Photo Credit: Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Detroit Lions General Manager and Executive Vice President Brad Holmes talked to press gathered at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine this week. He was mostly guarded in his answers to reporters’ questions, but there were a handful of interesting takeaways. 

There is only one pot of money to invest in player salaries (free agent, resignings and rookies), but within the salary cap internal decisions can be made to dedicate money on certain priorities. The Lions have flexibility with this year’s salary cap, according to Holmes. According to the Detroit Free Press, the Lions are about $9 million over the cap, making free agent signings a challenge (e.g. Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum). 

The Lions want to keep the team’s core players for the long term. 

Holmes said, “We love David (Montgomery). He’s a great player.” He also mentioned conversations with Montgomery’s agent are “still fluid.” 

“We feel really good about having Drew (Petzing) come on board as the new OC and still retain all the other members of the coaching staff.” 

Holmes declined to answer if any position groups in the 2026 NFL Draft appear stronger than others, citing that his opinion might change over the next month. 

The Lions are looking to add more competition and depth at every position, not just center. Regarding center, Holmes said the position requires the processing of a lot of information. While some rookies can handle it, Holmes seemed to suggest the Lions will pursue players who have done it before. He also mentioned Tate Ratledge still has a real possibility to play center next season. 

Taylor Decker has earned the right to take time deciding on possible retirement, but the Lions expect clarity on the roster in the coming weeks. 

Player wellness is a high priority, both from a physical and mental perspective. The Lions invest a lot into their players. 

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