Lions GM Brad Holmes is the architect of a team on the verge of hosting the franchise’s first home playoff game in over 30 years. His savvy drafting and shrewd moves have Holmes recognized as one of the leading candidates to be the NFL Executive of the Year, according to NFL.com.
The list, compiled by former NFL GM Scott Pioli, cites a lot of what Lions fans already know and love about Holmes in constructing the 2023 team. Pioli spotlights a couple of difficult decisions Holmes made that have paid off handsomely for Detroit,
Replacing Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift in the backfield with David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs has proven to be quite savvy. The Lions have also received key contributions from free-agent signings Graham Glasgow and Cameron Sutton, as well as the re-signing of Alex Anzalone, who leads the team with 108 tackles. I have always emphasized the importance of re-signing your own top players — that’s a critical part of free agency.
Of course, the impactful draft class gets its due attention, too.
The other GMs noted include Nick Caserio of the Texans, Miami’s Chris Grier, Eric DeCosta of the Ravens and Howie Roseman of the Eagles.