Brad Holmes Turned Down Eagles’ Trade Offer During First Round of 2025 NFL Draft
During the 2025 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles were actively trying to move up from the 31st pick in the first round. As shown in a behind-the-scenes video released by the team, Eagles GM Howie Roseman reached out to several franchises—including the Detroit Lions—in hopes of striking a deal.
One of the calls went to Lions General Manager Brad Holmes. Roseman asked if Detroit would consider trading down. Holmes declined the offer. Back in the Eagles’ draft room, Roseman relayed the response: “That’s fair, I appreciate the honesty. Detroit, I just spoke to, they said no.”
With Detroit unwilling to budge, the Eagles pivoted. They traded a fifth-round selection to the Kansas City Chiefs to move up a single spot. With the 31st overall pick, Philadelphia chose Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
What This Reveals About Detroit’s Strategy
Although Holmes hasn’t made public comments about the trade conversation, the context suggests that the Lions had a specific target in mind. They used the 28th pick to select Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. Reports indicate the Lions received offers to trade down, but Holmes remained committed to his draft board and trusted his evaluation.
Final Thoughts
This brief interaction highlights the disciplined approach Brad Holmes brings to the Lions’ front office. While some teams were making aggressive moves amid the uncertainty of Round 1, Holmes showed confidence in his process—ultimately landing a player expected to contribute right away to Detroit’s defensive line.
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