Brad Holmes admits Lions’ $4.7m OL is playing with a chip on his shoulder in 2026
January 11, 2022: Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes speaks to the media on Tuesday, Jan.11, 2022, in Allen Park, Michigan. - ZUMAm67_ 0147299339st Copyright: xKirthmonxF.xDozierx
January 11, 2022: Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes speaks to the media on Tuesday, Jan.11, 2022, in Allen Park, Michigan. - ZUMAm67_ 0147299339st Copyright: xKirthmonxF.xDozierx
Giovanni Manu enters the 2026 season knowing he'll have to earn his place after the Lions added competition across the offensive line.
Lions General Manager Brad Holmes made it clear that the Lions were not prepared to hand Manu a bigger role simply because he had been in the system.
"It would be irresponsible for us to just go into it thinking that, 'Well, we drafted a developmental player a couple of years ago. He's going to be the guy," Holmes said at his end-of-season press conference.
Holmes doubled down later. "I'm not going to sit here and say that we feel convicted that he's ready to be a major contributor,” Holmes continued, according to YouTube @detroitlionsnfl.
Sport Bilder des Tages INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on March 1, 2022, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: MAR 01 Scouting Combline Icon2203014132
Sport Bilder des Tages INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on March 1, 2022, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: MAR 01 Scouting Combline Icon2203014132
Holmes' public statement effectively put more pressure on Manu heading into training camp, giving the former fourth-round pick even more motivation to prove he belongs in Detroit's long-term plans.
Manu himself acknowledged the challenge, calling 2026 his "prove-it year."
With Taylor Decker no longer occupying the position, Manu appeared to have a clearer path to playing time. Instead, the Lions brought in more competition, forcing Manu to earn his place all over again. Still, Manu understands the business side of the NFL.
“This franchise is always going to do what’s best for them,” said Manu, according to Rainer Sabin of Detroit Free Press. “And I 100% agree. That’s what you want to do as front office people, coaches…But all those things it’s out of my control.”
Manu got drafted in 2024 and signed a rookie four-year contract worth $4.7 million with an average annual salary of $1.18 million, per Spotrac.
The 24-year-old said his only focus is proving he deserves to stay in Detroit. The competition has also led the Lions to explore another role for Manu.
Lions give Manu another opportunity to impress
According to a report by Benjamin Raven of MLive.com, Detroit has started giving Manu reps at left guard during offseason workouts in hopes of expanding his path onto the roster.
Head coach Dan Campbell believes the experiment could benefit both the player and the team.
"We're trying to give him the best opportunity to showcase what he has and who knows? Maybe he is better at guard,” Campbell told the reporter after the OTAs.
The move hasn't completely won Manu over. "I would love to just be a tackle. It's where I feel comfortable. It's where it's most natural to me,” Manu added.
Training camp will likely determine whether Manu can turn his "prove-it year" into a long-term role with the Lions.
Read more on the Detroit Lions Community
Written by
Evince Das
Edited by
Rudra Dubey