Lions Turned Down Trade Offer from NFC Rival for 28th Pick in NFL Draft

During the recent NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions received a trade offer from a top NFC contender aiming to move up in the first round. However, general manager Brad Holmes chose to hold onto the pick, which proved to be a key decision.

Holmes, known for his aggressive approach during this year’s draft, successfully made a few moves—trading up to grab wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa in the third round and offensive lineman Miles Frazier. Yet those weren’t his only negotiations. After the draft, Holmes revealed he attempted roughly 30 trades, including an effort to move up in the first round for an edge rusher.

Interestingly, one incoming trade offer came from the Philadelphia Eagles. In their behind-the-scenes video series “96 Hours Inside the Eagles Draft Room,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman shared that he reached out to the Lions about trading up in the first round. His goal was to snag linebacker Jihaad Campbell, who unexpectedly fell deeper into the draft than expected.

The Lions declined the proposal, ultimately using the 28th overall pick to select defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. The Eagles still found a way to get Campbell by swapping picks with the Kansas City Chiefs just one spot ahead.

In hindsight, the Lions’ choice to stand firm on the 28th pick made sense. Reports later revealed that the Buffalo Bills had strong interest in Williams and were likely to take him at pick No. 30 if available. Given the Bills’ interest and the idea of helping a major NFC rival like the Eagles, it’s clear why Holmes refused to make the deal.