Lions general manager Brad Holmes outlines sales pitch to free agents

Bright and early on Tuesday morning from the NFL Combine, Lions general manager Brad Holmes delivered his early sales pitch to free agents.

A 3-13-1 record obviously isn’t great, but the Detroit Lions were generally pretty competitive in 2021 and they went 3-3 over their final six games. There’s promise in place, and general manager Brad Holmes has the task of continuing to build this offseason.

Holmes appeared with Peter Schrager on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” Tuesday morning from the NFL Combine. When asked what his message would be for free agents the Lions are courting, pointed to culture as a selling point.

"Dan (Campbell) and I had a plan in place from the get go,” Holmes said. “We took some lumps early on. But as you said, you started to see that plan really come clear at the end of the season. What we can definitely offer is an outstanding culture. We have a culture of collaboration and communication. We’re all about grit. We have a multi-year plan in place. We have an outstanding head coach. Dan is special. We got great leadership from the top. I tell everybody, ‘If you want to be a part of this, good luck, it’s going to be a fun ride.'”"

Lions GM Brad Holmes can sell opportunity as well as a change in culture

With needs to fill across the roster and few free agents who feel like absolute musts to try to retain, Holmes and Campbell can sell opportunity as well as the changing culture in Detroit. In particular, wide receivers, safeties and linebackers who are just below the top-tier of free agents but are looking for an opportunity in whatever form (rebound, more playing time, etc.) can see a lot to like with the Lions.

Who Detroit targets in free agency depends on the plan Holmes has in mind, and what internal free agents are brought back. But for once, a Lions’ general manager doesn’t have to stretch too much to sell the positive points of signing with the team.