The NFL offseason has officially wrapped, the Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl champions, and the Detroit Lions are wasting no time preparing for what could be one of their most pivotal years yet. As free agency slows down and the spotlight shifts to the upcoming NFL Draft 2025, the Lions find themselves in a strong position, thanks to a calculated offseason by general manager Brad Holmes. On tonight’s episode of the Detroit Lions Podcast, we’ll dive deep into early draft targets, free agency takeaways, and the team’s major announcement about staying at Ford Field through 2036.

The Lions head into this year’s NFL Draft with depth across the board, but the defensive front remains an area of focus. After parting ways with veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith and facing uncertainty surrounding Alim McNeill’s injury recovery, Detroit is prioritizing the trenches. Three names generating early buzz among draft analysts and fans alike are James Pearce Jr., Derrick Harmon, and Kenneth Grant.

Pearce, a dynamic edge rusher out of Tennessee, turned in one of the most impressive performances at the 2025 NFL Combine, clocking a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at 245 pounds. His speed off the edge and first-step quickness make him an ideal bookend opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Harmon, a Detroit native who starred at Oregon, brings interior pass rush upside with 55 quarterback pressures last season—most among defensive tackles in college football. His 4.95-second 40 at over 300 pounds has scouts intrigued about his ceiling as a 3-technique disruptor. Meanwhile, Michigan’s Kenneth Grant is a mountain in the middle at 340 pounds, but his agility and strength make him more than a run-stuffer. If the Lions are looking to dominate the line of scrimmage, Grant could be the long-term answer inside.

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Brad Holmes continued his disciplined, high-value approach in NFL free agency, re-signing key Lions free agent contributors like linebacker Derrick Barnes and defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike. In the secondary, Detroit revamped its depth with proven veterans, including D.J. Reed, Avonte Maddox, and Rock Ya-Sin. The additions not only bring experience but help solidify a pass defense that was too inconsistent last season.

Just as important as the roster moves, the Lions made a major off-the-field announcement: they’re staying home. The team has extended its lease at Ford Field through the 2036 season, affirming their commitment to Detroit and their partnership with the Ford family. In a city hungry for stability and a championship-caliber team, the move signals continuity and long-term vision.

With the core in place, cap space smartly spent, and a clear draft strategy forming, Detroit enters this phase of the offseason with purpose. The next steps in the NFL Draft 2025 could be what finally pushes the Lions from playoff contenders to legitimate Super Bowl threats. Tune in tonight—we’ll break it all down on the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwXH4NkJTMQ

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