Lions GM Brad Holmes talks backup quarterback situation and swags out on ‘GMFB’

Lions general manager Brad Holmes was on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” Wednesday morning, and he showed up in full swag-mode.

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes will take the podium at the NFL Combine on Wednesday afternoon, followed by head coach Dan Campbell. Holmes offered a bit of teaser, joining Peter Schrager on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” for a morning chat.

Naturally the Lions’ quarterback situation came up, with Schrager asking about the possibility of drafting a quarterback early. Holmes re-affirmed the commitment to Jared Goff as the starter, while noting (as he had previously) the priority being placed on the backup quarterback situation.

"It just has to make sense. Obviously, we like Jared. He’s our starter.We don’t have a lot behind him,” Holmes continued. “We were kinda sliding into home plate at the very end off of training camp trying to find a backup quarterback. (We were) able to get Nate Sudfeld, and (he) did a nice job for us, but we’ve had these open, transparent conversations about—we’re happy with Jared, he’s our starter, but we need to add some pieces in that room overall.”"

Simply, the Lions have not invested anything in backup quarterbacks thus far in Holmes’ tenure. But the expectations are high for next season, and the campaign can’t be thrown off if Goff misses time due to simply not having a credible backup.

Brad Holmes becomes front face of Lions mentality

Before the interview started, Schrager noted the hoodie Holmes was wearing and asked him to show it.

Holmes went on talk about the Lions “villain” mentality (hat-tip to Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit for the quotes).

"This is something that we kinda came up with over time just inside our personnel and scouting department,” “It’s just about what we’re all about, what we’re trying to find (in the draft), and the guys that fit our culture. I can’t give out too much, but it’s something that’s within our building and then it’s on our walls. It’s something that we believe in.”"

The Lions showed last season they are no longer anyone’s doormat. Holmes is one of the public faces of the new culture, and he’s going on all in on it in Indianapolis.