This philosophy has been the cornerstone of Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell’s approach to roster construction. As the team builds for the upcoming season, this strategy remains at the forefront.
“You don’t really know these players,” Holmes said last offseason when discussing free agency. “You see what you see on film, but like I’ve told all of you, that’s the easy coherent part. Can a guy come off the football? OK. That’s easy. But you don’t really kno them and that’s why you have to be real careful.”
This year, Holmes has added veteran cornerback D.J. Reed, defensive tackle Roy Lopez, linebacker Grant Stuard, tight end Kenny Yeboah, and quarterback Kyle Allen in free agency. Each signing was carefully chosen not only for their skill but also for their ability to fit within the team’s culture.
Reed, one of the top available cornerbacks, fills the gap left by Carlton Davis III, who signed with New England. Lopez and Stuard add much-needed depth to Detroit’s defensive front and linebacker group—two positions hit hard by injuries last season. Meanwhile, Yeboah and Allen provide veteran presence in reserve roles.
A significant portion of Holmes’ offseason efforts has focused on retaining key players already established within the team.
Holmes strongly believes that last season’s roster had the potential to compete for a championship, had it not been for injuries, particularly on defense.
“I just think that we just stay the course and just keep building like we’ve been,” Holmes stated in January. “I do think that we’re very close. Obviously, I thought that we were very close this year, but nothing is going to alter what our approach has been in terms of trying to continue to improve and keep building.
“Obviously, felt really good about this season, but fell short. We’re going to stay committed and stay committed to the process.”
Another key consideration in free agency was the potential contract extensions for players like Aidan Hutchinson and Kerby Joseph. These future deals are in addition to the massive $541 million in extensions given last year to Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Alim McNeill, and Jared Goff. Next offseason, players like Brian Branch, Sam LaPorta, Jack Campbell, and Jahmyr Gibbs will be eligible for extensions, with Jameson Williams also in that conversation.
Free-Agent Signings
CB D.J. Reed
Reed allowed 36 receptions on 63 targets last season, giving up two touchdowns and posting an opposing passer rating of 87.1. Quarterbacks completed 57.1% of their passes against him. Over the last three seasons, he has never allowed more than two touchdowns per year in coverage.
DT Roy Lopez
Lopez started all 16 games he played last season, recording 28 tackles, 18 pressures (per Pro Football Focus), four tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, three passes defended, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
LB Grant Stuard
A core special teams player with defensive experience, Stuard appeared in 17 games (five starts), tallying 40 tackles (25 solo) and two tackles for loss. His standout performance came in Week 7 against Miami, where he recorded 19 tackles while playing his most defensive snaps of the season (64).
TE Kenny Yeboah
A strong blocking tight end and special teams asset, Yeboah will compete for the No. 3 tight end role. He played in nine games last season for the Jets, catching five passes for 47 yards and a touchdown.
QB Kyle Allen
Allen has played for Pittsburgh (2024), Buffalo (2023), Houston (2022), Washington (2020-21), and Carolina (2018-19). Across 31 career games (19 starts), he has completed 62.7% of his passes for 4,753 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions, with an 82.3 passer rating.
Re-Signings
LB Derrick Barnes
Barnes was poised for a significant role as the starting SAM linebacker before a knee injury in Week 3 against Arizona sidelined him for the rest of the season. He is expected to be a key contributor to Kelvin Sheppard’s defense in 2025.
DL Levi Onwuzurike
Onwuzurike recorded 28 tackles, 13 quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks last season. His 47 total pressures ranked among the top 15 in the NFL for interior defensive linemen.
DE Marcus Davenport
Davenport registered a half-sack and four quarterback hits in Detroit’s overtime victory over the Rams in Week 1 but missed Week 2 due to a groin injury. Unfortunately, a torn triceps in Week 3 ended his season.
WR Tim Patrick
A valuable addition to Detroit’s receiving corps, Patrick recorded 33 receptions for 394 yards and three touchdowns last season.
T Dan Skipper
A versatile swing tackle, Skipper played in 17 games with five starts in 2024. He allowed just one sack and 12 total pressures throughout the season. Notably, he caught a touchdown pass in Week 15 against Buffalo.
LB Trevor Nowaske
A core special teamer, Nowaske stepped up due to injuries last season, recording 23 tackles (15 solo), 2.0 sacks, four quarterback hits, and two tackles for loss in 14 games (two starts).
LB Ezekiel Turner
A seven-year veteran, Turner played in nine games for Detroit last season, contributing 12 tackles, a half sack, and three quarterback hits.
LB Anthony Pittman
Since entering the NFL in 2019, Pittman has been one of the league’s better special teams players. He also provides valuable depth on defense, having appeared in 56 career games.
DL Myles Adams
Adams split time between Seattle and Detroit last season, tallying seven tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, and two quarterback hits as part of the defensive line rotation.
OLB Mitchell Agude
A promising young pass rusher with impressive physical traits, Agude continues to develop. He played in four games last season, registering three tackles and a forced fumble.
This free-agency period reflects Holmes’ trust in the core roster while strategically adding veteran talent to key positions. With potential extensions looming and a commitment to continuity, Detroit is positioning itself for another competitive season.
