The Detroit Lions’ surprising playoff collapse stunned fans, who had high hopes for a team they believed was destined for its first-ever Super Bowl appearance.

The Lions’ loss in the divisional round to Coach Dan Quinn’s Washington Commanders highlighted the impact of injuries on coach Dan Campbell’s squad, raising the stakes for this offseason in Detroit.

On Tuesday, Lions general manager Brad Holmes spoke about the obstacles his team faces this offseason, offering a philosophical take on how Detroit can optimize its roster ahead of the 2025 season. Holmes responded to questions from reporters regarding whether the Lions would pursue high-priced free agents to bolster the team.

He elaborated on the question by outlining the team’s potential approach. “We want to keep the known, good players,” Holmes explained. “You don’t wanna compromise them to overspend on unknowns.”

The Lions have approximately $45 million in salary cap space, ranking ninth among NFL teams.

Their notable free agents include backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, wide receiver Tim Patrick, offensive guard Kevin Zeitler, fan favorite/offensive tackle Dan Skipper, and others. Adding complexity is the team’s pool of young talent, which Holmes must consider financially while making decisions on the team’s future free-agent moves and draft strategy.