Brad Holmes has had a different approach to free agency in 2023

Brad Holmes had a certain approach to free agency before, but he has stepped outside that zone in 2023 free agency.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes has had a certain mode in free agecy, to re-sign players who were a fit and earned it. Holmes stuck to the plan on Monday as 2023 free agency started, re-signing defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs, running back Craig Reynolds and linebacker Alex Anzalone. Five exclusive-rights free agents who played significant roles last season were also entered contracts.

A notable signing was made from outside the organization on Monday, with a three-year deal for cornerback Cam Sutton.

That core re-signing mode continued early on Tuesday, with defensive lineman John Cominsky, defensive back Will Harris and backup offensive tackle Matt Nelson getting deals to remain in Detroit.

But as Day 2 of free agency moved on, Holmes shifted into a different mode.

Brad Holmes stepped outside his typical free agency mode on Tuesday

Holmes has tended toward shorter, “prove-it” deals in free agency (Jamaal Williams, DJ Chark, Charles Harris, etc.) This year’s prove-it-deal player is cornerback Emmanuel Moseley. Moseley is coming off an ACL injury that sidelined him for 12 games last season with the San Francisco 49ers. He comes to Detroit on a one-year deal worth $6 million.

Holmes has been more aggressive this offseason. The Lions were reportedly in on the Jalen Ramsey trade sweepstakes before the Rams sent him to the Miami Dolphins. When that trade didn’t get done, Holmes pivoted quickly to one of the best cornerbacks on the free agent market in Sutton to address the team’s biggest need. Signing Moseley added more reinforcement to the cornerback room.

On the heels of a report Tuesday night the Lions and Williams were far apart in contract talks, the team came to terms on a three-year deal with former Bears running back David Montgomery.

With the Lions a team on the rise, Holmes is not sitting on his hands in free agency to address needs or pivot to other options when it’s been necessary. He has not been reckless, he has had  a welcome dose of controlled aggression.