Free agency has been unusually quiet for the Detroit Lions, and fans have noticed. Now, a Detroit radio host claims there’s a clear reason why Lions GM Brad Holmes hasn’t made the big moves many expected.

While talking on the Woodward Sports Network, Ruhl observed that Holmes likes to go "aggressive" during the drafts, and that is what he might be banking on again.

"You can see the way that they pile down later draft picks. I think the plan is pretty clear. Well, we have seen him get aggressive is in the draft, that's how he rolls."

Brad Holmes is gaining criticism from the fans for letting go of key defensive players during the initial picks. According to Ruhl, Brad Holmes’ approach is about sticking to a long-term roster-building plan.

Sometimes, free agency works as a gap filler and can be a financial strain. Ruhl's co-host, Terry Foster, believes Holmes does not want to pay big money for players who go into free agency.

“I think Brad Holmes has a philosophy. All the free agents that you get are usually guys for big money, and those are the guys that all the fans want. You pay them a lot of money they don’t perform. I see a bunch of high-price rate, they either to get injured, or they’re old, or they just don't play."

The Detroit Lions are dealing with several roster concerns after key departures and injuries this offseason.

The offense lost veteran stars like David Montgomery, Graham Glasgow, and Taylor Decker, leaving questions about depth in the backfield and on the offensive line. 

On defense, the exit of linebacker Alex Anzalone weakens the middle of the unit. With those gaps forming, the Lions' rosters are full of gaps. 

How Brad Holmes Can Address Their Roster Gaps After Quiet Free Agency

Brad Holmes can strengthen the Lions roster even without free agency. The first approach is to re-sign veterans like DT D.J. Reader.

Reader is now an unrestricted free agent, but he had also shown interest in staying with the Lions. In an interview with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Reader said that he would love to work with the team.

"I would love to be here. Love the guys, love the coaches. So, we'll see."

However, Holmes gets invalid criticism for not going on a spending spree in free agency. He has already added players such as Isiah Pacheco, Cade Mays, and Christian Izien during the early stages of free agency. These were more targeted acquisitions than big-money gambles.

Holmes discussed his philosophy earlier this year at the Lions' year-ending press conference, where he spoke about evaluating how a player fits the team.

"We have to get past just looking for the most talented player. In my opinion, that’s the prerequisite of evaluation. That’s the – who’s the fastest? Who’s the strongest? Who’s got the most height? That’s a very coherent thing to do. No, it’s how do you find the right intangibles in a football player? And that’s what’s made us who we are."

Holmes also doesn't believe his roster is far off from competing in the championship, which implies he will have to get more players in before taking on the ultimate challenge.

What do you think of Brad Holmes’ free agency strategy? Share your thoughts below.

For all Lions updates, follow the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Sayantan Gayen