Since the start of free agency, the Detroit Lions have been actively reshaping their roster through a series of releases and signings, but barely any money is being spent. And now, the General Manager has explained why.

GM Brad Holmes has opened up about his moves this offseason on the Lions Collective podcast. When asked about the one-year deals, he cited the team's financial constraints.

“I don’t want you guys to ever think that, or anybody to ever think that we have a lot of money - that we have it, we don’t want to spend it," Holmes said.

While many expected the Lions to make a big move, Holmes explained why the franchise couldn't.

"We’re actually spending everything that we have available to us, and so that’s what I wanted to kind of make clear," the GM further stated. "We’re trying to get as many players as we can, as many good football players as we can that fit us within the constraints."

Recently, the Lions signed a one-year,$1.81M deal with RB Isiah Pacheco after moving on from David Montgomery. Due to a fractured fibula, he struggled last season, recording only 118 carries for 462 yards and 1 touchdown, but his grit could be exactly what the team needs at this moment.

Another athlete who has signed a one-year deal with the Lions is the veteran tight end, Tyler Conklin. The former Charger had a quiet 2025 season, recording just 7 catches for 101 yards in 13 games, but his receiving ability and blocking could still be a key factor for the new OC, Drew Petzing.

While still reportedly dealing with constraints, these prove-it deals could see a player have a resurgence at the franchise in 2026.

There have been several other one-year signings, including WR Greg Dortch and OL Larry Borom.

Last year, Detoit had invested heavily in extensions on Jared Goff, Penei Sewell, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. While those were necessary, perhaps that meant not being able to spend well this year.

Several other key moves were also discussed on the podcast that fans had been seeking answers about, including the departure of a veteran presence.

Taylor Decker's Departure From The Detroit Lions

The most talked-about move this offseason has been the sudden request for release by the Lions’ longest-tenured player, Taylor Decker.

"In the weeks since notifying the team of my return there have been numerous discussions. Many of which were a surprise to me, and we could not find a common ground. Therefore I decided to request my release." He said via his Instagram post.

Initially, the tackle was expected to continue his journey, but after asking the player to reportedly take a pay cut, everything changed.

When asked about the move, GM Brad Holmes had only positive things to say.

“He’s been a really good player for our franchise for a really long time, so he’s going to be missed. I know the fans are gonna miss him, the locker room’s gonna miss him,” he said, “I know that he was a favorite. He always has been, and just wish him the best of luck going forward.”

Though they couldn't perhaps afford to keep Decker on the roster, the Lions still have some draft capital for next month with eight draft picks this year.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Monika Khatai

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote