After a disappointing 9-8 last season and missing the playoffs, the Detroit Lions are entering the 2026 NFL season with GM Brad Holmes optimistic that offseason moves will help the team make a run for the title.

While appearing on 'Good Morning Football' on May 7, Holmes dropped his confident assessment of the Detroit Lions' roster. The GM made it clear he believes the Lions have the pieces to compete heading into the 2026 NFL season.

“So, we took a long, hard look at a lot of things," said Holmes. "We made some tweaks and adjustments, but we really felt good about the things that we're able to do from a roster standpoint through free agency and the draft.”

GM Brad Holmes was clearly not happy with his team’s performance last season. 

Following the disappointing 2025 finish, Holmes focused on reinforcing the roster through the draft. The Lions seem to have built their roster around their starting quarterback, Jared Goff, with recent additions such as OT Blake Miller.

This time, Holmes is also altering the team's traditional offseason schedule. During his tenure, for the first time, the Lions would not be taking part in the mandatory joint practices session. 

Not just that, they have also canceled the rookie minicamp. However, the new draftees will be going through the other activities to acclimatize ahead of the OTAs.

Holmes’ message was clear: despite last season’s setback, Detroit still believes its championship window remains open.

Lions Addressed Weaknesses During 2026 Offseason

According to general manager Holmes, he has dealt with the issues that the Detroit Lions faced last season.

The Lions have heavily focused on reinforcing both lines during the offseason while also adding depth across key defensive positions. 

"We were able to get younger on the offensive line," Holmes commented further. "We got a lot of good depth in the secondary and on the defense as a whole.”

Last season, the Lions faced a lot of injuries in their core roster, with Brian Branch (torn Achilles), Terrion Arnold (shoulder injury, concussion, and hamstring strain), and Kerby Joseph (knee injury) facing time off the field. 

The GM has tackled this by increasing the depth of the positions. Cade Mays in the center, Larry Borom on the tackle, Teddy Bridgewater as the QB2, and more. 

Holmes is building more competition and depth throughout the roster to strengthen key areas entering 2026.

Do you think this reinforced Lions roster will provide the push needed for Jared Goff and his team to make the playoffs this season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Surjo Ray