-value charts, the move falls near even on modern sheets, while older charts show a small premium for Detroit; Fitzgerald-Spielberger suggests the Lions overpaid by a late‑fifth‑round equivalent, though Holmes and Detroit appear comfortable with the pick and their Day 2 strategy.

Lions Pass on Big Trade-Up for Blake Miller as Draft Board Falls
sports5 months ago

Lions Pass on Big Trade-Up for Blake Miller as Draft Board Falls

Detroit GM Brad Holmes said the Lions strongly explored trading up for Clemson tackle Blake Miller, but the price was too steep. After a run of offensive tackles went off the board (Spencer Fano at 9, Mauigoa at 10, Proctor at 12, and Ty Simpson at 13), Detroit stayed put at 17 to land Miller, preserving their 50th overall pick and seven Day 3 selections for future moves.