An NFL All-Pro has taken a direct shot at Brad Holmes, and it’s raising serious questions around the Detroit Lions' approach this offseason.

With all shots being fired, now NFL Pro Braylon Edwards gave his take on the WoodWardSports channel, while talking about the signings and approaches of general manager (GM) Brad Holmes.

“He struggles in free agency. He struggles at the trade deadline, and he's struggling in the draft since he's not had these two first-round picks,” Braylon Edwards said.

Edwards believes Holmes excels with early first-round picks, but his strategy is less effective in other situations.

He emphasized the point that the Detroit Lions are not getting those first two picks anymore.

"But now we're not in a space where we're getting two first-round picks,” Edwards mentioned. 

Braylon Edwards also recalled the fact that, other than in 2024, all his picks in free agency are questionable. 

According to him, in 2024, the Lions did well in free agency with picks like DJ Reed (thought Edwards didn't like him, just the GM's approach), Kevin Zeitler, and Carlton Davis. But one year is not much of a track record.

Overall, Edwards thinks that without having these two first-round picks, the Lions have struggled in free agency, trade deadlines, and even the NFL draft.

Edwards questioned the stats and gameplay of the Lions' latest 2026 free agency acquisitions, doubting they would have a real impact.

"You look at their stat lines, or you look at their film, and you look at their stat lines, or you look at their film, and you're like, what are we going to do with this besides have depth?" he further said. 

The core of Edwards' criticism is a desire for more impactful players from the team. He does not care about the number of acquisitions Lions have, if they have the results, everything is fine.

Last year, the Lions missed out on the playoffs for the first time since the 2022 season. With 2026 now fast approaching, the spotlight is firmly on the free agency moves this summer.

Brad Holmes’ 2026 Free Agency Signings With the Detroit Lions Under Scrutiny

Throughout the free agency period, Brad Holmes followed a pattern while signing players. 

First, he stayed selective, not aggressive. Instead of chasing big-name, high-cost players, Holmes leaned toward value signings and short-term fits. That means players who can contribute without locking the team into long-term financial risk.

Second, there’s a clear focus on internal continuity and culture. Holmes prioritizes players who fit what Dan Campbell wants and continues building the roster around Jared Goff

It’s less about splash and more about maintaining the identity Detroit has built over the past few seasons.

Third, he’s betting on the draft and development pipeline over free agency. Rather than filling every gap with external signings, the Lions are trusting younger players already in the system to step up.

In this 2026 free agency, the Lions signed Cade Mays, Larry Borom, Isaiah Pacheco, Roger McCreary, Ben Bartch, and many more, which fit the Lions' working environment and the policies of head coach Dan Campbell. 

What do you think about Holmes’ approaches? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote