The Detroit Lions Are Open To Big NFL Draft Trade

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The Detroit Lions Are Open To Big NFL Draft Trade

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Apr 14, 2026 12:54 PM ET

The Detroit Lions haven't been shy about making aggressive draft-day trades. That mindset won't necessarily change this year.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes told reporters during Monday's pre-draft press conference that he would have no problem going all-in and trading up for a player that he feels can make a significant impact. The Lions possess nine picks in this year's draft.

"Absolutely. Yeah, if it’s the right guy," Holmes said. "You guys know me. I feel like you guys get mad at me sometimes. I do it too much sometimes. But no, if we have that kind of conviction for a player, absolutely. We’re going to go and get him."

Holmes expands on draft philosophy

ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN - JULY 28: Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes (L) and head football coach Dan Campbell talk after the Detroit Lions Training Camp on July 28, 2021 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Holmes has demonstrated a willingness to move mountains for his draft targets.

In 2022, his first draft as Detroit's GM, Holmes traded up 20 spots to No. 12 to snag wide receiver Jameson Williams. Two years later, he moved up from No. 29 to 24 to pick cornerback Terrion Arnold.

On the other hand, Holmes traded down from No. 6 for the No. 12 and 34 selections in 2023. He used those picks on Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta, additionally spending the No. 18 pick on All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell.

While he's not afraid to move up the draft board, Holmes doesn't like reaching for players to meet an organizational need,

"I think sometimes you can get in trouble by doing that, just because you might start to reach for a certain player just because you feel like you need that position," Holmes said. "And you never want to feel that way when you select a player."

He hasn't done it, but he would regret passing up preferred targets to pursue someone at a certain position.

"For me, it's hard to sleep at night when you do that," Holmes said. "When you don't get the player that you really, really wanted because you reach for a need."

The Lions pick No. 17 in the 2026 NFL Draft, which starts next Thursday night.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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