Ever since the Detroit Lions' 2025 season came to a close, fans have been anxiously anticipating the postseason press conference by general manager Brad Holmes. Many Lions fans are bitterly disappointed with Holmes' decision not to make impactful moves last offseason that resulted in the team missing the playoffs.
Thursday’s postseason press conference by Holmes allowed him to lighten the mood and express confidence heading into what will be a pivotal offseason for the Lions organization. Of the several offseason needs for the Lions, one of them is adding pieces to the defensive line.
Adding an impactful defender alongside Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson will benefit Detroit next season and get them back to competing for a Super Bowl in 2026. It’s also an addition that a majority of Lions fans have been desperate for the team to make since the last two seasons.
What Brad Holmes said about Lions pass rush plans for the offseason
During Thursday’s press conference, Holmes was asked about the Lions' efforts to add to their defensive line, and his response wasn’t the one many Lions fans were hoping for. Here’s what Holmes had to say:
“It’ll be the same approach that we took last year in terms of the position wasn’t ignored in the draft, it just doesn’t come together how we would’ve liked it to be. But Muhammad played really well. I’m not sure how many other teams had an 11-sack and a 14.5-sack guy. He’s a free agent, Davenport is a free agent, so we’re going to have to replenish around Hutch, for sure."
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If the Lions are serious about bringing the city of Detroit their first Super Bowl in franchise history, then the organization needs to do more than do the same thing over again and expect a different result. There’s no shame in the Lions taking a risk this offseason and pursuing a high-caliber pass-rusher.
A defensive end that many Lions fans have expressed interest in Detroit pursuing is Las Vegas pass rusher Maxx Crosby, whose future with the Raiders remains uncertain. While acquiring Crosby will likely require trading away top draft picks in the coming seasons, this is a risk that the Lions should take to bring home the Lapeer, Michigan native.