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Brad Holmes has done an impressive job constructing the Detroit Lions roster, turning the franchise from a bottom-dwelling team into a consistent playoff contender. However, the Lions are not yet a complete squad and could benefit from a couple of strategic moves by their sixth-year general manager.
If Holmes were to consider two actions before the 2026 regular season begins, extending Jahmyr Gibbs would be a priority. The three-time Pro Bowl running back enters the final year of his rookie contract, with the Lions having already exercised his fifth-year option for 2027 at $14.293 million. Gibbs is undeniably one of the NFL's top running backs, and last season he rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also added 616 receiving yards and five scores through the air, both career highs for the Alabama product. His 85.6 Pro Football Focus overall grade ranked fifth among 55 qualified running backs. Gibbs has been a key component of Detroit's elite offense and is seeking a lucrative new contract. He reported to training camp but did not practice, holding in as negotiations continue. Spotrac projects a three-year, $60.48 million deal worth about $20.2 million annually, which would make him the second-highest-paid running back behind Saquon Barkley. Investing in Gibbs would be worthwhile for a game-changing offensive piece.
The second move would be signing a veteran defensive tackle. Detroit's interior defensive line underperformed in 2025, particularly Alim McNeill, who struggled after returning from an ACL injury. In 10 games, he had no sacks, 23 total pressures, and a 52.1 PFF grade, ranking 90th out of 134 qualified interior linemen. McNeill and second-year player Tyleik Williams need to improve, and adding depth could help. DaQuan Jones, who spent the last four seasons with the Buffalo Bills, earned a 75.5 overall PFF grade in 2025. The 34-year-old recorded three sacks and a 74.7 pass-rush grade (18th among interior linemen) while posting a 63.1 run-defense mark. Signing Jones to a one-year deal would provide defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard with a capable reserve interior lineman.