However, Lions general manager Brad Holmes has warned that acquiring the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year will be difficult — and may not even be part of the team’s game plan.
Speaking to reporters at the NFL scouting combine this week, Holmes stated that the team wants to find an edge rusher to complement star Aidan Hutchinson but understands that adding another star will come at a high cost, with teams unlikely to help the Lions complete the Super Bowl puzzle.
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Brad Holmes Wants More Pass Rush Help.
The Lions struggled this season after Hutchinson sustained a season-ending leg fracture in October. No other player was able to match Hutchinson’s 7.5 sacks up to that point in the season, and Holmes admitted that the squad requires another impact player off the edge.
But Holmes cautioned that no single addition would replace the void, saying the team needed to keep adding depth at the position.
“We’re not just looking for one high-end rusher,” Holmes told SI.com. “We already have a high-end rusher; do we want another one?” Yes, we would like to have three or four top-tier rushers. That is simply not always the case in terms of what you can accomplish. So it is not being ignored. I’d like to summarize all of the conversations I’ve had with you this year about what you or we need to strengthen our roster. I cannot recall ever omitting a pass-rusher. “It will not be ignored.”
While Holmes did not specifically mention Garrett, SI.com’s John Maakaron claimed it appeared that the Lions general manager was alluding to the outstanding edge rusher. Maakaron also claimed that the Browns appear to be backing away from a deal, with Browns general manager Andrew Berry telling reporters this week that they want Garrett to stay with the team.
Lions continue to build their roster.
The Lions have put together a Super Bowl contender through diligent roster building, with Holmes directing a top-to-bottom overhaul on defense and assembling playmakers on offense to help quarterback Jared Goff.
Holmes made it plain that the squad would maintain this strategy, not giving up too much for any particular player.
“I’m not sure if that’s the only player away. I believe I’ve made it plain, because you want that one player above all others,” Holmes said. “What you’re clearly saying is that one player will not be hurt. Assuming no one gets injured, what if you experience the same attrition as we did last season? Does just one player make a difference with all of the attrition you’re experiencing? You have to consider all of the different components. Pass-rush will never be ignored, and it never has been. But those folks are difficult to acquire.”
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