Brad Holmes faces a contract dilemma that could reshape the Lions’ future

When the Detroit Lions stormed into NFL elite territory in 2024, they didn’t just stir excitement—they raised expectations. It’s no longer about proving they belong, but about sustaining that level. In that climate, Brad Holmes, the team’s general manager, is facing a pivotal moment—one that could ripple through the team’s internal rhythm.

Right now, Brad Holmes finds himself navigating a complex situation within the franchise. He’s weighing what to do with linebacker Alex Anzalone, whose $18.3 million contract is nearing its end. At 30 years old, Anzalone is far from just another piece.

In 2023, he led the team in tackles (129 total), added pressure with three sacks, and earned recognition as a Pro Bowl alternate. His influence was obvious, even though a fractured forearm in Week 11 cut his season short. With his final contract year looming—and no guaranteed cushion—alarm bells are ringing in Detroit. And Brad Holmes has plenty to consider.

A complicated debate

This debate is anything but simple. Brad Holmes must decide whether to restructure the contract and offer financial security—or let Anzalone walk into 2025 as a free agent. It’s worth noting that the Lions’ defense gave up just 20.1 points per game last season, placing them in the league’s top ten.

So the question becomes: can Brad Holmes afford to lose the player who anchored that performance? Technically, yes. But whether it’s the smart move? That’s the real analysis.

Avoiding hard-to-fill gaps

It wouldn’t be the first time a team stumbled by acting too late. As highlighted by sports outlet Essentiallysports, just look at what happened with Trey Hendrickson in Cincinnati or Danielle Hunter in Minnesota—two defensive standouts who found themselves in tense contract situations, with exits that left painful gaps behind.

No one disputes that Brad Holmes is the architect behind the Lions’ competitive rise. He understands locker room chemistry isn’t negotiable. With Aidan Hutchinson due for an extension, rookie contracts stacking up, and a tight salary cap, every dollar counts. In 2025, Anzalone’s cap hit would be $7.25 million, the ninth highest on the roster.

 

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The question isn’t just financial—it’s layered. So does continuity and leadership outweigh the risk of losing Anzalone for good? As the calendar creeps toward training camp, Brad Holmes is working against the clock.