ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Ray Agnew expressed confidence in the team’s roster Wednesday, acknowledging that fierce competition made final cuts particularly difficult.
The Lions enter the regular season with several position battles still unsettled, following a training camp Holmes described as intensely competitive.
“We wanted to add as much competition as possible,” Holmes said. “When you add as much competition as possible, I thought it was fierce competition. That’s it. It adds more discomfort, but it also entails harder decisions.”
Holmes credited coach Dan Campbell and the Lions’ coaching staff for managing the offseason and training camp while creating meaningful opportunities to evaluate players.
Arnold departure addressed
The Lions also faced questions about parting ways with cornerback Terrion Arnold after his offseason legal issues.
Holmes said the team acted after receiving additional information and determined that moving forward without Arnold was best for the organization.
“The more information that we got throughout the process, that was the result of us doing what the best and right thing was for the club, which was to move on and move forward,” Holmes said.
Holmes repeatedly defended the team’s approach at cornerback, saying the Lions were comfortable with the players currently on the roster.
Detroit brought back Roger McCreary, drafted Keith Abney II, and has additional options available in the secondary.
Holmes said McCreary’s experience playing both inside and outside gives the Lions valuable versatility.
“We like the guys that we have in this room,” Holmes said. “We like what we’ve done, and we feel good about what’s in the room right now.”
Lions like defensive line depth
The defensive line emerged as one of the team’s biggest sources of optimism heading into the season.
Agnew called the group a strong point of the defense, highlighting former Michigan Wolverines stars Derrick Moore and Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Tyleik Williams and D.J. Wonnum.
“Alim, he played as good as anybody in the league right now,” Agnew said. “And Hutch is the real deal off the edge.”
Holmes also discussed the addition of undrafted defensive lineman Eric O’Neal, who impressed throughout training camp and earned a spot on the 53-man roster.
Holmes said O’Neal stood out because of his high motor, instincts, and athletic ability, adding that the Lions believed he would fit their culture.
The Lions also added pass-rush ability during the offseason, including defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard.
Holmes said Gill-Howard’s physicality and hand usage allowed him to make an impact both as a pass rusher and against the run.
Confidence in Goff
The Lions remain confident in quarterback Jared Goff despite changes to the offensive staff and offensive line.
Agnew praised Goff’s toughness and resilience, saying he expects big things from the veteran signal-caller.
Holmes said Goff continues to improve despite being well into his NFL career and pointed to his relationship with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing as a positive development.
“I feel like he’s getting better every year still at this point in his career,” Holmes said.
Holmes said the transition with Petzing has been seamless and that he is excited about what the pairing can bring to Detroit’s offense.
Lions still want more extensions
Holmes said the Lions remain interested in extending additional core players after signing running back Jahmyr Gibbs and others.
Holmes said the Gibbs negotiations were unique because of the timing and financial magnitude of the deals being discussed around the league.
Detroit still hopes to keep other key players long term.
“Those plans hadn’t changed,” Holmes said. “In terms of us wanting those guys around, absolutely. Hopefully we can get that done.”
Offensive line taking shape
The offensive line changed significantly during the offseason, with Detroit getting younger and dealing with injuries throughout camp.
Holmes said he was encouraged by the development of Blake Miller and Christian Mahogany, praised one lineman’s performance when healthy, and noted Miles Frazier’s versatility at guard and tackle.
Injuries, including Cade Mays, altered the Lions’ plans at left guard and pushed players into different roles.
Holmes said the competition ultimately helped clarify the team’s options heading into the season.
Pacheco’s return remains uncertain
Holmes declined to provide a timetable for running back Isiah Pacheco’s return but said the veteran is steadily improving.
Pacheco was placed on injured reserve, but Holmes said the Lions remain hopeful he can contribute at some point this season.
“He’s doing everything that he can to get back,” Holmes said. “We’re excited to get him back when he’s healthy at some point this season.”
→ Detroit Lions place running back Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve
Lions value character in roster building
Both Holmes and Agnew emphasized that the Lions place significant weight on football character and intangible qualities when evaluating players.
Agnew said Detroit wants “tough, smart, gritty guys” who love football rather than players primarily interested in what football can provide for them.
Holmes said the Lions are willing to sacrifice some talent for players who meet their standards.
“We will sacrifice or compromise on talent for those intangible qualities,” Holmes said.
Holmes said that approach can make difficult roster decisions easier when a player doesn’t meet the team’s standards.
“Even if he has a baseline of talent, if the guy doesn’t fit, he doesn’t fit,” Holmes said.
With the roster set for the start of the season, Holmes said the Lions feel good about the group they’ve assembled, even as some competition and personnel decisions are likely to continue throughout the year.
The Lions open Week 1 inside Ford Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, at 1 p.m.
