The Detroit Lions had one of their best seasons in franchise history, finishing with 15 wins, securing the NFC North title for the second year in a row, and earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.

However, their season ended in disappointment with a loss to the Commanders in the Divisional Round. Now, the team is focused on the offseason to ensure they don’t face the same fate again.

Lions GM Brad Holmes spoke with NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo during the NFL Combine on Wednesday. Holmes discussed Detroit’s upcoming contract extensions for several key players on the team.

“It’s a good problem to have, but when you look back, it’s like ‘man, there’s a bill to pay now,’” Holmes shared via Garafolo. “In the moment, you’re thinking, ‘We’ve got Penei Sewell,’ and we have two first-round picks and two second-round picks and two first-round picks again… and then you realize, that’s seven first-round caliber players that we all like.”

Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and safety Kerby Joseph are the next players in line for significant contract extensions.

“I’d love to keep these guys around, but you have Kerby Joseph in the third round and Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth round, and it starts to add up,” Holmes said.

“It really changes some of the decisions you’d like to make in free agency. We’ve already started working and preparing to make those necessary adjustments.”

Holmes also praised the new coordinators hired by Dan Campbell this offseason to replace Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn.

“I really think Dan did an excellent job replacing two great coordinators who left,” Holmes remarked on Wednesday.

“To bring in Kelvin Sheppard, who’s been with us since day one, essentially groomed to be the next guy, he’s absolutely ready. He’s been under Aaron Glenn’s wing the whole time, as well as Dan.”

“John Morton, when he was with us, was part of the time we built our offensive system,” Holmes continued. “He’s familiar with it and knows it starts with Jared and the quarterback. They already have a relationship, so I don’t see us missing a beat there.”
Lions fans are hopeful that the addition of new coordinators will not cause any setbacks in the 2025 NFL season.