On Thursday, the Green Bay Packers abandoned their usual cautious approach by landing star pass rusher Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys. They surrendered two first-round selections plus defensive tackle Kenny Clark in the swap, and handed Parsons a four-year, $188 million extension.

The Detroit Lions are now the team being chased in the NFC North, and the Packers loudly announced themselves as serious contenders by swinging the blockbuster trade for Parsons.

At the same time, Lions GM Brad Holmes resists the notion that he hasn’t prioritized adding another strong pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson. But simply re-signing Marcus Davenport, spending a Day 3 draft pick, and dragging out talks with Za’Darius Smith (likely finished now) does little to silence the doubts.

Holmes repeatedly insists he doesn’t view the Lions as in a “Super Bowl window,” while nearly everyone else — head coach Dan Campbell included, at least partially — would argue otherwise. Each postseason exit before the title game chips away at that window further.

Birkett pointed out all the factors limiting Detroit from making a splashy addition like the Packers just did. Paying two pass rushers premium salaries, with multiple other massive contracts looming, is not realistic. No front office in that scenario would find it appealing. Yet Birkett emphasized the deeper point driving fan frustration.

“Holmes has built enough trust and deserves patience, since his roster construction clearly works. But there are moments when some boldness would be welcome, especially when other NFC contenders — or league peers in general — show it.

Instead, the Lions usually pass on such opportunities while Holmes cites affordability. And now, as a divisional rival made an aggressive leap that might elevate them, Holmes once again represents the shrug emoji on these situations.”